Why is it important for property owners to clean up before sale or lease?
You want to make a good first impression to potential buyers or tenants. A dirty home with faded floors, stained carpets, and chipped wall paint can be a huge turn off.
Before showcasing your home, create a checklist of tasks not just for the inside but for the outside as well. If you are pressed for time or have already moved out, consider hiring a professional cleaner.
Whether you’re looking to sell or lease, be sure to get your home ready for the big day.
Boost Curb Appeal
Obviously your focus is on the inside of your home; however, don’t neglect your front lawn. The first thing buyers see when they visit is your exterior. Curb appeal could decide whether a buyer enters your property or walks away.
- Trim your shrubs and bushes.
- Remove weed from flower beds
- Fix any peeling paint.
- Wash the driveway and walkway.
- Repair broken sprinklers.
- Add a row of potted plants to add color and energy to your outdoor space.
Remove Clutter
Purge the house of unnecessary items. Go from room to room then the basement, attic, and garage. Sell or donate things that are still in good condition. Everything else goes to the trash bin.
Get rid of stacked mail on the kitchen table and remove those piles of shoes from the entrance. You don’t want visitors tripping over items left on the stairs. Closets and shelves appear roomier if they are free of clutter.
Remove Personal Stuff
When buyers come to visit a potential home, they want to envision themselves living there. Your personal décor might turn people off if these are not in tune with their taste.
Replace loud prints with neutral colors. Take down family photos. Remove kids’ artwork on the fridge.
Get Rid of Bulky Furniture
Oversized items could make your space look smaller than it really is. You want potential buyers to freely walk around without bumping into furniture.
Clean Up Before Sale
When it’s time to clean, focus on the living room, kitchen and bathroom. These are the most important areas that catch the eye of potential buyers and renters. Clean from top to bottom then left to right so nothing is overlooked.
Make sure you are using appropriate cleaning products. Abrasive solutions may be effective in removing hard stains and grease but could damage sensitive surfaces.
When cleaning large areas, mix a solution of liquid or powder detergent in a bucket of water. For smaller areas, it is better to shake the solution in a spray bottle.
Soap residue can make your floors look dirty even when they’re clean. Rinse the floor well after washing to give it a nice clean shine.
Get Rid of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are not only an eyesore but a health risk as well. The presence of mold alone can turn off a prospective buyer no matter how awesome your house looks.
Household liquid cleaners with bleach work wonders in eliminating mildew stains. Splash and scrub on shower doors, shower curtains, and tile grout.
Be careful not to leave streaks when cleaning glass surfaces such as shower doors and mirrors.
Keep those water spots away from shower walls by running a small squeegee. After rinsing, make sure everything is dry including tubs, faucets, and bathroom handles.
Let There Be Light
Open your windows to let natural light in. Add a floor or table lamp to rooms that are dim.
Change all light bulbs that need changing. These include outdoor lights in the garden and patio. Wipe away dirt or debris from lighting fixtures.
Brighter lights add a cheerful vibe to your home and provide a better sense of security.
Clean Up the Air
Changing the air filter regularly is a must for any homeowner. Clean the vents and surrounding area to let fresh air flow when buyers and renters visit.
It may be a good idea to replace reusable air filters with disposable ones. It will be easier for your future tenant to change the filter rather than clean it.
Dust all fans whether indoor or outdoor. You would not want your prospective buyers to see fan blades stuck in a lump of dirt.
Clean and Repair Windows and Doors
Wipe down all windows and doors – including sills, frames and linings. Inspect screens, hinges, handles, and locks and make necessary repairs.
Patch, paint and fix
- Patch holes
- Paint a fresh coat
- Fix leaks
- Repair broken tiles
- Fix the roof – shingles, gutters and downspouts
Your dramatic red wall or zebra sofa could turn off some potential buyers. Repaint your rooms and replace linen with neutral tones such as white or tan to avoid any distraction.
You may opt to do these tasks yourself or hire professional help. Either way, these home improvements should boost your property desirability and price.
Hire Pest Control Experts
When you clean up before sale, consider adding pest control to your to-do list. It’s the only way to eliminate pests in hard-to-reach areas of your home.
Professional Cleaners Get the Job Done
Hiring professionals from a company like Prestige Property Services is a good investment. We have the resources to reach every nook and cranny of your house. From carpet shampooing to handyman services, our team gets the job done if you need to clean up before sale.
