If you’re trying to sell your home, you’re probably looking for an advantage—some way to give your house an edge over all the others on the market. There are a lot of ways to do this, but one of the best is also the simplest: Give it a good cleaning. Clean homes sell faster, and as the New York Times emphasized, getting your home as clean as possible “is absolutely something of the greatest importance.”

Why cleaning matters

What’s the first thing you see when you walk into a cluttered home? Chances are it’s the clutter. You’re not going to notice how nice the faucets are if the sink is full of dirty dishes, nor appreciate the spacious entryway if it’s filled with coats and muddy boots.

Even if a potential buyer knows your home will be cleaned before they move in, dirt and clutter are distractions that keep them from noticing positive attributes. If your living space is dirty, then dirt is all they will see.

The most important areas

No part of your home should be overlooked when you’re getting ready to show it off, but certain areas are of the utmost importance. While some rooms can get by with a basic cleaning, these spaces need to be immaculate:

• The exterior – A messy front yard, porch and walkway can be an immediate turn-off for some buyers. Make sure garden tools and children’s toys are put away, and sweep up all the dead leaves and debris. You might even power-wash the deck and give doors and shutters a fresh coat of paint.
• The entryway – This is the first part of your home that potential buyers will see when they enter, so make it count. Put away shoes and coats. Replace the welcome mat. Sweep and mop the floor. Polish doorknobs and fixtures. Clean the windows. Hang up a wreath. Presentation makes a big difference!
• The kitchen – The kitchen might be the single most important room in your house, and you can’t be too thorough when you clean it. Sinks, countertops, floors, walls, windows and appliances should all be cleaned thoroughly. In addition, load up all your dirty dishes and run the dishwasher to remove any unwanted food smells.
• The bathroom – The last thing you want to see when you walk into someone’s home is a dirty bathroom. Make sure your tile and grout are spotless, and get rid of any traces of mold or mildew. Put out fresh towels and hang a new shower curtain. Organize all your bath products, and put as many out of sight as possible. This is a good opportunity to finally toss all those almost-empty shampoo and conditioner bottles!

Cleaning tips

For the rest of your home, focus on areas that are highly visible and remember that small details can make a big difference. Here are a few ideas to make your home seem cleaner and more inviting:

• Put away as many personal items as possible.
• Wash every window and clean all curtains and blinds.
• Straighten out bookshelves and get rid of old newspapers and magazines.
• Make up the beds with clean sheets and blankets.
• Clean dust from all horizontal surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, cabinets, window sills and picture frames.
• Mop and vacuum throughout your home.

Spring cleaning is one of the best things you can do to help your home sell faster. Contact us today to learn more about how to sell your home and upgrade to your dream home in the greater Austin, Texas, area.