Profits Up in Smoke? Cigarette Odors May Slash Home Resale Value 29%

Smoke and stain eradication is costly, and painting is not a cure-all

The recent seller’s market has many homeowners leaping at the chance to earn a tidy sum in the sale of their home—but smokers may need to reconsider their potential profit margins.

A recent report at Realtor.com indicates “smoking in a home can reduce property value by up to 29 percent."

THS is not only unpleasant, it is carcinogenic, notes a spokesperson at Rainbow International, a home restoration company. 

THS is especially dangerous for kids and pets because of their increased likelihood to transfer lingering residue from their appendages to their mouths.

Home sellers do not need to disclose whether residents have smoked in the house.  Rainbow International also says that “a fresh coat of paint can temporarily mask the smoky odor but that it will likely return.”

Here are best tips to remediate cigarette odors, according to thinkrealty.com:

·        Have professionals clean air ducts;

·        Switch out heating/cooling system filters;

·        Replace entire HVAC;

·        Paint walls and ceilings—be sure to prime walls first with a neutralizer;

·        Clean or replace all window treatments;

·        Steam clean or replace carpets; and

·        Use a dehumidifier.

But don’t stop there!   Know that light bulbs and fixtures are easily overlooked, says smokefreehouse.com, and if not they’re not cleaned and replaced, smoke smell can persist.  Follow these steps:

·        Replace bulbs early in the cleaning process with cheap ones—they will “continue to absorb smoke and tar already in the home” as you clean.  You should replace the bulbs again after cleaning walls, carpeting, draperies, and furniture.

·        Thoroughly wash all fixtures with soap and vinegar.

·        “Most light fixtures are a reasonable size to consider isolating them in a plastic tote with an odor absorbing solution.”

Finally, healthline.com says “nicotine even contaminates dust.”  Here are Healthline’s suggestions to eliminate cigarette smell:

·        Ventilate the entire space;

·        Clean all walls with a heavy-duty cleaner like trisodium phosphate;

·        Varnish hardwood floors;

·        Scrub tile with white vinegar and water or a 90-to-10 water and bleach solution; and

·        If all else fails, a professional ozone treatment may help.

“Thirdhand smoke from cigarettes leaves a strong smell in the air, which may be more apparent and distasteful to nonsmokers.  This smell is not only unpleasant, it’s also dangerous to health,” says Healthline.

What are you prepared to do to protect your financial investment in a home?

Post authored by Lora Bray.

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