Getting your home ready for sale or a pre-settlement inspection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Discover how a spotless and well-maintained property can impress buyers and boost your market value. Follow these top 5 pre-sale and settlement cleaning tips to make your home shine and secure a successful sale.

Declutter and Deep Clean

Decluttering and deep cleaning are essential for creating a welcoming environment. Start by removing unnecessary items from all rooms, simplifying spaces, and making them appear larger and more appealing.

Steps to Declutter and Deep Clean

  • 1

    Declutter: Begin with one room at a time. Remove items that don’t need to be on display and store them away. Aim for a neat and tidy look.

  • 2

    Deep Clean: Clean from top to bottom. Focus on ceiling fans, light fixtures, shelves, and other high surfaces first. Then, move to furniture, countertops, and finally, the floors.

Key areas to focus on include:

  • Living Areas: Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including door handles and light switches. Vacuum and mop the floors thoroughly.

  • Bedrooms: Make beds with fresh linens, dust all surfaces, and ensure wardrobes are organized.

Kitchen and Bathroom Scrub-Down

Bathroom Cleaning

Kitchens and bathrooms are high-priority areas for buyers. A spotless kitchen and bathroom can significantly impact their decision.

Detailed Cleaning Steps

  1. Kitchen:
    • Clean the oven, stovetop, microwave, and other appliances.
    • Scrub countertops, sinks, and backsplashes.
    • Empty and clean the refrigerator and pantry.
    • Mop the floor and wipe down all cabinets.
  2. Bathroom:
    • Scrub tiles, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
    • Clean mirrors and light fixtures.
    • Ensure all plumbing is in working order.
    • Replace any worn-out or stained bathroom mats and towels.

Conquer Carpet and Upholstery

Carpet Cleaning

Carpets and upholstery can harbor dirt and allergens, so it’s a good idea to steam clean these surfaces to make them look and smell fresh.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Tips

  • Vacuuming: Start by vacuuming all carpeted areas and upholstered furniture thoroughly.

  • Spot Cleaning: Treat any stains with appropriate cleaning solutions.

  • Steam Clean: Hire a professional or rent a steam cleaner to deep clean carpets and upholstery, removing deep-seated dirt and odors.

Tackle Windows and Walls

Clean windows and walls can brighten up your home, making it look more inviting and well-maintained.

Window and Wall Cleaning Steps

  1. Windows:
    • Clean both the interior and exterior of all windows.
    • Wipe down window sills and tracks.
    • Ensure blinds or curtains are clean and in good condition.
  2. Walls:
    • Wipe down walls to remove dust, cobwebs, and smudges.
    • Touch up paint if necessary to cover any scuffs or marks.

Curb Appeal Counts: Spruce Up the Exterior

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression.

Steps to Enhance Curb Appeal

  1. Garden and Lawn:
    • Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and weed flower beds.
    • Plant some colorful flowers to add vibrancy.
  2. Paths and Driveways:
    • Sweep and pressure wash walkways and driveways.
    • Remove any debris or clutter from these areas.
  3. Exterior Cleaning:
    • Clean the exterior walls, gutters, and roof.
    • Ensure all exterior lights are in working order and clean.

Final Touches and Inspection

Before the settlement date, ensure all these areas are double-checked and in good condition.

Final Checklist

  • Final Clean: Do a last-minute clean of high-traffic areas and touch up any spots that need attention.

  • Inspection Ready: Ensure the property is ready for the pre-settlement inspection. Check that all appliances, lights, and fixtures are working.

  • Documentation: Have a checklist or documentation of all the cleaning tasks completed to present to the buyer if necessary.

Ready to Sell? Hire Professional Pre-Sale Cleaners

By following these top 5 pre-sale and settlement cleaning tips, you can ensure your home is in top condition, ready to impress potential buyers, and meet all requirements of the contract of sale. For a hassle-free cleaning experience, consider hiring professional cleaners from Home Style Cleaning to handle the job efficiently and thoroughly.