Home Cleaning For The Realtor To Get The Top Price!
Having a clean, inviting home is key to a quick sale here in Plano. And believe it or not, the first person you need to impress prior to any potential buyers stepping into your home is your Realtor. Because the Realtor is ultimately going to be the person who advises you on the listing price. And in order to get the highest possible listing and sales price, first impressions matter both with your potential buyers and first and foremost, your Realtor.
Here are the key areas to focus on when doing a home cleaning in Plano prior to listing.
1. What To Clean in The Kitchen
Buyers pay extra attention to the kitchen, so a deep clean is essential. Focus on:
- Appliances: Ensure all stainless steel surfaces are spotless. Clean the outside of the oven, stovetop, and range hood filters. We recommend Zep Fast 505 for a degreaser on the cooking surfaces and the range. Weiman works great for stainless steel appliances. Insider tip: Light a candle after using these cleaning products, as they all tend to leave an odor. Dont worry about cleaning the interior of the oven or fridge. Save that one for a professional one time deep cleaning.
- Countertops and Cabinets: Wipe down counters and degrease cabinet doors. For the initial realtor visit, dont worry about cleaning the interior of the cabinets but make sure the outsides are looking fantastic. We recommend using Lysol which as a nice odor. You can also use one of the degreasers or diluted Dawn dish soap for pesky splotches.
- Sink and Faucet: Polish the sink and remove hard water stains with something like a Bar Keepers friend, depending on the material.
- Floors: Sweep and mop, paying extra attention to grout and baseboards.
2. Cleaning Your Bathrooms
Bathrooms can make or break a first impression. They should look fresh and luxurious.
- Tiles and Grout: Scrub tiles to at least get out any discoloration. You don’t want your relator trying to price in a bathroom remodel just because they don’t like the looks of your tile! We recommend cleaning mold or mildew from the shower with something strong. The Pink Stuff can be used on your tile, but be careful because it’s gritty and abrasive. For countertops, use something a bit more mild like Granite Gold.
- Fixtures: Polish faucets, showerheads, and mirrors to a high shine. A little Windex and some newspaper or paper towels goes a long way to get those mirrors looking great. Because you know that Realtors love to check themselves out 😉
- Toilets and Sinks: Clean and disinfect. Don’t forget to deodorize and sanitize so nobody is grossed out
- Shower Glass: Remove any soap scum or water stains from glass doors. Fabuloso and Zep do great on these surfaces.
3. Cleaning and Organizing Your Living Room
This is where potential buyers will imagine themselves relaxing and it’s often the focal point of the home. You had better be sure the Realtor’s going to be paying attention to this area because they know that the buyer will too.
- Carpets and Rugs: Make sure to give your floors a good vacuum before the first visit. If you haven’t used your vacuum in a while, change the bag so that the smell isnt musty. A fresh scent is crucial for the floors, so you may even want to consider some Arm & Hammer carpet powder.
- Windows and Curtains: Make sure curtains are cob web and dust-free.
4. What To Clean In Your Bedroom
Buyers should envision restful nights in the bedroom, so clutter is a no-go. The Realtor will be thinking the same thing!
- Closets: Clean and organize closets. It’s important to show off storage space, so removing excess clothing can make the closet look bigger.
- Floors and Surfaces: Vacuum and dust thoroughly, paying attention to corners and under furniture.
5. Cleaning Your Entryway: The First Impression
First impressions happen at the front door, so make sure the entryway shines.
- Doors and Hardware: Clean the front door, polish the handle, and ensure any glass is spotless.
- Floors: Sweep or vacuum the floors and ensure there are no scuff marks.
- Lighting: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs, and make sure the area is well-lit.
6. Cleaning Windows
Clean windows inside and out so natural light floods the home and makes spaces feel larger.
- Inside Glass: Polish the windows and remove any streaks.
- Window Frames: Dust and clean all window sills and frames to prevent buyers from noticing grime or dirt build-up.
- Blinds and Curtains: Dust and vacuum blinds. Hold off on replacing any curtains and drapes, pending your Realtor’s recommendation.
7. Home Cleaning Focus Area: Floors!
Dirty floors can kill the vibe of a home.
- Hardwood Floors: Mop and polish hardwood flooring for a glossy finish. We love Bona for Hardwood and either Zep or Mr Clean for tile or Laminate.
- Tile and Grout: Deep-clean tile floors and scrub grout lines, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Zep makes a great grout cleaner.
- Carpets: Give a good vacuum as per above. We recommend HEPA-Filtered vacuums for the best clean.
8. Bonus Areas: Don’t Overlook Cleaning These Areas In Your Home!
Certain spaces are easy to forget, but Realtors are generally looking at every nook and cranny to try to get a feel for the home and the price.
- Garage: Sweep, organize, and ensure the space is free from cobwebs and excessive dirt.
- Laundry Room: Wipe down surfaces, clean appliances, and organize supplies.
Conclusion
A thoroughly cleaned home shows better, photographs beautifully, and helps potential buyers feel confident in the property. And doing a thorough home cleaning prior to your first visit with a local Plano realtor is going to insure that they fall in love with the property for all the same reasons you did in the first place!
