One thing’s for sure, you should never underestimate the power of smell. Our sense of smell has the power to transport us instantly to a meaningful moment from childhood or a fond memory from the past. In fact, the fragrances emanating from a home-cooked meal can actually help make a potential buyer’s visit a much more pleasant experience, and even increase your chances of closing the sale.
Keep reading to find out what three meals you absolutely need to cook to create an enticing ambiance all while you wait for the arrival of the future enjoyer of your current kitchen.
Bake an apple pie and let it rest in the oven
The rich smell of butter. Brown sugar gently caramelizing. And the scent of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the home. All these scents conjure warm feelings, reminders grandma’s apple pie, lovingly made just for us. This is exactly the kind of comforting aroma that can leave you feeling great — especially when you serve it à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to celebrate the sale of your home. To ensure your pie has the best texture possible, I recommend using Cortland apples. They burst slightly but hold together well enough for the perfect pie. Grandma would be so proud of you.
The beauty of braised beef
It doesn’t get much better than cooking meat in a flavorful broth at low temperatures for hours. Even in springtime, the feeling of comfort it creates is palpable. When making this recipe, don’t skimp on aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Also, be sure to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to conjure up the promise of out-of-this world flavour. I recommend finishing the braising liquid with red wine to ensure that every corner of your home is filled with that mouth watering scent. The best part about cooking a piece of meat this big is that not only will cooking it make the house really enticing but you’ll be able to get a head start on the week’s meal prep with plenty of leftovers for the kid’s lunches.
A pound of bacon getting crispy in the oven
Truthfully, if you aren’t a seasoned baker or don’t have the time to make a big roast, here's the best (and easiest) alternative: cook up an entire package of bacon on a sheet pan. Even though it may not be brunch, you can always use the bacon you cook for your next meal. For example, carbonara or Caesar salad are Juneau family favourites. But that’s besides the point. The goal of cooking bacon is to charm your home’s visitors! I’m speaking from experience, because NOTHING beats the sweet smoky smell of bacon.
Making sure your home smells as enticing as it looks is undoubtedly THE technique to enchant potential buyers. Just because your kitchen isn’t Michelin-starred doesn’t mean it’s not important to make sure it’s in ship shape. Because it's all well and good to have created an appetizing fragrance that floats in the air, but if your kitchen looks like a battlefield, you won't be able to count on the gourmet appetites of future buyers…
