No Smoking in Da (White) House!

By: Diane Tuman, Zillow Content Manager | December 8, 2008

Unless you smoke, I think most people have a non-smoking policy in their homes. And, according to a Zillow Discussions thread from earlier this year, buying a house from smokers can be a real turn-off (although cat urine tops the list). President-elect Barack Obama, who has been struggling to kick his smoking habit, says he won’t smoke in the White House, according to the Chicago Tribune. We’re sure Secretary of State-nominee Hillary Clinton will be the enforcer on Obama’s habit since she and Bill banned smoking in the White House. Do I predict seeing photos of Obama sneaking a smoke in the Rose Garden? Did Barack smoke in his Chicago house? Stay tuned.

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Categories: Real Estate

Comments

5 Comments so far

Sue Eller on December 23, 2008 8:54 pm

I am in favor of non-smoking where at all possible. I live in Glendale California, where my husband, Councilman Bob Yousefian, along with his colleagues recently passed a very restrictive non-smoking ordinance in our city. It has provisions for rental units and limitations to where people can smoke. I think it is the wave of the futre.
Jeanne Olson on January 1, 2009 12:36 pm

Thousands of dollars can be lost when selling a home with smoke or pet odors. Both are extremely difficult to get rid of; and that is a well-known fact to buyers. They see it as a huge expense - right up there with replacing a roof. If selling, ask your agent if he/she can detect any odors. In many instances the homeowner cannot detect the odors. However, it’s definitely wise to remedy the odors before placing the home on the market. The money lost if your don’t will be greater than the money spent to take care of the problem.
Callista Sill on January 2, 2009 7:39 pm

I agree that smoking in a home can devalue it and make your guests feel uncomfortable if they are non smokers or have children. It is a disgusting habit I am glad I did not take up. I grew up surrounded by smokers as a child and I vowed to never smoke. I am disappointed to learn that our future president is a smoker. I was hoping for a wise man to lead us, one that will take care of our country like he would take care of himself.
myrtle beach rentals on January 3, 2009 3:22 pm

i would think out of respect you would not smoke in the whitehouse? but hey i’m not the president either?
Joshua K on January 25, 2009 8:56 pm

Out of respect? Do you know how many presidents have smoked in the white house? Taft, FRD, JFK, just to name a few. If they can’t smoke INSIDE, they should make a garage or something. The president can’t step outside and smoke. The risk of being shot would be too high.