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Clean, Clean, Clean

By
Real Estate Agent with JOD Realty, LLC

Cleaning suppliesWhen it comes time to put your house on the market you have to learn a new level of clean!  And I’m not talking just making sure everything is picked up and tidy.  I mean it has to be cleaner than you thought possible.  When serious buyers comes into your house they are not just browsing.  They are inspecting.  Floors, walls, closets, inside cabinets - everything is fair game.  Anything that is unpleasant or detracts from their experience lessens the chance they will pick your house.

If they are taking the time to actually visit your house, it means they are favorably inclined to it.  You DON’T want anything to turn them off from your house now that they are in it.  By the way, this also includes the outside of your house, and your yard.  From the moment they approach your house in their car you are “on stage”.  All sights, sounds and SMELLS are important.

Whether you hire a cleaning service, or do it yourself, you must clean areas you probably have never cleaned before, to a level you might think is ridiculous.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely!  You get tremendous bang for your buck when cleaning.

Paul Guenther - WFG Title
WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY - Flagstaff, AZ
The Extra Mile Is Part Of My Regular Route!

Jerry,

 One area that I see overlooked is the filter for the air handler.  If that is all cruted up chances are there will be future problems

Dec 13, 2009 10:47 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Jerry.....it always amazed me to see how soooo many people live in a variety of conditions.....some not humanly livable!!!  another reason to love selling new construction!!! 

Dec 13, 2009 10:47 PM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

A home can never be too clean!

Merry Christmas from your friend in Charlottesville!

Dec 13, 2009 10:59 PM
Brian Kasprzyk
Remax Southern Shores - Little River, SC

Some people just don't get it. They don't clean - don't know how to clean - never did it. I often feel like I am insulting them to point out obvious dirt.

Dec 13, 2009 11:01 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

We have cleaning people "on call" for new listings...for listings when they sell....suggested "disinfecting" recently where the listing agent was a self-proclaimed swine flu victim....cleaner/disinfected is better, safer...!

Dec 13, 2009 11:06 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jerry, you're right that buyers aren't just looking, they are inspecting a home. Clean sells.

Dec 13, 2009 11:16 PM
Julia Odom
Select Realty Professionals - Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga Homes for Sale

Amen, brother. My pet peeve is the nasty black caulk in the tub/shower. You might as well just take $2,000 off the price.

Dec 13, 2009 11:37 PM
Jerry O'Donnell
JOD Realty, LLC - Chapel Hill, NC

You are all SO right.  How people can live in, never mind listing, a house in the condition of some I have seen is amazing. 

Dec 14, 2009 12:44 AM