How to Sell a House with Cigarette Smoke Damage?

Why is Cigarette Smoke Damage a Problem?

Selling a house with smoke damage is difficult for several reasons, including its impact on health and property. Buyers are also concerned about the long-term effects of living in a smoke-damaged house. Here are some of the concerns arising from a smoke-damaged house:

Terrible Smell

The main components of cigarette smoke are tar and resin, which not only leave a residue but also a terrible odor that can last for months. This smell can easily seep into porous materials like walls, carpets, and furniture. 

The odor is typically so strong that it can linger even if one stops smoking. Walking into a home with a terrible lingering smell can be unpleasant for buyers, who are less likely to consider purchasing the property. 

Health Risks

The health risks associated with smoke damage go far beyond the immediate discomfort of the smell. Thirdhand smoke, which consists of residual nicotine and other toxic chemicals clinging to indoor surfaces like walls, carpets, furniture, and floors, poses serious health hazards. 

Thirdhand smoke severely impacts individuals with respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Exposure to these toxic residues can worsen their conditions, increase symptoms, and cause health complications. 

Delayed Move-in and Reduced Property Value 

Smoke damage can give the impression that the house is not well-maintained, decreasing its perceived value. If a house has significant smoke damage, a family might be unable to move into it unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and repaired to remove the smoke and stains. 

This may significantly delay a family’s move-in process and create a negative first impression. Due to the inconvenience, buyers may even try to negotiate a lower selling price. 

What Causes Cigarette Smoke Damage? 

Smoking may seem like an innocent indulgence that harms none other than you, but that isn’t true. Smoking can significantly damage your health, property, and the health of those who might buy your home. But how does smoke cause property damage? 

Smoke damage occurs when tobacco particles settle on indoor surfaces and embed into carpets, walls, and furniture. Over time, persistent smoking can cause the accumulation of these particles and create a terrible odor, stain surfaces, and cause a health hazard known as thirdhand smoking. 

Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Property Value 

Thirdhand smoke can significantly decrease a property’s market value. Potential buyers typically anticipate the costs and efforts required to remove smoke residues. They may use these costs to bargain and make a lower offer. 

Children are particularly sensitive to thirdhand smoke damage as they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated surfaces while playing or crawling. For this reason, potential buyers who have families might be reluctant to see a house where thirdhand smoke poses a health hazard. 

Legal Considerations and Disclosure 

When you’re selling a house that has smoke damage or a history of smoking, it is crucial to disclose this information to potential buyers. Withholding such information might pose health issues and lead to legal disputes.

It is important to be transparent about the property’s smoke history and provide details to potential buyers about the remediation efforts made by the current homeowners to mitigate the problem. This transparency will maintain integrity in the sale and ensure a smooth transaction.

How to Sell a House with Smoke Damage?

We’re not going to lie. Selling a house with smoke damage can be quite tricky. But here’s a few ways you can make the process easier: 

Lower the Asking Price 

If there is significant smoke damage, you could lower the asking price. This act immediately makes the property more attractive for potential buyers, who wouldn’t mind putting in the extensive remediation efforts themselves. 

Sell to a Cash Home Buyer

Cash home buyers or real estate investors typically buy properties “as is.” Therefore, they are willing to buy a smoke-damaged home. However, be prepared to receive a lower-than-market-value offer, as this is the price you pay for the convenience of quickly selling a house without addressing the health hazard.

Thoroughly Clean the Place 

You can clean the entire house if you don’t want to sell below market value and have the time and money. This may include deep-cleaning surfaces, replacing carpets, and addressing HVAC issues. You may also need to hire a professional cleaner. However, doing so increases your chances of selling your house at a good price.

7 Tips to Help Sell a Smoke-Damaged Home

Have you decided to rid your home of odors and residues to get it sale-ready? Here are a few tips that can help you address smoke damage: 

1. Stop Smoking

The most important step is to stop smoking inside the house. Continuing to smoke as you try to clean the house will counter all your hard work and worsen the damage. In the worst-case scenario, it might cause irreversible smoke damage. Inform all residents and visitors that there is a strict no-smoke rule inside the house to ensure a successful remediation process. 

2. Ductwork Cleaning

Smoke particles can enter the HVAC system and circulate throughout your home, causing an odor. If that is the case on your property, professional ductwork cleaning is essential to remove these particles. 

HVAC technicians will clean ducts, vents, and filters to remove particles, reduce lingering smells, and improve air quality. They will also replace the air filters with high-quality HEPA filters for air purification. 

3. Deep Cleaning

It is crucial to perform a deep cleaning of all house surfaces. Create a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and white vinegar diluted with water. This mixture can break down tough nicotine and tar residues that stain the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. 

As you clean, don’t overlook the nooks and crannies of the house!

4. Clean or Replace Carpet

Carpets and other porous surfaces are notorious for absorbing smoke and the toxic chemicals from smoking. In most cases, steam cleaning the carpets will help remove the embedded smoke particles, but in severe cases, you might need to remove these carpets. 

If you need to remove and replace your carpeting, consider installing low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) carpeting to maintain good indoor air quality. 

5. Repaint Walls

Nicotine and tar residues in the smoke can cling to walls and cause staining and odor. To remove discoloration from walls, use the same TSP and vinegar solution, then repaint them using a sealing primer. The primer will lock the remaining odors and ensure a fresh surface for new paint. 

When selecting a paint color, stick to neutrals, which typically appeal to a larger audience and make the space look inviting for new homeowners.  

6. Invest in Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are a great way to remove smoke particles from the air and improve indoor air quality. Look for air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters, which are the best at trapping smoke residue and volatile compounds.  

7. Hire a Professional

In severe cases of smoke damage, DIY cleaning will not be enough. You will need to hire a professional cleaning service. These remediation companies have the expertise and equipment to handle such cases. 

These experts will first assess the extent of damage, perform deep cleaning, treat all surfaces with special products, and even handle the HVAC system cleaning. 

Overcome Cigarette Smoke Damage

Cigarette smoke can significantly impact a house’s value, resale, and marketability. Selling a house with cigarette damage requires effort and strategic planning, but it is achievable. Apply these strategies to reduce the effect of smoke damage on your property and sell your house at a great price. 
Alternatively, you can sell your house to our Texas cash home buyers who purchase properties as-is. This allows you to avoid the time-consuming and costly process of addressing cigarette smoke damage. At A-List Properties, we offer a quick and hassle-free sale, letting you move forward without the need for extensive repairs or improvements.