HGTV hosts lead viewers on tours through spectacular remodels, featuring hip designer colors, the latest technology and the coolest upgrades. The visual representation convinces viewers to believe that nothing sells homes faster than smart remodels. But the purveyors of visual stimulation, although correct, missed something.

These hosts cannot be blamed for the oversight, because we do not own smellivisions.

Yes, well-executed remodels net bigger bucks for the sellers. However, in my new book, How the Pros Sell Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, I stress that offensive smells present the largest deterrent to home sales. A fellow real estate investor shared this piece of wisdom. “If the home stanks, people say no thanks,” he said.

Imagine a potential buyer, standing at your front door, determining if he or she will enter. According to Ed Kampf, owner of Hygienitech Solutions, “Buyers prejudge everything based on sight and smell—the ‘smell’ sense will determine fight or flight. The buyer’s nose will play judge and jury to determine if they are in for a rough ride.”

Buyers list cigarette smoke, pet urine and regional cooking as the big three smell offenders. In my career I witnessed dozens of buyers refuse to enter a reeking home. Now, you may think your home does not smell, as your senses are dulled to repeat scents. Still, a reputable Realtor should offer an honest smell-pinion.

There’s more. The odors represent the symptom, not the problem. According to Kampf, “Odors are the result of a process called off-gassing. The off-gassing process starts with malodorous (foul-smelling) molecules released by any number of sources. While you may try to use deodorizers, air fresheners or ozone treatments, these products only mask the odors and do nothing to permanently eliminate them. Odor molecules have a secret, migrant life about which most people are unaware. Once let loose from the original odor source, these malodorous molecules literally take over the place.”

According to Kampf, retail products only briefly mask the problem. He recommends you find a company that “Destroys the malodorous molecules on a nanoscale. So, the entire odor cycle is eliminated permanently.”

Offensive smells often indicate an unsafe living environment, so use an expert, like Hygienitech Solutions to ensure you reside in a non-toxic environment.

Offensive smells repel, pleasant scents sell.

If you considering selling and want a free copy of my book, How the Pros Sell Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, email tsojka@seetimsell.com.

Timothy Sojka is the broker of the See TIM Sell Team at Keller Williams. His team has sold over 2,000 homes. Tim is also the author of the Amazon #1 political thrillers Payback Jack, Politikill and the upcoming addiction thriller, 39: Your Last Birthday.