As the weather begins to warm up, homeowners have the urge to refresh their surroundings for the spring and summer months ahead. For most this usually involves packing away the winter clothes and accumulated clutter, and completing some much needed chores around the home. For those selling, this cleaning process is even more important.
The spring season is a popular time to buy a home for many. And, with buying a home also comes selling a home. With so many potential buyers coming through your doors, you’ll want your home to be a clean and orderly space that invites them to imagine their life living there. Want to make your home stand out to potential buyers? Here are 5 cleaning tips for selling your home that are sure to result in selling success.
1.) Do a Deep Clean
While the idea of deep cleaning may seem unappealing, it plays a huge factor into your home’s potential to sell. As a homeowner, you likely have areas in your home that you tidy up on a regular basis. However,in order to really make your home stand out to buyers, you will want to take this cleaning to the next level. It may take a bit more time, but it will be worth it in the long run.Deep cleaning can be pretty involved, so set aside a day where you can focus on the tasks at hand.
Before getting started, think about those areas you often overlook during your usual cleaning. This could include cleaning behind couches, dusting the ceiling fan blades, clearing out under the sink, or wiping down floor boards with hard floor cleaner. Make sure all windows and mirrors are wiped clean, and that floors are polished or vacuumed. While these small areas may not be one or your daily cleaning concerns, buyers with pique interest will be looking at even the smallest of details.
2.) Declutter the Home
Sifting through clutter is an integral part of any spring cleaning routine. This cleaning task is even more important for home sellers. For potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home, the space needs to be free of excess clutter. Properly stow away items that could potentially distract buyers from focusing on the parts of the home you want them to focus on. Consider removing items like toys, family photos, sticky notes, pet supplies, or anything else that takes away from the home.
Decluttering also helps the home look more spacious. Go room by room and remove items that take up unnecessary space. Focus on spaces that are known for disorganization like cabinets, closets, laundry rooms, or pantries. Buyers will look in these spaces. You want them to see the potential for these areas. Having these spaces cluttered and chaotic does not give the best impression. Decluttering also benefits the seller in more ways than one. Less clutter means less to pack up and move!
3.) Don’t Forget About Aesthetics
Once the cleaning part of the spring cleaning is done, it's time to bring your home to life with some aesthetics. A vase of bright flowers in the entryway, a charming wreath on the door or a welcome doormat are all great ways to add a “feel-good” effect to the home. It enhances the cleanliness of the home and helps to create an inviting space that buyers can easily envision themselves living in.
Of course, aesthetics aren’t all visual. The smell of your home also draws in (or turns away) potential buyers. The smell of a home is often associated with the cleanliness of it. Before buyers walk through the door, light a clean smelling seasonal candle or one that smells like fresh baked cookies. Not only will the candle create a nice ambiance, but the pleasant smells will evoke feelings of home that help buyers to feel comfortable in the space.
4.) Tackle Routine and Seasonal Maintenance
No buyer wants to move into a new home that is going to soon need maintenance and potential repairs. Before your home hits the market, incorporate routine maintenance into your spring cleaning routine. Change the batteries in the smoke detector, inspect the washing machine hoses, and change out interior HVAC filters.
You will also want to focus on some seasonal home maintenance as well. Spring is a great time to take care of pest issues and remove any friends that may have found their way into the home during the cold winter months. After winter, it is always a good idea to check your roof for loose shingles or cracks. While up there, be sure clean the gutters and downspouts of any debris that may have collected. Make sure to take an outdoor walk around the house too. Pay attention to any damages to exterior paint, fences, decks, windows, doors, and the home’s foundation.
Cleaning your home isn't the only way to set yourself up for selling success. A knowledgable agent is also key to selling your home fast and even saving money in the process. At SimpleShowing, our sellers save thousands in commission with our low 1% listing fee, in addition to having a full-service agent on their side.
Clean for spring and jump into this exciting home selling season! Fill out a free home valuation and contact us today to learn more about how our selling and listing process could work for you and your home.
