Homeowner's Guide: Pre-sale and Open House Cleaning for Big Profits

POSTED ON July 28, 2023

Planning to list your place soon? 

Imagine this: A potential buyer walks into your open house, instantly impressed by the pristine condition of your property. They can envision themselves living in this well-maintained space already. They manifested it!  

In this guide, we will help you maximise the value of your house and attract the highest possible offer by utilising the power of professional home cleaning services. Just follow our tips and checklists for a successful open house inspection. 

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Property Before Putting It On The Market:

Meets Buyers' Expectations

The first impression is significant, especially when looking for the right property that matches your expectations. A clean and well-maintained house creates a positive first impression on potential buyers. It shows that the property has been taken care of and suggests that the seller has attention to detail and is responsible. 

A properly maintained and clean house with a beautiful garden maximises the property value and is more appealing to valuable buyers. In addition, considering how competitive the real estate market is, making your property stand out from the rest is essential. A clean and well-presented house can give your property an edge over other listings in the area. It can generate more interest, and more buyers and potentially lead to a quicker sale. 

If you are too busy moving to your new property, the best option would be to organise a professional cleaning company for the deep cleaning of the property you are selling. It will set you on the right track because it will meet potential buyers' expectations, highlight the property's potential, leave a positive impression and build trust. 

Homeowners' Pre-Sale Checklist:

Clean the Entire House:  

➔  Floors: Vacuum and mop all floors, paying special attention to high-traffic areas. Clean carpets thoroughly, removing any stains or odours. 

➔  Kitchen: All surfaces, including countertops, kitchen benchtops, cabinets, and kitchen appliances. Pay extra attention to the stovetop, oven, and range hood. 

➔  Bathrooms: Scrub tiles, grout, and shower areas to remove any dirt or grime. Ensure the toilets are spotless and all fixtures are shiny and functioning correctly. 

➔  Windows: Clean the windows from both sides, including mirrors and blinds. If you have plantation shutters, get those taken care of, too. Open them to allow natural light to fill your home and illuminate all glass surfaces and, thus, the entire space. 

➔  Walls: Spot clean any marks or stains on the walls. Consider repainting if necessary to give a fresh and appealing look. 

➔  General: Remove cobwebs, dust off the light fittings and switches, and make sure there are no signs of mould or mildew around the house. 

Enhance the Exterior and Garden: 

➔  Make sure the lawn and flower beds are in good condition 

➔  Add fresh mulch or bark to flower beds for a neat appearance 

➔  Remove weeds and any rubbish from the garden 

➔  Trim hedges and bushes 

➔  Pressure clean pathways and driveways 

➔  Make sure the front door and entrance are clean and in good condition 

Deep-cleaning your home before listing it on the market is a crucial step in selling. It enhances the value of your property, meets buyers' expectations, and unveils any hidden damage that requires attention. Investing in a thorough deep cleaning creates a positive first impression and increases your chances of receiving competitive offers. So, before you put your home on the market, prioritise deep cleaning to achieve the best possible outcome for your sale. 

Reasons To Hire A Professional Cleaning Company For Your Pre-sale House Cleaning

While cleaning your house yourself is possible, hiring professional cleaning services offers several advantages. 

You can save time and energy by focusing on other crucial home-selling aspects. Whether it's staging, paperwork, or negotiations, you can dedicate your efforts to tasks that require your attention. 

Cleaning the property, you will be selling sounds stressful enough, especially if you plan to clean the entire place for an open house at the last minute. Knowing that experts are handling the cleaning lets you approach the selling process with a clearer mind, enabling you to navigate the various stages more smoothly. 

The correlation between cleanliness and sale prices is common sense in real estate. By investing in professional cleaning, you make an intelligent investment leading to a higher sale price and a greater return on your property. 

Checklist for a Memorable Open House 

Quick Cleaning: Vacuum and mop high-traffic areas; wipe down surfaces, countertops, mirrors, and windows; and remove visible dirt or debris. 

Ambience: Allow fresh air to circulate by opening windows; use lightly scented candles or air fresheners to create a pleasant aroma; and avoid cooking strong-smelling foods before the open house. 

Tidy and Declutter: Organise and declutter living spaces; store personal items; straighten furniture and pillows. 

Enhance Curb Appeal: Sweep the entrance, clear any leaves or debris, arrange potted plants or flowers near the entrance, and check the front door and entrance area.  

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Illuminate the space by turning on all lights, opening curtains or blinds to let in natural light, and playing soft background music for a pleasant ambience.

Increasing Your Property's Value 

Repair and Maintain: Fix or replace damaged fixtures, oil squeaky doors, or floorboards; ensure all light bulbs work and replace any burnt-out ones. Check and repair any leaks or water damage. 

Declutter and Depersonalise: Remove unnecessary items from all rooms, store personal belongings, create a neutral atmosphere by removing excess furniture, and organise storage spaces. 

Maximise Energy Efficiency: Replace the old light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, seal windows and doors to minimise draughts, insulate the attic and walls if necessary, and consider installing programmable thermostats to display energy-saving features. 

Concluding Thoughts: The Influence Of Professional Cleaning On Open House Inspections 

First impressions hold significant sway: a clean house substantially enhances your property's appeal. Special attention to your house's interior and exterior, particularly areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and garden, pays off. Hiring professional cleaners saves you time and effort, reduces stress, and can help secure a higher sale price. Addressing defects, decluttering, depersonalising, and making key upgrades can further boost your property's value. 

Remember, the aim is to create a space that potential buyers can envision as their future home. Consider engaging professional cleaning services for your open house inspection in Melbourne. 

Ready to make your home sparkle for potential buyers? Remember, a clean home isn't just a home that sells — it's a home that commands the best price!