Before I was a real estate agent, I remember friends who were listing their homes for sale complaining about changes their agent wanted them to make to prepare their house for sale. I didn't understand then how important this preparation is to the sale of a house. In a buyers' market it is even more important because buyers have lots of houses from which to choose. Sellers have to do the most they can to make their house the most attractive choice.
The least expensive improvements sellers can make is to clean EVERYTHING. And when I say everything, I mean everything. Countless times I have had buyer clients turn away from a house for reasons they couldn't verbalize. What I observed in many of these houses are dirty switch plate covers, unwashed windows, water faucets that didn't shine, toothpaste spit in the sink, grease around the cabinet handles, smoke stained walls, etc. Many of these homes are picked up and have the right floor plan, but the little things make an impact that the buyers are not even aware of. It's the difference between buying a shirt that just came on the rack and one that has been on the rack for a year and is starting to show grimy spots.
So, if you're thinking of selling your home, get out the elbow grease, scrub bucket and start cleaning. When you do the windows, make sure to clean the area between the inner window and the storm (window pocket), the window frame, and any window covering like blinds or drapes. (Sometimes draperies close in the room and need to be removed for best showing appeal. Ask your agent their opinion.)
Next move to all of the lights. This entails removing the shades (wash glass shades) and washing the bulbs as well as the lamp itself. Dust and smoke reduce the amount of light given off by the fixture. Wash all the switch plate covers and outlet covers. Replace any that are cracked or broken. Wash all the frames and glass on picture frames. Wash or paint walls and ceilings. A neutral color is recommended although my house sold with rich cranberry living room walls (The wall color was balanced by newly refinished natural color wood floors.). Get the carpets shampooed. Repeat this process in every room in the house.
In the bathroom, remove soap scum with a product like "The Works" for tub and tile. A gas mask and gloves may be recommended as this is a potent product! Repair any discolored caulk around the tub or sink. Wipe the faucets with a dry rag to make them sparkle. Wash the shower curtain and install a fresh liner. Don't forget the lights, bulbs, mirrors, clock, linen closet shelves, sink base, etc. Clean it all and wipe it dry to make it shine.
The same applies to the kitchen. Empty your cabinets and sweep out the dust, flour, sugar, cereal, etc., that may have escaped their containers. Scrub the shelves, back and side walls of the cabinets and both sides of the doors. Particularly check around the door handles where body oils tend to build up and leave a residue. TSP (local hardware stores have it) will remove the body oils but also may remove the finish so test it in an inconspicuous place first. Again, use gloves as TSP feels like lotion in the water and the next day layers of skin will peel from your hands if they're unprotected! How do I know this, you ask? Been there and done that, more than once! Cut a lemon and put it through your disposal. Pull out the stove and frig and clean under both and inside both as well. Don't forget the stove drawer and under the burners if the stove top lifts!
All this cleaning has made me weary so tomorrow will have more cost effective hints for getting your house ready!
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