One of the most important aspects of a home sale is that it be clean. Buyers don’t want to see your dirt or they’ll just imagine work for them.
Getting and keeping your home clean is extremely important for getting buyers interested and paying what your home is worth. But, spring cleaning can be a daunting task, so there are some key areas you can focus on when your time and resources are limited.
No clutter
Getting rid of stuff is the first step. Clutter (even pretty or useful clutter) can blind home buyers from seeing the true potential of the space. You’ll want to get rid of at least 50% of the stuff on your counters and even in your closets. Furniture matters here too – get rid of any furniture that makes the room seem smaller or cluttered. Decluttering also does not mean moving the stuff to a storage space – these should also look organized and not overly full. Rent a storage locker if you need to, or just get rid of what you don’t need.
Make it shine
As they say, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so these need to be utterly spotless. Focus on all the little nooks and crannies you might not ordinarily clean, especially on counters, floors and appliances. If your bathroom has a problem with mold and mildew, that is going to be a huge red flag for buyers, so you’ll need to get rid of it as best you can. Keep it clean by investing in a squeegee and wiping down all showers, mirrors and counters after each use.
Down on hands and knees
Your flooring is going to be the second thing that buyers look at, so hardwood should shine. You want buyers to see the beauty of the floors, not dog hair. As well, cleaning your carpets is a must as any stains are definitely going to detract buyers. Vacuum daily when your house is listed and showing, even twice daily if you have pets and kids.
Erase it
Walls and doors are normally overlooked in regular, everyday cleaning tasks. If you can’t get a new coat of paint on the walls, consider scrubbing them with a product like a Magic Eraser. Get rid of all fingerprints and food stains, right down to the baseboards and trim.
Washing your windows is a huge job, but it makes a world of difference, especially to your curb appeal. If you can’t do this job yourself, hire someone to do it and ensure they get the screens cleared of dust and debris as well.
Don’t forget outside
After a long winter, your yard may look worse for wear. At a minimum, pick up all garbage and dead greenery that has blown into your yard and ensure there is no pet feces anywhere on your property. If you have time, give your siding and decks a good power wash. Nothing ruins the thought of a backyard BBQ than a dirty deck and dog poop.
If you need any further tips on selling your home, feel free to contact me.
Sources:
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/cleaning_tips_for_home_sellers.aspx
https://www.realtor.ca/Commercial/Resource%5Cen-CA%5CHome_Ready_Checklist.pdf
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