Yes, I spent several hours at my client's home today cleaning. Oiling the built in china cabinets and window seat and baseboards to make the wood moudling stand out. Cleaning the stove because it's not new and at least now it looks like you would want to use it. Washing all the floors, etc. Got a few comments from co-workers indicating I was nuts (which I am but not because of this!) And yet I know other co-workers who have done similar kinds of things, though usually for elderly clients. Mine are young strapping really nice people who moved out of state and wound up with a dog hit by a car, living in a hotel with said dog and doggie buddy. But I digress as usual. Why did I REALLY do this? Every week I run down my listings in my head and try to figure out what I can do that is different mareting-wise. What will give me the competitive edge? I checked MLS and 27 homes are for sale in the area of this home; four have gone under contract in the past two weeks; I explored. Two had new furnaces and newer appliances; we do not; two were rehabbed in a more modern way; ours has that old, classic, Cleveland bungalow look to it. Great house, but not overly updated. The only thing I could think of to do was clean! So I did.
One time I had a buyer who was using a First Time Home Buyers program, which required a HUD inspection for lead paint. The house we were in contract on was owned by the nicest older woman who was so meticulous with her home you could eat off the basement floor. Absolutely no issues with anything in that house. Except, the porch railings were peeling. Was there an Agent representing the Seller? Yes. Was he going to paint? No. So my client's dad did a few things and I wound up painting the rest of the porch. The Seller was very kind and brought me tea and cold drinks while I worked. I thought it was worth it.
So what do you think about this? Am I crazy? Do you have stories like this as well? And do you think this really will help sell my listing?
No you are not crazy! I would do exactly the same thing. You do what needs to be done to "get er done"...(that's partner Paul Speak), of course you can bet it would be me cleaning...not Partner Paul!! hehehe (sorry I couldn't help myself)
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