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Preparing Homes for Sale: Realtor's Guide to Effective Carpet Cleaning

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Natick Painting Company

Are you ready to sell your home? Clean carpets can make a big difference to potential buyers. In this guide, we will show realtors easy and effective ways to clean carpets, making homes look their best for a quicker sale. Whether you need to remove stains or freshen up the entire house, we have simple tips and tricks to help you.

The Importance of Carpet Cleaning in Real Estate

Carpet cleaning is an important step in preparing a home for sale. Clean carpets can make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive a property and impact its marketability and value.

First Impressions Matter

The moment buyers step into your home, they start forming opinions. Clean carpets can instantly make your home feel inviting and well-maintained. This positive first impression can set the tone for the entire viewing and make buyers more likely to consider your property worth buying.

Impact on Home Value

Dirty or stained carpets can make a home seem less valuable, leading to lower offers. On the other hand, clean carpets can make a home look better and potentially increase its value. 

Common Carpet Issues in Homes for Sale

When selling a home, carpets can have problems that need to be addressed. Here are some common issues and simple ways to address them.

Stains and Spots

Stains and spots on carpets can make a home look dirty and poorly maintained. Using powerful carpet cleaners and specialized stain removers can help. Professional cleaners can remove even the toughest stains so that your carpets look clean and inviting.

Odors 

Carpets can hold onto bad smells from pets, spills, or everyday use. To get rid of odors, deep-cleaning techniques that go beyond surface cleaning are needed. Professional-grade deodorizers can neutralize odors and make your carpets smell fresh and clean.

Wear and Tear

Over time, carpets can show signs of wear and tear, like frayed edges, flattened areas, or faded colors. Trimming frayed edges and using carpet rakes to fluff up flattened fibers can help. For areas with a lot of damage, replacing the carpet in high-traffic areas can give your home a fresh, updated look.

How to Choose the Right Carpet Cleaning Company

Choosing the right carpet cleaning company is important to ensure your carpets are cleaned well and safely. Here are some key things to consider when making your choice.

Reputation

A company's reputation shows how reliable and good their service is. Check online reviews to see what other customers say. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. A company with many positive reviews is likely to provide great service.

Experience

Experience is important for carpet cleaning. Look for a company that has been in business for several years. Experienced companies know how to handle different carpet problems and can clean your carpets effectively.

Services Offered

Make sure the company offers the services you need, such as deep cleaning, stain removal, odor elimination, and upholstery cleaning. A company that provides a wide range of services can better meet your specific cleaning needs.

Transparency

Choose a company that is clear about their pricing and services. They should provide a detailed quote before starting the job, so you know exactly what you are paying for. This helps avoid any hidden fees or surprises.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Consider a company that uses eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. Non-toxic, biodegradable products are safer for your family, pets, and the environment. Energy-efficient cleaning methods that minimize water waste are also a plus.

Steps for Realtors to Prepare Carpets for Sale

Here’s how you can ensure your carpets are in perfect condition before selling your house:

Initial Assessment

Start by checking the condition of the carpets in each room. Look for stains, spots, odors, and areas of wear and tear. This helps decide what cleaning and repairs are needed.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Before cleaning, move furniture and items off the carpets so every part can be reached. Vacuum the carpets to remove loose dirt and debris. This makes the cleaning process more effective.

Scheduling the Cleaning

Schedule a professional carpet cleaning at a convenient time. Make sure to choose a company that offers the services you need, such as stain removal and odor elimination. Let the cleaners know about any specific issues.

Post-Cleaning Inspection

After the cleaning is done, inspect the carpets to make sure they look clean and are free of stains and odors. Check for any spots that might have been missed and make sure the carpets are dry before moving furniture back in. This final check ensures the home is ready to impress potential buyers.

FAQs

How much does carpet cleaning cost?

The cost of carpet cleaning can vary based on the size of the carpet and the type of cleaning needed. Extra services, like paint removal, usually have separate charges. 

Most companies also have a minimum service fee, usually starting at around $100. Prices can go over $600 for 3,000+ sqft carpeted area. 

How long does it take for carpets to dry after cleaning?

Typically, carpets will be dry and ready to use within 6 to 24 hours after cleaning, depending on the carpet type and ventilation in the area.

Do I need to move furniture before and after cleaning the carpets?

Yes, you should move light furniture pieces before and after cleaning. However, heavier items like beds, dressers, or TV stands are typically not moved. Cleaning around and under these items is done as much as possible.

Seal the Deal with Clean Carpets

Clean carpets can make a huge difference when selling a home. As a realtor, you want to make the best impression on potential buyers, and our carpet cleaning team at Steam Brite is here to help. 

Our experts provide professional carpet cleaning services that enhance the look and feel of any home. We will remove stains, odors, signs of wear, and any other issues with your carpets.

Show All Comments Sort:
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dave- Clean and odor free carpets go a long way in making a good first impression when selling a home!!! Great information. 

May 31, 2024 06:47 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jun 01, 2024 08:17 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker
Great information, thanks for sharing.  I hope you have a great day.
Jun 02, 2024 04:20 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Dave Livingston ,

Welcome to ActiveRain. I'm so glad that Kathy Streib featured your post in her Sunday series as I missed it. First impressions are so important when presenting a home on market and order free and clean carpets can set the tone for a great impression!

Jun 02, 2024 05:10 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Carpet is the most affordable type of flooring to replace for a new homeowner, but if it isn't at least clean when they are looking at the home, then it usually will turn them off from even purchasing the home, haha.  Welcome to the Rain, I am following you and look forward to interacting with you!

Jun 02, 2024 05:23 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dave - making a positive impression matters.  And that's certainly true when inviting someone into your home.  Doubly so when that property is for sale.  Your advice on choosing the right carpet cleaning company provides a lot of good information.  

Jun 02, 2024 05:44 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Hi Dave what a great post and if it was not for Kathy Streib  I would not be here.... with that said I am now following you, Endre

Jun 02, 2024 10:22 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

All of us who have been real estate agents for a while have shown a house where, upon entering, our client said, "Look at that horrible carpet! I would have to replace that!" 

A good carpet cleaning might have avoided the obvious loss of desirability in the eyes of that client. And, if the carpet is that bad, what does it make the buyer presuppose about the rest of the house?

Jun 07, 2024 02:50 PM