You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Don’t risk losing a potential buyer because you’ve overlooked something simple. Follow this fast & easy cleaning routine right before your showing and set your home up for a great first impression!
1) Clean and Shine the Sink & Appliances
The kitchen is the main focal point of many homes and buyers will focus a lot of attention on the kitchen. If the kitchen looks good, it can set the tone for the rest of your home. Simply scrub down the stink and dry it with a clean towel. Use that same towel to wipe down kitchen appliances, and then spray & wipe the counters while you’re at it. (4 minutes)
2) Empty All the Trash Cans
This seems like a small thing, but an overflowing bathroom, office, or kitchen trash is a big turn-off. It takes just a couple minutes to collect all the trash in one bag and put it into an outdoor or garage trash can. If you use liners your trash cans, they’re easy to replace. It makes a big difference in the way rooms look, especially in a bathroom. (3 minutes)
3) Remove Clutter from Counters & Floors
Even if your house is clean, clutter can be a major distraction. Counters should be free of papers and other items. Don’t overlook minor details - like crumbs on the table from breakfast, toothpaste remnants in sinks and dust bunnies in rooms you may use less frequently. Keep an empty laundry basket on hand, so you can run through the house and throw in anything on the floor or counters. (5 minutes)
4) Sweep the Kitchen Floor
Buyers may not notice that you swept the floor, but they certainly will notice if it has NOT been swept. It takes just a few takes minutes to do, and it makes the whole kitchen look so much cleaner. Run a mop around the baseboards too if you have extra time. (3 minutes)
5) Make it Smells Clean
You’ve probably heard a bunch of tips on making your home smell good before a showing - everything from baking chocolate chip cookies to apple pie. Comforting smells can be appealing to home buyers - but be aware of strongly scented sprays, candles or other products. Some people are allergic to scents, and you don’t want fragrances to be overwhelming. Remove or clean open pet foods & litter boxes. (2 minutes) If the weather permits, open a few windows about 30 minutes ahead of time, then close them right before you leave. Nothing beats fresh air! (1 minute)
Bonus Tip – leave out a couple bottles of water and a little dish of wrapped chocolates or candies. There’s nothing like making a good first impression and doing this little extra step just may help buyers remember your home and allow it to out from the crowd.
