What to ask, and why
Will this push back my listing date?
Treatment can usually be planned around paint, carpet, and photos. Share your listing date with any provider up front.
Will buyers notice a cover-up scent?
They shouldn't if no scent is added, so ask for that. Fragrance-heavy homes can make buyers suspicious; a neutral home doesn't.
Do I need to disclose the old smoke smell?
Disclosure duties come from Colorado's seller forms and your purchase contract, so your listing agent or a real estate attorney should answer that.
Should the basement and crawl space be treated too?
Often, yes. Musty lower levels are one of the most common things buyers notice.
What if the smell comes back during escrow?
Ask what was treated and what conditions, like humidity, could bring odor back, so you can address them before showings.