If you’re selling your home, you’ve probably cleaned up, given it a fresh coat of paint, and hired the best possible real estate agent. However, it is possible that you’ve forgotten about one important and often overlooked detail—air circulation.
If you want to sell your home for a high price, improving your home’s air circulation can make all the difference. Can it impact your selling price? Absolutely.
To learn more, keep reading to learn how air circulation can impact your home’s selling price—plus, what you can do to improve airflow in your home.
First Impressions Matter
We know that first impressions matter, but this is particularly true in real estate. When potential buyers walk into an open house, would they rather smell stale, musty air, or a fresh spring breeze?
People make decisions quickly, so if something smells funny about a house, it’s likely to quickly get put in the ‘not interested’ pile. You don’t want to alienate potential buyers, so make sure your home smells fantastic and has plenty of circulating air on open house days.
For years, realtors have lit candles, sliced citrus, or even baked cookies so that a home smells amazing for potential buyers. Another easy and effective way is to use a product like ScentAir, which uses scent marketing to create a beautiful, unique smell for your property.
Scent Is the Most Powerful Sense
Scent is the most powerful of the five senses, so it’s something you need to pay close attention to when selling your home.
Smells can stay in our minds for years and instantly evoke powerful memories when we smell the same scent again.
Use this to your advantage when selling by ensuring each room of your home has fresh air. If a bedroom or pantry has been closed up, it’s likely to smell old and stale, so always air out your home when you’re trying to sell, as circulating air smells more appealing than stagnant air.
HVAC Systems Add Value to a Home
Another important element of air circulation is your home’s HVAC system. This makes up your heating and air conditioning system, essential for keeping your home climate controlled.
A new, well-maintained HVAC system is sure to add value to your home, as the systems are worth thousands of dollars. The current cost to replace an HVAC system averages $7,000 and can go as high as $10,000 or more. If you’ve recently replaced your HVAC, make sure to mention this in your real estate listing.
Also, it can be miserable to live in a home that’s not climate controlled, so buyers expect (and will pay for) these amenities.
How Can I Improve Air Circulation?
Imagine stepping into a stuffy condo or house that feels like there’s no ventilation. Would you be willing to pay a premium for that? Probably not.
Buyers want a open, breezy home, curtains gently blowing in the wind, and fragrant fresh air streaming into the home—not a home that smells like it’s been locked up for months.
It’s clear that air circulation plays a huge role in selling your home. But if your home’s ventilation isn’t the best, is there anything that can be done?
Yes—you can easily improve your air circulation with the following tips.
1. Install Bathroom Ventilation
Do your home’s bathrooms (and kitchen) have proper ventilation? If not, you’re at risk of unpleasant smells and even mold.
Mold and mildew love damp, dark places like wet bathrooms or tiles, so if small rooms like bathrooms aren’t well-ventilated, you can have serious mold problems. It can not only smell bad, but it’s also unsightly and can be hazardous to your health.
Consider installing a ducted ventilation system in each bathroom, as this can improve airflow and also remove smells faster.
2. Upgrade Your Ceiling Fans
Does your home have ceiling fans? If not, they’re a fantastic way to boost air circulation.
If you do have them, but they’re old and outdated, consider upgrading them. Buyers love ceiling fans, because they can create a vacation vibe, like you’re relaxing somewhere tropical.
Look for ceiling fans that are quiet, have multiple speeds, and are easy to control remotely. You’ll also want to select a style that fits in naturally with the architecture and décor of your home.
3. Open Windows
One of the simplest ways to improve the air circulation in your home is by opening a few windows, providing cross-ventilation.
This brings in fresh air and will blow away any unwanted smells quickly, perfect for an upcoming open house. Just use this technique carefully in the winter months, as you don’t want your home to appear chilly to potential buyers.
If you can’t open up windows because of the time of year, a real estate hack is to open them for a few short minutes to allow fresh air in and then re-heat (or re-cool) the house prior to your open house. You don’t want to go crazy with this approach because it can waste energy, but on occasion, it can be worth it for a brief, one-time air improvement.
Make sure your windows and windowsill are clean as well, so dust, wash, and clean your curtains before anyone comes over to inspect the home.
Improve Your Home’s Air Circulation for a Faster Sale
Air circulation is a major factor when you’re trying to sell your home, so use the ideas above to improve your home’s airflow. It doesn’t need to cost a fortune, but it can make a huge difference if you want to sell your home for top dollar.
With refreshing, clean air circulating throughout your home, you’re going to make a great first impression to buyers. This will help your home to sell faster and for a great price.