The power of scent can be simply captivating. It can evoke a memory, an emotion and attraction. Scents can also be used to help sell your home.

During an open house, a nice, subtle aroma can work wonders on potential homebuyers. Before you start baking cookies and pies, consider the fact that even sweet scents aren’t appealing when there’s a lingering odour in the house.

Start With A Deep Clean

Bad smells from pets, appliances, stale clothing and shoes can instantly deter, but so can lingering kitchen and laundry scents. Instead of covering up these musky odours, give your home a deep clean before booking your open house and don’t hesitate to toss those smelly items out altogether.

Once your home is clean, then you can start thinking of what scent to use to sell your home. Different smells have different effects on different people, but there are a few universally appealing aromas you might want to consider.

Don’t Overwhelm The Senses

But be careful, too much of a good thing can be very bad. Strong smells—even if they’re from our list—can be appalling to potential homebuyers. Scents should never be overpowering nor distracting. The last thing you want to do is make potential homebuyers feel nauseous while walking throughout your house.

Eric Spangenberg, former dean of Washington State University’s College of Business says the key is to stick with simple scents. In a 2012 study, Spangenberg compared the impact of a simple orange scent on shoppers versus a blend of orange, basil, and green tea. After 18 days of testing, Spangenberg and his team discovered shoppers in the orange scented store spent 20 per cent more than shoppers in the store with the blended scent.

6 Scents That Can Help Sell Your Home

Citrus

The smell of oranges isn’t just good for mall shoppers, according to an Australian report, the smell of citrus increases the value of a home.

Pine & Cedar

Fresh pine and cedar leave the home feeling (and smelling) crisp and clean. Instead of using chemical cleaners, incorporate a few branches into a centrepiece for a more authentic aroma.

Fresh Herbs

Not all herbs have a refreshing scent. Consider using mild herbs like basil and lemongrass to attract potential buyers.

Baked Goods

But not just any baked good, brownies seem to be a favourite for homebuyers.

Cinnamon

In keeping with the sweet scents, cinnamon is another favourite for homebuyers. After all, who can resist the sweet smell of cinnamon buns?

Vanilla

Vanilla is another fresh and comforting aroma that appeals to the masses. Consider lighting a vanilla candle in high trafficked rooms or misting vanilla essential oil around the house.

Most Disliked Smells

Just as smells can leave positive impressions, others can leave negative ones. Take roast chicken, for example, the value of a home decreased for potential buyers when this scent was smelled during an open house.

Source: Toronto Storeys

Build a DIY Deck or Patio

If you’re not sure where to begin with your backyard remodel, why not start with a deck or patio? This feature will instantly give your yard major appeal, and it adds resale value to your home. Lay down a concrete patio with this easy DIY project or build a wooden deck that you can adorn with cute chairs.

Lay Down an Outdoor Rug

Need something to jazz up your patio space without big renovations? Consider a large outdoor rug! Not only is this a good way to include a pop of color in your backyard, but it’s also an inexpensive way to change up a space without having to go through the process of painting or staining a deck.

Create a Stone Path

A garden isn’t necessary for this DIY backyard transformation idea! Put down materials like mulch, bricks, or stones to create a clear path from your house to the pool or playhouse in your backyard. You can also include a little flair to your pathway by adding yard decorations like glow-in-the-dark rocks or garden stakes.

Construct a Tree Bench

Utilize that big tree in your backyard makeover by building a tree bench! Some protective eye gear, wood pallets, and a saw are just a few of the items you’ll need for this crafty outdoor bench idea. When you’re finished, paint it your favorite color and add some decorative pillows for a shaded reading spot!

Set Up a Trellis

A trellis is an excellent idea for adding a little charm to your yard. Create your own trellis out of metal poles or wooden boards, and plant climbing roses on either side to grow a garden to new heights.

Create Shade with a Pergola

A pergola is a fantastic idea for your dream backyard. Clear out an area on a deck or in your yard and build your own pergola with this guide from DIY Network. Planning to spend a lot of time outside with your backyard remodel? Add curtains for extra shade to create the ultimate outdoor living room!

Invest in a Fountain

Need some ideas for a small yard? Invest in a fountain! These backyard items are great for adding a water feature to your outdoor space without costing too much or taking up lots of room. Tuck the fountain away in a small garden or place it on an end table to show off your decor.

Use a Stock Tank Pool

This outdoor feature is not only an inexpensive way to cool down during the hot summer months, but it also adds some backyard fun that the kids will love! Place it on a concrete patio or custom-built stone platform to protect your grass from water damage.

String Up Some Mood Lighting

If you’re looking to have one of the most beautiful backyards on the block, invest in outdoor lighting. Drape string lights down from a pergola or across your outdoor living space to give it a starry-night feel. You can also line any patio or garden path with torches and lanterns for soft lighting.

Get Crafty with Your Fence

Cool backyard ideas don’t have to be expensive to have that “wow” factor. All you need is a drill, several different sizes of multi-colored marbles, and a rubber mallet for this cute DIY project. Your backyard will be illuminated with color when the sun hits just right!

Paint a Fence Mural

Designing a unique mural on your fence is another great way to make over your backyard on a budget. Just be sure to determine what paints you’ll use and the scale of the mural first in order to properly prepare the fence for your masterpiece.

Grow Your Garden Vertically

Whether you’re looking to expand your garden without taking up horizontal space or searching for small backyard ideas, wall planters are terrific for changing your outdoor area on a budget. The experienced carpenter will love this custom DIY vertical planter. But if you’re looking for something simpler, drill plastic planter boxes or pots into a wooden pallet to place against your house.

Try Xeriscaping

Reduce water usage when you xeriscape your green space. This budget-friendly backyard landscaping idea is easy to do, requires minimum maintenance, and saves you on the water all while giving your yard major appeal and adding value to your property!

Make a Space for Outdoor Dining

If you love entertaining guests, having family barbecues, or working outside, then a table is a must for your green space! Buy a patio set that comes complete with table and chairs, or build your own outdoor table out of a few wine barrels and wooden boards for DIY yard decor.

Include Comfy Seating

Outdoor seating is one of the most important features to include in your backyard transformation. Large outdoor pillows, benches, and rocking chairs are all fantastic pieces to create a cozy space for you and your guests to relax. For a great cheap outdoor seating idea, make your own day bed with a wooden pallet.

Heat Up with a Fire Pit

The best backyard designs are the ones that include a fire pit! Show off your DIY skills by building your own fire pit out of wall stones with this simple tutorial, or find a metal one that’s also budget-friendly. Make sure that you include ample seating around your fire pit for roasting marshmallows!

Don’t Forget a Hammock

A hammock is a fun backyard idea that both kids and adults will appreciate. Suspend a hammock between two trees and fasten the ropes with either industrial hooks or tree straps. Affordable hammocks with stands are also an option if a sturdy tree isn’t available.

Create a Relaxing Meditation Space

Give your outdoor living space a facelift with a calming meditation space. Find a secluded spot in your yard and set up large pillows and blankets for lounging and a table for incense. If your relaxation station is near a tree, hang decorative ornaments or a swinging chair for some extra flair.

Set Up a Backyard Theater

Grab the popcorn and appreciate the outdoors with this backyard makeover idea. Add a few blankets, large pillows, and string lights for a comfortable theater ambiance, and hook up a projector and screen to watch all of your favorite flicks right in your yard! This DIY screen is a cheap and easy way to create the ultimate backyard viewing experience.

Flip Burgers in an Outdoor Kitchen

Let your backyard be the supreme spot for entertaining guests with a kitchen! There are plenty of ways to build an outdoor kitchen that fits within your budget. Add a charcoal grill and table on a patio for a simple look. Or install a kitchen kit under a pergola, which includes an island, grill, storage, and refrigerator.

Invest in a Portable Bar

Say goodbye to making multiple trips inside with a bar cart! Load your cart up with glasses, small appetizer plates, a pitcher for lemonade or water, and an array of snacks to have a convenient fueling station right in your backyard. And if it starts to rain, you can easily transport it inside to keep the party going!

Add Some Kid-Friendly Fun

Jungle gyms, swing sets, and treehouses are basically a backyard decor necessity when you have little ones. Create a tire swing with some rope, a sturdy tire, and pillow for added comfort. Or build a treehouse to give your children a playspace they can call their own.

Set Up Some Lawn Games

Complete your yard makeover by setting up lawn games. Croquet, bocce ball, ladder golf, and bucket ball are all awesome ideas for including recreation in your backyard green space. This DIY backyard project is a cinch and will provide immediate outdoor fun for you and your family!

Plant Bright Flowers

When it comes to simple backyard ideas on a budget, you can never go wrong with flowers. This is ideal for adding a natural pop of color to your landscape. Plant hydrangea bushes or tulip bulbs along the fence if you have a major green thumb. Or go to your local plant nursery and buy a few pots to fill with your favorite blossoms.

Whether you want to upgrade your yard with fun water features or create the perfect area to chill out, there are tons of cheap backyard ideas to make your outdoor living space a hangout spot everyone will love

Source:SpaceWise