CLEANING CHECKLIST FOR LISTING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
When it comes time to start showing your home, detailed cleaning is imperative. It usually takes me about 3 weeks to ready a home for the active market and a deep cleaning prior to in-person showings is a must! It’s a creepy feeling to know someone will be touring your home while critiquing your cleaning habits, or lack of. So, what I recommend is allowing an objective observer to point out the dirty details prior to opening up your home to strangers. I am usually that bad guy, but it can be your mother-in-law, neighbor… you get it the point.
I am not a professional photographer, but knowing what buyers want to see online when they are looking for the next home to view in-person is my expertise. Decluttering is the most impactful thing a seller can do to show off their home online. Most cameras will not pick up the dust and debris we have on our blinds and floors. And in most cases, it doesn’t pick up those streaks on the counter top. Window ledges, tub rings, and normal wear and tear on hardwoods or walls usually do not show up if the photos are taken correctly and with the proper lighting.
In-person showings are a whole other ballgame people! Whether attending an open-house or private agent/client tour, prospective buyers are passing judgement on all aspects of cleanliness and maintenance of your home that, inevitably, will affect a buyer’s offer terms.
Women will always pick up on any funky odors inside your home and be the first to point out tasteless paint colors or décor. Men typically consider the condition of the home’s systems that may require a larger budget down the road than just changing the paint color from pink to blue in junior’s room.
Hiring a reliable cleaning company with reasonable rates is sometimes a challenge. If I have a listing that is vacant where, say, a tenant just moved and the tenant cleaned somewhat; I will hire a cleaning company to go in and wipe out the cabinets, clean ledges, sanitized counters, etc.
However, if I have sellers that will occupy the property while showing, I may send a cleaning company first to get the sellers started or send them just before going active. It would depend on the entire picture: pets, kids, parents ability to keep the house clean and for how long.
I remember on my first listing; the owner was a single mom on travel with the Army to Guantanamo Bay. Her aunts came in to town to watch the kids for a couple weeks while she was on travel. For some crazy reason, her and I made the decision to go active while she was away—big mistake. The first weekend we were active, I called the house to make sure they knew of a few showings upcoming over the weekend. Nobody answered, so I decide to pop by and let them know. Nobody was home and the house was a mess! Apparently, they had breakfast; a movie night the evening before; and missed trash day. I proceeded to push everything into closets wherever I could to get things cleaned up for the showings. It worked out and made for a funny story, but it was astonishing to me that when I spoke to the aunts, they didn’t realize people would want to see the home on a weekend.
So here is a list I provide to all my sellers on our first meeting. This is by no means comprehensive, but you’ll get the idea.
Kitchen
- Dust all light fixtures and replace burnt bulbs
- Clean inside/out of all drawers/cabinets
- Detail clean in/out all appliances—make them sparkle
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Clean all counters and disinfect
Bathrooms
- Dust all light fixtures and replace burnt bulbs
- Clean inside/out medicine cabinet
- Clean inside/out of tub/shower including tracks
- Clean/disinfect sink/toilet
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Clean floor and tub surround grout
Living Areas
- Dust all blinds; clean windows/ledges;
- Dust/sweep fireplace; no loose bricks/tiles
- Wipe down all woodwork, doors, entryway
- Wipe down interior/exterior storm and sliding doors
- Sweep storage, laundry, and garage floors-mop if needed
- Vacuum all carpeted areas and steam-clean if needed
Exterior
- Cut grass, trim shrubs, remove leaf debris, add fresh mulch
- Pressure wash siding/deck if needed
- Make repairs to cracks, loose siding, trip hazards,
- Check roof—no missing shingles; no damage
- Ensure all exterior lights are functional
When it comes to pets and in-person showings, it can be a challenge to keep up with pet hair and odors. Between cats and dogs, 50% of buyers are allergic to cats. Removing pets from the home is always the best option; crating your furry friends is second best. In an active market, it won’t make sense to remove your pet for every showing so get a system to secure your pet and keep them safe as well as your buyer-guests. Don’t forget to DO A SMELL CHECK periodically to keep your home showing its best! Odors can turn a buyer offer quickly.
Happy Cleaning!
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