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I searched and this issue hasn't been covered in a long time.
I have some friends who are about to list a home. A very nice home, in this very subdivision and similar to this home, right down to the heated in-ground pool and home size. So clearly not a shack:
Problem is, they are both smokers and they smoke inside. They have lived there 15 years. Although they keep the home meticulously maintained and it has just been repainted because of the impending sale, it smells very strongly of cigarette smoke. And I say this as a former smoker who is not particularly bothered by the odor but it does hit you in the face when you walk in!
I don't think they are really aware of it and when I mentioned it might be a concern, they said their realtor hadn't said anything about the smoke smell issue. Which I find a bit odd but .
How much of an issue is it for the average buyer?
Will it diminish once they move out the window covering and furnishings and get the carpets cleaned?
If not, what steps must be taken to remove cigarette smoke odor?
God, I'm going to throw up just from reading that.
Paint the entire interior. Steam clean the carpets. Get the furniture out. Pledge (or whatever) every speck of wood. Replace air filters. With AC on, and then with Heater on, spray can after can of Ozium into airflow intake. Large bowls of white vinegar placed throughout the home after all this. Also large bowls of charcoal*.
30-40-years ago, everyone smoked and the smell wasn't that noticeable. Today, hotels will even charge people $hundreds of dollars for smoking in non-smoking rooms. Smokers don't realize how noticeable (and offensive) the odor of stale cigarette smoke is. Walk down the sidewalk outside ... and you can readily identify passing smokers. Selling a home where smokers have lived/smoked for 15-years (to non-smokers), is going to be extremely difficult.
The house will need to be emptied of all furniture and drapes; Everything: walls, woodwork and floors will need to be scrubbed-down; carpets will likely need to be shampoo'd multiple times; A/C filters will need to be replaced and ducts cleaned by professionals; the entire place will then need to be re-painted (and wallpaper replaced). After 15-years, it may even be necessary to replace carpets. The best bet will be to find buyers who are also smokers. An alternative might be to compile a detailed, priced list of the above items and prices ... and clearly demonstrate that the house is being discounted in this amount.
(Many years ago) when I bought my first house it was owned by a smoker. Took a LONG time for the smell to go away. There were more smokers then and it just didn't seem to be a big deal.
Today it IS. Nonsmokers will be turned off, or at least will mark it down in their minds. Buying will mean living with the smell for quite a long time. I think this will be a harder sell than most. Especially if the target market is upscale. It will sell, eventually, but maybe at a discount.
Can't get rid of the smell. I agree, light the charcoal.
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The only way to really fix it is
