I love ferrets! I used to have one named Pinky. He was an albino with red eyes, so he wasn't gonna win any cute ferret contests but he sure was fun!
They are a little musky smelling but it's not too bad.. Just don't wash them or it makes the smell worse. Supposedly you can get their scent glands removed, but I really don't know about that.
Also, be prepared to have the most energetic and mischievous animal ever. You have to ferret proof your house first, you don't want him going down any duct work in your house or getting behind the stove. They are just like mice in that they can squeeze their body through any little hole. Get some flexible plastic duct work and make ferret tunnels, they love running through that stuff. Some people put collars on theirs and take them out in public but I never tried it with mine. They are usually very playful with other animals too, but make sure you properly introduce any cats or dogs to him so they don't think he's something furry to eat
Good luck! If you get one post pics!