Spring Cleaning Your Home to Prepare to Sell

Spring is one of the most popular times to sell a home and an excellent time to prepare for a thorough spring cleaning. Not only does it look and feel nice, but a recent study by HomeLight said top agents estimate deep cleaning adds around $3,700 to the sales price, and decluttering can add over $6,500.

While the list may seem daunting, it is helpful to assess your home and determine what tasks you can do and if you prefer to hire any of them. Remember, it always takes longer than expected, so don’t rush yourself.

Start by taking care of any repairs, drywall replacements, dripping sinks, and anything that may require some light construction should be done before you start cleaning. Next, declutter. It’s easy to overlook areas where clutter piles up when you see it every day, but this is a great time to go through those piles of papers, messy closets, and overcrowded entryways.

Painting can make a house feel fresh and bright. You may decide to paint the entire house or touch up areas where pain has chipped or peeled. If you’re considering doing the whole home, it may be worth contacting a professional with the tools and experience to complete the task more efficiently.

Double-check your appliances. If an item is on its last legs, evaluate if it’s worth replacing. Regardless, make sure to clean them both inside and out. The same goes for window treatments. If they are in disrepair, replace them, especially shades that accumulate a lot of grease and dirt.

Windows is another big cleaning task, but it is so important. Especially in the spring and summer months, freshly cleaned windows can make a big difference. Wipe down the baseboards, heating vents, and ceiling fans, which all acquire a lot of dust—Polish hardwood floors and banisters, and shampoo any carpets.

Kitchen walls and cupboards can get extra grimy, but a good mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and warm, soapy water takes care of it quickly. It is the same for grout in the kitchen or bathroom; only replace the vinegar with hydrogen peroxide, leave it on for a while, and then wipe it off.

Adding colorful, decorative throw pillows, blankets, and towels can go a long way toward creating a bright, cheery atmosphere. Fresh flowers and plants are also an excellent addition.

Curb appeal is also important and your first chance to make a good impression! Once the winter snow disappears, it can be shocking to see how much debris and dirt is left behind! Rake up dead leaves and plants, and pressure wash the outside of your home, including decks or patios. Set up lawn furniture and add flowers or plants to the front entry and any outdoor living areas, which creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

It may take some time, but your efforts will pay off. If you need professional recommendations, contact a member of the C21 team, and we’ll send you referrals.