First impressions are everything.
When selling your home, prospective buyers typically spend 15 to 30 minutes touring your property. That means you have less than an hour to make a strong impression. In a competitive real estate market, even the smallest details can impact a buyer’s perception—including aspects you might not normally consider.
In fact, fresher air and carefully selected home fragrances can influence potential buyers in ways that go beyond aesthetics. According to real estate research from Century 21, pleasant scents can help buyers overlook less appealing features, like outdated cabinets or closed-off floor plans.
That power is why upscale brands like Westin Hotels and Resorts developed a signature lobby fragrance, and why the Ritz-Carlton offers a line of spa products, room sprays, and luxury candles.
To help you maximize the benefits that come from even the smallest details, we’ve identified five key areas where more natural fragrances can make an impact—along with staging tips from real estate professionals to help you make the most of them.
Your bathroom doesn’t have to have spa amenities to feel like one.
Azuna’s scent recommendation: Natural. Our original scent blends tea tree and crisp lemon to eliminate odors and freshen up any space. Available in long-lasting gels and quick-acting surface sprays, our Natural line keeps your bathroom smelling like…well, anything but a bathroom.
Pro tip: Pair your Natural product with dried eucalyptus in the shower. Hanging a small bundle from your showerhead not only offers the aromatherapeutic benefits of eucalyptus oils but provides lasting fragrance for up to three weeks—great for open houses, home showings, and your nighttime routine, too.
Make your primary bedroom a place to relax.
Azuna’s scent recommendation: Aromatherapy. A calming blend of tea tree and soothing lavender sets an inviting mood—in particular, lavender’s relaxation qualities make it ideal for helping buyers imagine themselves in a new space.
Pro tip: Pair Aromatherapy with soft bedroom staging—think freshly-washed linens and organized nightstands. According to the National Association of Realtors, 82% of agents say home staging helps buyers connect emotionally with a property. A well-organized bedroom, paired with an inviting scent, can reinforce those feelings. In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association reports that 75% of sellers who invest an average of 1% of their home’s price back into staging experience a 5% to 15% return on investment.
Keep your kitchen clean and crisp. No cooking required.
Azuna’s scent recommendation: Simply Citrus. This vibrant blend of tea tree, fresh oranges, and cranberries makes your kitchen feel clean and inviting.
Pro tip: Remove countertop clutter to highlight your kitchen’s available space. Store away items like coffee makers and cookbooks to create a sleeker, more modern look. A tidy kitchen will impress potential buyers—especially in a market where homebuyers are looking for updated, well-maintained spaces. Realtor Brad Whittaker put it best: “If you want top dollar for your home, you need to sell it as if you have taken top-dollar care of it.”
Brighten up your living room with a fresh, sunny scent.
Azuna’s scent recommendation: Amalfi Breeze. This sunny blend of bergamot and tea tree creates an airy feeling that’s perfect for your living room, making the space feel larger and more inviting.
Pro tip: Let there be light. (Even if your property isn’t Mediterranean.) Natural light is important to most buyers, so make it a focal point by steaming curtains, dusting blinds, and cleaning windows—inside and out—to remove any dirt or streaks.
No picture windows? No problem. Instead, add in accent lighting or swap your current lightbulbs for classic incandescent or soft white bulbs. Strategically place light-colored art or table lamps to mimic the feeling that comes from an open window. And pair it all with a fresh, bright scent to make buyers feel more at home in the space.
Your basement can be cozy and inviting, no matter what it looks like. (Really.)
Azuna’s scent recommendation: Man Cave. This warm, unisex blend of bourbon, honey, and tea tree is richly inviting, and it creates a cozy atmosphere that’s ideal for transforming your basement into a space with potential.
Pro tip: Show off what you’ve got—no matter what state it’s in. Your basement doesn’t need to be finished to feel clean and inviting; in fact, all it needs are a few strategic touches. The key is to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space. Create small, purposeful vignettes that highlight the area’s versatility:
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Arrange existing furniture to suggest a home gym corner
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Set up a neat storage area
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Create a cozy nook with a comfortable chair, side table, or area rug
If you’re able to invest in a few changes, paint the walls a light color to brighten the space and hide any scuffs or discoloration—if not, just wipe them down with a cloth and cleaning spray to remove any dust, dirt, or cobwebs. Referencing resources like The Washington Post’s budget-friendly basement upgrade guide can provide additional inspiration for maximizing the space.
More natural home scents are incredibly important in real estate staging.
Scents are more than just a pleasant background—they're a powerful psychological tool that shape how potential buyers feel about your home. The right scents can create an immediate sense of comfort, cleanliness, and subtle luxury.
And they send a message about your home’s upkeep and attention to detail. Potential buyers subconsciously associate these scents as evidence of a home that’s been well-loved and well-maintained.
The result? A home that doesn’t just look good, but feels inviting, too. By creating a space that’s fresh and welcoming, you’re giving buyers one more reason to make an offer.
Ready to start? Shop our entire line of naturally fresh home products here.
