If you’re looking to sell your home this spring, right now is the time to start deep cleaning and decluttering.
“Many sellers tend to underestimate how much time is required to properly clean every nook and cranny, especially if baseboards, vents, and windows are in dire need of attention,” says Jessica English, professional cleaner at Mountain Top Cleaning & Maintenance in Sevierville, TN.
By jumping on the spring cleaning bandwagon in March, you can accomplish these tasks without feeling rushed, ensuring an atmosphere that is immediately appealing to potential buyers.
Why early prep is important
In most parts of the country, the spring homebuying season begins in late March to early April, and then peaks through May.
That being said, if you wait until April to start cleaning, you’ll already be behind the spring rush and risk missing a large wave of serious buyers.
“I always advise each of my clients to begin their deep cleaning and decluttering by early to mid March at the latest, since this type of work will take longer than most people think,” says Elena Navarro, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin in Austin, TX.
Unfortunately, a good pre-listing deep clean isn't something you can complete over a weekend.
“In reality, it requires multiple weeks of work to sort through closets, garages and/or storage areas, schedule carpet cleaning, have your windows cleaned, and address those areas of the home that haven't been touched in years,” explains Navarro.
If you start in March, you’ll have a little buffer in case you discover something that needs a repair such as a slow leak under the sink or grout that needs to be resealed, for example.
How a clean home can make all the difference
When you list your home, photos will be one of your most important marketing tools.
For them to showcase your property in the best possible light, your home needs a thorough clean. A quick 20-minute tidy-up won’t get the job done.
“When you have time to do your deep cleaning and decluttering several weeks prior to the photo shoot, you have time to properly de-personalize your home, which includes removing family photos, collectibles, and personal items,” says Navarro.
This allows your rooms to appear as open and neutral spaces, giving buyers the opportunity to envision their own lifestyle in your home.
Additionally, clean windows allow the photographer to capture the natural light that will help your rooms appear larger and more inviting. Clean glass, fixtures, and countertops will also be visible in the high-resolution photos.
A spotless home can also make staging more effective. “When a professional stager comes into your home, they will need to have clear and clean space to work with so they can truly make your space shine,” explains Navarro.
Lastly, early prep may reveal problems you weren’t aware of in the first place. When you remove the refrigerator, for example, you may find water damage on the floor. When you scrub the caulk around the bathroom, you may find it needs to be replaced completely.
“Finding these types of issues in March means you'll have time to correct them before you list your home versus finding them on a buyer's inspection report and risking losing the sale,” Navarro adds.
High-impact tasks to tackle first
Some spring cleaning tasks are more important than others. If you’re getting ready to list your home, these are the ones to prioritize.
Pressure wash
Pressure wash the driveway, front walkway, porch and/or any patios or decks. “Pressure washing is probably the single highest return on effort for curb appeal and it will immediately make the entire exterior of your home appear newer and better taken care of,” explains Navarro.
Maintain your HVAC system
Call up an HVAC pro to service your system and replace all of the air filters. Buyers can smell stale air and unusual odors the instant they enter your home. A clean, functioning system lets them know your home has been well maintained.
Depersonalize
Remove everything from every room in your home that represents you, your family, your religion, politics, children, and hobbies. The ultimate goal is for the buyer to see themselves living in your home and your personal items can get in the way of that.
Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms
You use your kitchen and bathrooms more than any other rooms in your home. That’s why they deserve a thorough clean from top to bottom.
“Scrub the inside of the oven, behind the appliances, in the grout lines, and under the sinks. Buyers scrutinize kitchens and bathrooms the most, and these are the places where dirt and neglect will be most apparent,” says Navarro.
Clean the windows
Natural light from windows makes a home feel larger and more inviting in photographs and in person. After you remove the dust, use a window cleaner and microfiber cloth or squeegee to wipe down the inside and outside of the windows. If possible, do this on a cloudy day as the sun can dry the cleaner too quickly.
Declutter
Empty and declutter all closets, garages and/or storage areas. “Buyers will open closet doors, and if all of your closets are full, it will appear as though your home lacks storage, even if it actually has ample storage,” explains Navarro.
Paint
Touch-up paint on scuffed walls, baseboards and trim. A fresh coat of neutral paint on high-traffic areas will cost virtually nothing and will make your home appear "move-in" ready.
Replace light fixtures and ceiling fans
Replace any burnt-out bulbs with consistent, warm-white bulbs throughout the home. “Mismatched and dim lighting will make rooms appear smaller and less welcoming, and burnt-out bulbs will be clearly seen in listing photographs,” adds Navarro.
Article by Anna Baluch for Realtor.com
