Spring is fast approaching and here in Edmonton we are fortunate to have enjoyed beautiful weather for the last part of February. The snow is receding quickly and I can actually see the lawn now! Will it last? The weather network shows promise but we Albertans know it can change with the blink of an eye!

Regardless of where you live, spring really is just around the corner, the days are getting longer and more and more of us are venturing out to enjoy local attractions and activities. Home shopping is high on a buyers list and preparing a home is high on a seller's list. Spring cleaning is something most of us do every year (some of us do it every season) and for others it's never been done. Why - I'm unsure - lack of time, lack of ambition, lack of hygiene? Regardless of how or why, regardless of your homes age, size, state of repair or neighborhood - CLEAN IS KEY!

Buyers base a large part of their buying decisions on an emotional feeling they get from your home. Marks on floors or a stain on the living room carpet can interrupt a buyer's emotional process and draw attention to flaws. It may seem trivial to think that something as minor as a cluttered closet could make or break a deal but it can! That closet could give a buyer the impression there is a lack of storage space or that the house is not maintained well. These impressions are not necessarily the case so taking the time to thoroughly clean your entire home could actually increase its appeal to a broader buying range!

When a home smells and looks clean it tells a buyer that you have taken care of your home. Take action this Spring and go through one room at a time, pay attention to detail, de-clutter, dust, clean, wash and pack! Your hard efforts won't go unnoticed when buyers open your fridge to see what options it has or looks inside the spacious double garage that actually fits two cars! Clean is Key! It is the easiest, least expensive step in preparing your home for sale!

Happy cleaning!

Dawna