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🧽 Why Spring Cleaning Could Add $10,000 to Your Home’s Sale Price

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc 10307
Kitchen_Faucet.jpg

It’s officially listing season—and if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, now is the time to roll up your sleeves. Why? Because good old-fashioned spring cleaning might be the most cost-effective way to increase your home’s value.

Let me explain.

🧹 First Impressions Aren’t Just Visual—They’re Emotional

Buyers make decisions emotionally first and rationally second. When they walk into a clean, fresh-smelling, clutter-free home, they feel better. And that feeling translates into higher perceived value.

A home that looks crisp and well cared for doesn't just sell faster—it often sells for more.

✨ Where to Focus Your Efforts

You don’t have to gut and renovate. Instead, target these often-overlooked areas:

  • Windows – Clean them inside and out to let the natural light pour in.
  • Baseboards & Corners – Dust and grime here scream “deferred maintenance.”
  • Kitchens & Bathrooms – These are the big-ticket areas. Deep clean them like a model home.
  • Closets – Declutter by removing half the items. Yes—half. You’re moving anyway!
  • Garage, Porch, and Deck – These bonus spaces matter more in spring and summer.

Don’t forget scent: neutral, clean air beats heavy candles or artificial sprays. Open windows and use vinegar or citrus to deodorize naturally.

🧽 Clean Is Not the Same as Tidy

It’s easy to confuse “clean” with “neat.” A neat home can still be dusty. A clean home sparkles and shines—even if there’s a laundry basket in the corner.

💵 Real Value, Low Cost

Professional cleaning services range from $200–$500. If that results in a $10,000 higher offer—or even just a faster sale—it’s a smart return on investment. You’d never list a car without washing it. Don’t list a house without deep cleaning it.

Let's chat if you’re considering selling your home in Oconee, Pickens, or Anderson Counties this spring. I can walk you through what today's buyers are really looking for—and help you put your best foot forward before you ever stick a sign in the yard.

📞 Call or text me at 864-710-4518 or visit www.CoolMountainEscapes.com to get started.

 

 

Posted by

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Gwen Fowler

Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc
317 South Highway 11
West Union SC 29696
Serving Oconee County, from the banks of the Chattooga River to the shores of Jocassee, Hartwell & Keowee Lakes, and all the private lakes in between.

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Contact me about property in Oconee County, Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, Long Creek, Salem, Mountain Rest, Richland, Sunset and Six Mile, SC.  2nd homes are our expertise. 

The best number to reach me at is 1-864-710-4518--either by call or text.

View our listings at www.CoolMountainEscapes.com

 

 

 

Comments(15)

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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Gwen,
A good deep cleaning is definitely a good investment when getting a home ready for market.

May 21, 2025 10:05 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Well worth the money to have experts clean and sparkle your house.  Thanks for the comment.

May 21, 2025 10:10 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thank you for sharing the information. Wishing you continued success. Have a wonderful day and sell a house. Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

May 21, 2025 12:11 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Working on selling today. Thanks for the comment. Have a great Thursday and weekend. 

May 22, 2025 05:27 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Gwen,

You have excellent tips because as Barbara Todaro always said "The eye buys!" Buyers make decisions emotionally first and rationally second. There is nothing better fort a buyer to walk into a clean, fresh-smelling, clutter-free home. They are instantly drawn in and that home rises to the top of their list!

May 21, 2025 12:37 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

The eye sees, the nose buys. If a house does not look or smell good, then the chore of selling just grows. Thanks for the comment.

May 22, 2025 05:26 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing these practical tips, Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518. Spring cleaning really does have the power to boost your home's value! I appreciate how you break down the focus areas and remind us that a little effort can go a long way. 🧹💰 Here's to making those homes shine!

May 21, 2025 03:37 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Mr. Lew, thank you for the comment and your time to read.  I look forward to your input daily.

May 22, 2025 05:25 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Gwen- This is so true "Clean is not the same as tidy."   If you have to invest in a cleaning crew, it will be money well spent. 

May 21, 2025 06:17 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Roll up the rugs is my new mantra.  Bathroom rugs need to be put away before showings.  Shower curtains shut and all the bath products need to be put away with the bath toys.  Deep clean and then regular pick up will make a house sell.

May 22, 2025 05:24 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Gwen - when a favorable first impression turns into a lasting impact as well as an acceptable offer that closes, that may be the ultimate test for cleaning up in real estate.  Good tips.  

May 22, 2025 03:54 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Thanks for the read and the comment.

May 22, 2025 05:23 AM
Salar Davari
AI HomeDesign - Vancouver, BC

Many factors effect buyers' first impression and the smell of fresh clean rooms is one of the most effective ones. Thank you Gwen. 

May 22, 2025 06:04 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Thanks for the comment.  Have a great day.

May 22, 2025 06:24 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Deep cleaning plus regular maintenance creates a higher standard of living that clearly reflects in positive feedback after showings. Fantastic post that is definitely worthy of attention, Gwen!

May 22, 2025 09:21 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Thanks for the comment, have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

May 23, 2025 05:10 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Gwen, I usually recommend a homeowner call one of my cleaning companies, as when you live in a place, sometimes you overlook things you shouldn't.

May 22, 2025 01:19 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

I tell them to have a friend with fresh eyes look at their house  and then decide.  Cleaner is better. Have a safe memorial day weekend.

May 23, 2025 05:11 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Gwen. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. First impressions are what prompt emotional response. And emotional response is what causes the finger to pull the trigger. Enjoy your day.

May 24, 2025 05:33 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

I love when the cleaners come, they take the dust with them. My house just sparkles for a couple of days and it is so relaxing to go home to a clean house.  Thanks for the comment.  Hae a Great Weekend!!

May 24, 2025 05:36 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

May 24, 2025 06:48 PM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Thank you for the feature.

May 25, 2025 06:48 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Great point about deferred maintenance.  Cleaning also means changing furnace/AC filters, checking for water leaks under sinks, make sure dishwasher is emptied and cleaned as well as stove top and oven.

May 25, 2025 08:10 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

Putting things away is my biggest challenge, even the cat leaves me things to do.

May 25, 2025 08:20 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Buyers want to feel that they did well when they close and having to start to bring in professionals to finish or clean up something is never on their vision board.

May 25, 2025 09:10 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

We dream of the perfect house, but it does not exist.  There will always be a list of things that need attention.  Thanks for the comment.

May 26, 2025 06:02 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

a dirty house makes a buyer think that the house is also not well maintained and will have problems down the road

May 26, 2025 05:32 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518

That has been my experience.  Thanks for the comment.

May 26, 2025 06:01 AM
Charles Ross - eXp Realty (Salina Group) | Broker
Salina Group - Salina, KS
Love To Help People

Gwen Fowler, your spring cleaning advice is pure gold! 🌸🧽 Turning elbow grease into equity is a win-win mindset for sellers this season. #StayMotivated #CleanForSuccess 💰✨

Jun 07, 2025 03:03 PM
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