Cared For, Not Sterile
No, your house does not have to look like nobody has ever eaten, slept or raised a child there.
It does need to feel cared for.
Buyers frequently use cleanliness as a shortcut for maintenance.
A dirty air return, greasy stove and filthy shower don't prove the HVAC, appliances and plumbing were neglected—but psychologically they can plant that idea.
What Buyers See, Smell and Touch
Focus first on what buyers see, smell and touch.
Kitchens and bathrooms deserve special attention.
Floors matter.
Windows matter when dirt interferes with the light or view.
Baseboards, doors and switches collect more grime than homeowners realize because we stop seeing our own houses after a while.
Then Deal With Smell
Then deal with smell.
Heavy fragrance is not a substitute for clean.
In fact, an overwhelming plug-in scent can make buyers wonder what you're covering up.
Pet odor, cigarette smoke and lingering cooking smells deserve honest attention before listing.
Decluttering Works With Cleaning
Decluttering is different from cleaning, but the two work together.
Buyers don't need your house empty.
They do need enough visual space to understand the rooms.
Severely Dirty Houses: Call First
If the property is severely dirty or distressed, don't panic and assume you need a professional crew before Lisa can even see it.
Call first.
Sometimes a cleaning investment makes tremendous sense.
Sometimes the property's overall condition suggests a different sale strategy.
A house that needs far more than a mop may be better marketed as-is or routed through the major-work guide.
The Point Is Not Perfection
The point is not perfection.
It's making sure buyers spend their limited attention evaluating the house instead of wondering when somebody last cleaned it.
For the photo-day checklist that follows the cleaning, see how to prepare the house for listing photos.
Want to Know What the Records Say About Your Property?
Request a free Property DNA report. Property DNA can include available property, ownership/history, mortgage-related, comparable, neighborhood, school, risk, public-record and other property information depending on available sources.
Current typical turnaround is approximately 40 minutes during normal business hours, and many reports are returned within one hour or the same business day, but turnaround is not guaranteed and can vary.
Property DNA is free through Lisa. Request a free Property DNA report.
Important
Property DNA uses third-party, public-record and other available data believed reliable but not guaranteed. It is provided for informational purposes and is not an appraisal, title search, title commitment, title insurance policy, inspection, survey, legal opinion, tax opinion, environmental report or guarantee of value.
