How Clean is YOUR House? Spotless Properties Sell!

If you Google “biggest buyer turnoffs” then one thing crops up over and over again – no one wants to buy a dirty home.

From grimy bathrooms to dusty cupboards to crumby kitchens, homebuyers have seen it all – and then walked away.

So if you are serious about achieving that elusive asking price offer on your property for sale then it’s time to get scrubbing.

Buyers Check Cleanliness of Homes for Sale

Cleaning a house for sale is a little different from your daily maintenance routine – your family may not mind if a cobweb or two gathers in that rarely opened cupboard – but a buyer is likely to check it out and see it as a sign of neglect.

If you are about to start showing your home or are planning an open house event, then you need to really address every area – even those that usually go unseen.

If you struggle to find the time, then you may wish to consider employing the services of a professional cleaning company, but once it has been done, ensure that the level of cleanliness is maintained until you are under offer.

Cleaning Tips for Selling Your House

Some important things to consider before the arrival of each potential buyer include:

Kitchen: Wipe all surfaces, worktops, cupboards, oven, whitegoods. Viewers need to be comfortable with the idea of cooking and eating in this space so it really needs to shine.

Bathroom: This is one of the worst culprits when it comes to cleanliness – keep a set of fluffy new clean towels to hang out for viewings, ensure the suite is spotless, clean limescale off taps, hair out of plugholes and make sure you wash the floor. Don’t forget to check mirrors as toothpaste and shaving spatters give a really poor impression.

Storage Space: While it may have been your hiding space for homeless clutter throughout your time in the home, that cupboard needs to be de-cluttered and cleaned. Believe us, people won’t hesitate to look in your “private” spaces if they are thinking about buying your property

Any Odours: Pet smells, smoke and lingering cooking odours all give the impression of an unkempt home. Air the house thouroughly before inviting in buyers for viewings or open house events. If anyone in the property smokes, encourage them to do so outside until you are under offer. Use gentle room scenting such as perfumed candles or plug in fresheners – but avoid overpowering floral scents as these give the impression that you have something to hide.

Outdoor Areas: Gardens count, especially when it comes to kerb appeal. There is no point in having a squeaky clean home if the outside space is in disarray – by the time the buyer reaches the front door the impression of mess will already have been made. Tidy up paths, lawn and flower beds and throw out garden furniture that has passed its best.