Did you know your brain actually blocks certain smells over time?
It’s a fascinating (and slightly awkward) phenomenon called olfactory adaptation, and it can have a big impact when selling your home.
At HART Realty Team, we see this all the time. Homeowners get so used to the way their home smells that they don’t notice it anymore…but buyers will.
What Is Olfactory Adaptation?
Without getting too “science-y,” olfactory adaptation happens when your brain stops recognizing familiar smells as a way to protect you from sensory overload.
So the scent of your pets, your candles, your cooking and yes, even cigarette smoke can fade from your awareness over time.
That’s why you can’t always smell what others do when they walk into your home for the first time.
Why It Matters When Selling Your Home
Scent is one of the most powerful emotional triggers for buyers.
A subtle, clean aroma can make a house feel inviting. But unpleasant odors – even faint ones – can make it harder for buyers to see themselves living there.
Common culprits include:
- Pets and lingering animal smells
- Cigarette or vape smoke
- Cooking odors that cling to fabric or walls
- Strong air fresheners that mask instead of neutralize
That’s why it’s so important to get an outside perspective.
The “Neighbor Sniff Test” (Yes, Really!)
It might sound funny, but it works. Invite a trusted friend or neighbor to do a sniff test before listing your home.
Ask them to walk through and give honest feedback on what they smell (and don’t). Their nose will pick up what yours has stopped noticing.
From there, we can tackle any issues with professional cleaning, air filtration, or mild neutralizers that create a fresh, welcoming environment.
It’s a small step that makes a big difference when your listing hits the market.
Client Testimonial — Your Voice, Your Story
“The greatest, hardest working, honest, absolute delight”
— Holly Henry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is olfactory adaptation?
It’s when your brain becomes “nose-blind” to familiar smells over time, meaning you may not notice unpleasant scents in your own home.
2. Why is scent so important when selling a home?
Smell is tied to emotion. A fresh, neutral scent can make buyers feel comfortable, while bad odors can turn them off instantly.
3. How can I remove odors before listing?
Use professional cleaners, air purifiers, or ozone treatments, and don’t underestimate the power of fresh paint, fabric cleaning, and a new HVAC filter.
Creating a Fresh Start for Your Listing
Your home tells a story and scent plays a bigger role than you think.
By understanding olfactory adaptation and taking steps to refresh your space, you’ll help buyers fall in love the moment they walk in.
At HART Realty Team, we help sellers prepare their homes from top to bottom and yes, sometimes that means starting with the nose.
See, smell, and sell the difference – with HART Realty Team.
