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A Cleaning Checklist For Home Sellers

Want to make sure your house is buyer-ready before you list it? You’re in the right place! One of the most important parts of selling a house is making sure it’s fresh and clean for viewings. Here are some of our best tips for cleaning a home and getting it ready for potential buyers to view.

First, clear out the clutter.

This is easier said than done, but it will make everything else so much easier! Buyers struggle to see past clutter. They won’t be impressed by a house that’s packed with stuff. You will need to get rid of items that are no longer needed, and you may also want to clear some space by moving additional items into storage. You can’t just put things in closets and cabinets, because buyers will want to see the spacious storage in your home and they can’t do that if the storage areas are packed to the gills.

Next, start cleaning!

We suggest using the “top to bottom, left to right” rule for cleaning so you make sure you don’t miss anything. Clean EVERYTHING—this includes:
• Cobwebs on ceiling/walls
• Ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Countertops, built-ins, and other surfaces
• The trim around doors and windows, stair railings, etc.
• Any furniture that remains in the house
• Sinks
• Toilets
• Bathtubs/showers
• Windows and glass doors
• Floors
• Inside cabinets and drawers
• Entry areas like the front door, porch/deck or patio
• Remove debris from yard, driveway, and garage

Don’t forget the corners, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas!

Then, tackle mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew is fairly common in bathrooms and basements, but it can be a big red flag for potential buyers. Nobody wants a moisture problem, and many people are also concerned with the health problems that mold and mildew can cause. If there’s any sign of mold or mildew in your house, you’ll need to remove it. Best-case scenario, you can remove the mold and mildew with a bleach product and some scrubbing. Worst-case scenario, you’ll have to repaint or even remove and replace heavily soiled materials.

Get rid of any lingering smells.

If the property has been home to cats or dogs, there might be a lingering pet smell that you need to tackle. Or maybe there’s a musty smell due to a mold or mildew problem. Whatever the odor, it’s crucial that you get rid of it, and sometimes you need to do more than just a simple cleaning. Find the exact source of the odor—is it carpet? The furniture? It might help to have your HVAC or plumbing systems checked out if you suspect that an odor is coming from one of these systems. A fresh and clean-smelling house will make a MUCH better impression on potential buyers!

Paint walls if needed.

So, you’ve cleaned your house, but it still looks a bit dirty. Now what? Dingy or scuffed walls can benefit greatly from a coat of paint. Outdated or bright colors should be switched out for modern, neutral tones that would appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

Want to skip cleaning altogether?

At MarketPro Homebuyers, we can do the cleaning for you at no extra cost! We’ll even clear out all the clutter when we buy your home, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. If you are interested in selling your home for cash with a hassle-free, low-stress, time-saving process, you can contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

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