{"id":9775,"date":"2023-05-23T12:00:23","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T16:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realtyhop.com\/blog\/?p=9775"},"modified":"2023-05-23T12:01:04","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T16:01:04","slug":"spring-clean-home-for-selling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realtyhop.com\/blog\/spring-clean-home-for-selling\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Spring Clean Your Home for Selling"},"content":{"rendered":"

Selling a home in the spring often means you\u2019ll need to get a jump on your seasonal cleaning routine. If you\u2019ve lived in one place for years, you may know how to spring clean your house efficiently and take care of items that matter most to you. However, if you want to list your home for sale<\/a>, you may need to update your cleaning regimen. As you work through each room, give thought to potential staging ideas. Focus on ways to make your home shine in real estate photographs<\/a>. For instance, when possible, you\u2019ll want to depersonalize the house to provide more of a \u201cblank slate\u201d for new owners to imagine themselves in your home.<\/p>\n

Combine Spring Cleaning with Your House Prep for Selling<\/h2>\n

Grab your cleaning supplies along with some storage boxes and bags. Before you begin, write a \u201ccleaning for selling house\u201d checklist to remind you of each step you aim to complete.<\/p>\n

Some items to add to your checklist for cleaning before selling include:<\/p>\n

Spruce up the Entryway<\/h3>\n

Your entryway is one of your home’s first impressions to potential buyers. To bring this area up to par, start outside the house by sweeping away leaves or dirt from patios and walkways. Examine your front door to determine if you need a new coat of paint in addition to cleaning. If your family leaves their shoes by the door, make sure they\u2019re organized with a shoe rack, cabinet, or shelf.<\/p>\n

Brighten the Bathrooms<\/h3>\n

You may have heard that bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, so pay particular attention to these areas of the home. In the bathrooms, look for signs of mold<\/a> or mildew around tubs, sinks, and showers that could turn off buyers. Rather than simply scrubbing away mold or mildew, consider recaulking the shower or tub. Remove built-up soap scum from glass shower doors and spend extra time cleaning grout between tiles. Declutter your vanity area by removing or storing some of your toiletries.<\/p>\n

Refresh the Kitchen<\/h3>\n

When showing a home, sellers should want the homebuyer to imagine themselves making cookies at the kitchen island with their kids or grandkids. Buyers should picture themselves gathering in the kitchen, which tends to become the central hub of any household. If you have extra cleaning time, you should spend it in this room. If you have high-end fixtures such as granite or marble countertops, ensure they\u2019re clutter-free so homebuyers will notice them.<\/p>\n

Note that now is not the time to get adventurous and begin a home renovation or significant project. Discuss potential options with your real estate agent<\/a> if your kitchen needs a significant revamp.<\/p>\n

Clean and Stage Living Areas<\/h3>\n

After dusting shelves and cleaning furnishings, consider how to stage your living room, dining room, or family room. Remove items such as family photographs or collages to depersonalize these spaces. Work with your real estate agent to stage the rooms and make them more appealing to potential buyers.<\/p>\n

Take Your Cleaning Routine Out to the Yard<\/h3>\n

To increase your curb appeal, spend some time in your yard. In addition to weekly grass cutting, ensure your flower beds are weed-free and full of fresh blooms. Trim overgrown trees and bushes to provide a clear view of your home. Consider pressure washing to easily remove built-up dirt when cleaning your siding, patio, or deck.<\/p>\n

Check the Condition of the Basement and Attic<\/h3>\n

You may rarely spend time in the basement or attic, but buyers will want to look at these areas before making an offer. Try to provide a clear, safe path and visual access to closed-off storage areas in an unfinished basement. If needed, take steps to remove musty, damp smells by using a dehumidifier.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/em><\/b> Does Finishing My Basement Add Value to My Home?<\/a><\/p>\n

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Cleaning Tasks Throughout the House<\/h3>\n

After you finish your basic cleaning routine, take a final walk through your home. Inspect the walls for marks that can develop over the years. If needed, consider patching or touching up paint. Look for stains on the carpets or old area rugs that warrant replacement. Check window treatments and consider replacing broken blinds.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n