07/29/2026
One scented candle told me everything I needed to know at a recent showing.
But after hundreds of walkthroughs, I can tell you it's often the little things you notice without even realizing it that tell the biggest story.
I was showing a home to one of my buyers, and the first thing I noticed was that there were p*e pads scattered throughout the house. On their own, they didn't necessarily mean anything. Every family has different circumstances, and plenty of pet owners use them.
But then we walked into the primary bedroom, and there was a heavily scented candle burning.
That's when my radar went up.
When sellers are getting ready for a showing, they'll often open the windows or use air fresheners or scented candles to make the home smell fresh. Most of the time, that's completely harmless. But sometimes, it's an attempt to mask an underlying odour.
Seeing the p*e pads throughout the home and then finding the scented candle made me wonder if they were trying to cover up pet smells. I can't say for certain, but it's exactly the kind of detail that's worth paying attention to.
That's why I always tell my buyers that a showing is about so much more than finishes and floor plans. You're paying attention to the smells, the sounds, the lighting, the flow of the home, and all the little clues that photos can never capture.
🏡 If you're buying a home in Calgary, I'll help you look beyond the staging and spot the details that could save you from an expensive surprise later.
