Smoke creates one of the longest lingering household odors out there, and the health effects of third-hand smoke inhalation are not yet fully understood. Cigarette smoke or smoke from a fire permeates fabrics and carpeting and coats the walls, leaving a film and odor. Complete removal of stubborn smoke smell is time-consuming and requires multiple steps. (from Alec Preble, Demand Media)
Premiere Home Stagers was asked to consult on a home. The owner was in the last stages of packing up.
Living Room
When entering the home, I was overwhelmed by cigarette smoke odor. I wondered if removing the odor was even a possibility. The owner said the carpets would be professionally cleaned. I wanted to appease the realtor by suggesting I return after the carpets were cleaned. However, after doing some research, I learned that the smoke smell permeates the walls too. Since the owner said the walls were recently painted, I was not sure the smoke smell could be removed with just carpet cleaning.
Dining Room
It was a difficult decision to NOT stage this house. Home Stagers are in the business to help the homeowner and realtor sell a house faster and for more money. However, staging should be done LAST—when all potential deal-breakers are addressed.
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