The Sanford Group
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Are You Missing These Spots When Cleaning for an Open House?
In order to drive buyer interest and offers, you'll need to put in the effort to ensure your home makes a lasting impression. Our real estate agents always say cleaning is the single most important thing you can do in the days and weeks leading to an open house. And we don't mean tidying up. You'll likely need to clean like you've never cleaned before. If you're preparing for an open house, we prepared a quick list of areas many homeowners miss during the cleaning process:
- Start From The Top
When preparing for an open house, every single surface in the house must be cleaned. Because we tend to focus on what's at eye level, it can be helpful to start at the top of the room to ensure you don't miss any fixtures. Ceiling fans, the top of window fixtures, and picture frames are often missed. Once you've cleaned the top of the room, start working your way down. - Don't Forget Your Baseboards
Because of their position on the floor and near vents, baseboards are great at accumulating dirt, dust, and pet hair. And it's easy to miss! We generally recommend giving your baseboards a good scrub when cleaning the floors. This will help cut down on hidden pet odors as well! - Give Your Garbage Disposal Some Attention
When was the last time you cleaned your garbage disposal? Chances are you've overlooked cleaning this appliance for some time. If it's been a while, it may even have an odor. We recommend a half-cup of baking soda, one cup of white vinegar, and a chopped citrus peel. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes before turning on the water and running the disposal. - Wipe Out The Bottoms Of Your Kitchen Cabinets
Remember, buyers will be opening every cupboard door in your kitchen, so ensure everything is tidy. Take the time to wipe out the bottoms of each cabinet. Get rid of any food stains or spilled spices and seasonings that may have accumulated over the years. - Make Your Faucets Sparkle
To help your kitchen and bathroom look as clean as possible, use a bit of baby oil when wiping down stainless steel sinks and faucets. You'll be surprised at how much it will make them shine and sparkle. - Clean The Coffee Pot
It's easy to turn a blind eye to the condition of appliances we use daily, but if your coffee pot is looking nasty, you'll definitely want to store it away or, at the very least, wipe it down. The appliance should only be on display if it complements the aesthetic beauty of your counter space.
Cleaning for an open house is a big project, but it's definitely achievable throughout the weekend. Contact us today for more tips on preparing your home for the market. Our team is ready to help you list your home or help you find local open houses to attend if you're looking to buy this year.
