The smell of your first classroom, your grandmother’s baking or dad’s aftershave all trigger memories. Science has proven that smell is the sense most closely connected to memory recall. Punctuating your home with unforgettable aromas is a sure-fire way to win over potential buyers.
Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate says, when potential buyers enter a home, they are envisioning themselves in that space. “The look, feel and even smell of a home all play role in the psychology of the buyer and influence the sales process. A lavender-filled garden or linseed oil on wooden balustrades can evoke a sense of familiarity and subconsciously seal the deal in the buyer’s mind.”
Greeff suggests you consider these scents for the various spaces in your home:
1. Citrus plants
Citrus plants like orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit add clean, fresh dimensions to a space.
These plants are available in their dwarf forms that have been specifically cultivated for indoor use. The aromatherapy effects of citrus have been linked to the treatment of anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Citrus plants require ample sunlight and water as well as well-drained potting soil. These hardy plants are perfect for your garden and outdoor entertainment areas. They provide excellent shade with some variants being perennial, giving your home “evergreen” appeal.
2. Potted flowering beauties
Potted flowering beauties like jasmine and lavender create delicate and delightful scent trails through your home and are surprisingly easy to maintain. The key to keeping these gorgeous plants happy and thriving indoors is ensuring that they receive lots of sunlight.
Jasmine and lavender scents are known for their calming, soothing effects and are an excellent choice for sitting rooms, bedrooms and other tranquil spots in the home.
3. Kitchen herbs
A home’s kitchen has the potential to be a mélange of exciting smells and herbs like mint, rosemary, sage and basil are star candidates for your kitchen windowsill or planter box.
These herbs are not only memorable to your nose but also very handy to the avid foodie. They love sunlight and lots of water and deliver excellent returns in the flavour and smell departments.
Having enticing aromas throughout your home not only makes a good impression, but also ensures that your home roots itself in a visitor’s memory.
“The thought of sitting in the garden under a lemon tree while the kids play or the sweet scent of jasmine wafting through your window on a warm summer night are just some daydreams that potential buyers envision when they view your home.”
Finally
While a picture may have the power to paint a thousand words, the right smell may just be the start of a thousand new memories.
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