the value of clean

So, I often get the question, “What do I need to do to prepare my house for the market?” Of course, there are hundreds of answers, depending on multiple situations. Money, time, state of the house, state of the market. But one thing, to me, remains the same. Clean your house like your mother-in-law is coming and is a former Paris Island Drill Instructor!

As homeowners we sometimes look past the blemishes, bumps, and bruises of our house. That is understandable we cannot fix everything. Maybe painting or planting new bushes is beyond what we can afford or physically do. But if I am trying to sell more than “AS IS” I want a clean house. As a seller all I need is one contract that will get me what I want and close when I want. So why would I have spider webs in the corners, or dust on the blinds? These are things that give buyers a reason to say no. We want them to have reasons to say yes.

So here it is, dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms and kitchen sink. You think buyers are not going to open cabinets? If possible, sweep the front walk. Lastly, this is a pet peeve of mine, make sure every light has a working bulb. It would be nice if they all match and are nice and bright. But please at least have blubs that work when buyers throw the switch.

I am Scotch Irish and do not like spending money. Yes, sometimes it is in our best interest to. But in the very least please, please, please clean the house before the first showing. Let me know if you have any questions.