How do I Get Rid of a Musty Smell before Listing?

In this segment, host John Laws asks real estate broker and investor Larry Mastropieri how homeowners can eliminate a musty smell before putting a property on the market. Larry explains that there is no one-size-fits-all solution because every property is different, regardless of whether it is a luxury home worth millions of dollars or a lower-priced property. The first and most important step, he says, is identifying the root cause of the odor rather than simply trying to mask it. Common causes may include water damage, mold, damp building materials, old furniture, or other hidden issues that create lingering smells. Larry emphasizes that sellers should investigate why the smell exists in the first place and address that underlying problem before attempting any odor-removal treatment. For example, if a water leak inside a wall caused mold growth, repairing the leak and correcting the damage must come first. Only after the source is eliminated should homeowners focus on removing any remaining odor. Drawing on his experience as a real estate broker, apartment owner, and property investor, Larry notes that his team regularly encounters these kinds of issues while managing apartments, purchasing foreclosure properties, and preparing homes for sale. Because of that experience, they have developed practical solutions for a wide variety of property conditions. One of Larry’s strongest recommendations is the use of ozone machines. He describes ozone treatment as highly effective for neutralizing odors caused by mustiness, smoke, mold-related issues, or even homes that have been vacant for extended periods and developed what he calls a “dead air” smell. However, he cautions that ozone treatment is not a substitute for fixing the source of the problem. If the underlying cause remains, the odor will likely return. Larry also provides an important safety warning: people and pets must leave the property while ozone machines are operating because ozone can be dangerous to living beings. He estimates that his team uses ozone treatment in roughly 10% of the homes they prepare for sale each year. Ultimately, he argues that preparing a home for market involves having practical solutions and professional expertise available, rather than relying on temporary fixes such as air fresheners or plug-in fragrances.