The Habit That Can Negatively Impact Your Home's Resale Value

There are some things that are known to bring the value of your house down, such as outdated appliances, bad flooring, or an unfinished look. However, you may not have considered that your habits can also impact your home. Everyone has heard of smoking and its impact on health, but it can also have a very real effect on your home's resale value. If you have been smoking in your home, you may want to reconsider, as research shows that it can turn buyers away.

The smell of smoke often lingers after the light has been put out, and if it's done consistently, smoking can discolor surfaces and leave a permanent scent. The leftover particles that circulate and linger within the home are known as "thirdhand smoke." This smoke pollutes the home and all within it, including the walls, floor, and furniture — and it's a big turnoff to many potential buyers. 

Per CBC News, a 2013 study sponsored by Pfizer Canada asked real estate agents and brokers based in Ontario if an interested party was willing to buy a home a smoker lived in. According to the study, a staggering 56% of participants revealed that buyers were less keen on buying a house that had been smoked in, with 27% of buyers being unwilling to buy a home affected by smoke at all. 

Moreover, if someone does buy a house affected by smoking, the process of clearing this thirdhand smoke is not only costly but also time-consuming. An ozone generator or air purifier will help clear the air. However, if the thirdhand smoke is extremely bad, you may have to strip back the walls and floor completely and get rid of the furniture to start fresh. This is a big commitment, and, for many, too much of one on top of the regular costs of buying a house. Because of this, if you're planning on selling your home, you might want to think twice before lighting up a cigarette within it.