If you’re planning to list your house on the market, you may be wondering if a deep, thorough cleaning is really necessary. You’re in the midst of moving after all, and you already have a million other expenses and tasks to take care of. There’s no debating that a thorough cleaning can help to improve the appearance of your home and make a good first impression to prospective buyers. What you might not realize is that it can actually increase your home value as well. Below, we take a look at some spring cleaning tips to consider when it comes to presenting your home to potential buyers in the best condition it can be.
1) Conduct a Thorough Cleaning Job
Most homeowners conduct a cleaning project at least once per week. If you fall under this category, chances are that you miss multiple small crannies and nooks that never get cleaned. For instance, when was the last time you pulled out your couch and cleaned behind it? Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to identify those overlooked corners that we tend to ignore during regular clean-up sessions. It pays to remember that potential buyers will be evaluating everything from the corners in your cupboard to the floor space under your bed.
2) Get Rid of Junk
Did you know that clutter has a negative impact on our minds? Studies have suggested that the brain struggles to decipher information when viewing an abundance of items in a small area. This can trigger feelings of depression and anxiety. Having an abundance of boxes in the garage may not seem like a big deal if you use the garage for the primary purpose of storing items, but this can be much more of an issue in the eyes of a potential buyer. Any clutter can turn them off and make them reconsider digging deeper into the property. To avoid turning them away, take a good look at various sections of your homes such as the basement, attic or garage, and donate or throw away items you don’t use.
3) Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint can improve the aesthetic value of your property and the value of your home itself. In the eyes of a prospective buyer, a fresh coat of paint indicates that the owner takes care of the property. Based on the fact that the exterior of your home plays an important role in first impressions, a house with chipped or cracked paint can leave a sour taste in a potential buyer’s mouth before they enter your home.
4) Eliminate Foul Odors
It’s important to remember that buyers use all their senses when it comes to determining if a house is ideal for them. Therefore, they will associate scents with the condition of the property. The last thing you would want is for a buyer to be turned off as a result of smoke, pet or food related scents. To avoid this, ensure that you keep your windows open whenever possible and use an air freshener or scented candle to make your house smell nice.
5) Get Your Carpets and Floors Professionally Cleaned
Unless buyers are specifically looking for a fixer-upper, they’ll expect the flooring to appear as good as new. Professional floor cleaning services can help to brighten dull wood-based flooring. They can also use commercial grade wet vacuums that remove the toughest of stains from carpets.
A thorough house cleaning can be time consuming and can add to your moving expenses, but it will pay off in the form of increased home value and a better first impression for potential buyers. You’ll be thankful you took the extra time to present your home at its very best!
