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Let Your Nose Lead You: 5 Scents To Beware Of When Purchasing A Condo

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When you first begin looking for condos for sale. you will likely be reminded to look for an amazing view. Not only will a view increase your enjoyment of your condo, but it will also help when you want to resell the condo later. However, what most realtors will not warn you about is common condo smells that you should be aware of. The scent of a property can tell you a lot about who lives there, how the property is maintained, and whether it is the right place for you. Below are some common smells that you should be aware of when looking for your perfect condo. 

The Sweet Scent of Garbage 

All condos will have to dispose of garbage somehow, and unfortunately, there will likely be a unit located near the trash area. Hopefully that unit is not yours, though. Besides the smell of garbage, if your unit is located too near to the dumpsters, you may be awoken by early morning trash collection. To make sure your unit will not suffer from this, open the windows and stick your head outside or go out on the balconies. If you cannot smell the slightly sweet smell of garbage in the distance, then it is likely that you will not hear garbage trucks either. 

Fur and Feces 

Some condo complexes allow pets while others have strict rules about them. Which you are looking for usually depends on your own pet situation. If you are looking for a place that is more lax about Fido roaming around, then you may welcome the subtle smell of fur or animal feces as you walk through the courtyard. However, if you do not own a pet, you want to make sure these scents are not around. Either way, you should make sure that the scent is not strong or overwhelming, as this is a sign that community members take responsibility for their pets. 

The Musty Smell of Mold 

It is possible to clean mold from the walls or carpet before you look at an apartment, but it is difficult to completely remove the musty smell from the apartment. You should open all closets and cupboards and breathe deeply to make sure that there is no smell of mold. You should also make sure that the smell of mold is not in the condo hallways or in the lobby areas. 

The Chlorine Smell of Summer 

At first, the smell of a chlorinated pool may make you think that the pool area is well-maintained and clean. However, a heavy chlorine scent actually means that the pool is improperly maintained. It may be a sign that the management uses too many chemicals to treat the water or that guests do not shower before going swimming. Either way, a pool area with very little scent is actually a sign of better maintenance. Additionally, if you can smell the chlorine in a pool, then it will likely irritate your eyes while you are swimming or hanging out in the pool area. 

Signature Scents

More property managers are choosing to decorate their lobbies and shared areas like upscale hotels. This generally includes a signature scent, such as strong cinnamon spice or a flowery smell. While this can be welcoming on your first visit, you should think critically about whether you will enjoy such strong scents on a daily basis. You may also ask if they change their scent according to the season. 

When it comes to buying a condo, there are a lot of things to look out for. However, you should use all of your senses, including your sense of smell, to make sure you will be happy in your new condo. An experienced real estate agent can help guide you through the process of finding the perfect condo for your nose. 


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