Summer Cleaning to Prep Your House for Sale

As summer approaches, this is the perfect time to tackle some deep cleaning and decluttering tasks to make your house shine.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a comprehensive checklist to help you with your summer cleaning and prep your house for sale.

Get Your Home Ready to Impress Potential Buyers

Start with a Clear Plan

• Data: According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, homes that are well-prepared for sale spend an average of 23 days on the market, compared to 40 days for homes that aren’t.
• Tip: Use a digital or physical checklist to organize tasks and set deadlines for each area of your home. This structured approach will help you stay focused and efficient.

Declutter and Depersonalize

• Data: The National Association of Realtors reports that 91% of real estate agents recommend decluttering homes before putting them on the market.
• Tip: Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store excess belongings. This will not only declutter your home but also make moving easier when the time comes.

Deep Clean Every Room

• Data: According to the National Association of Realtors, 88% of agents recommend an entire home cleaning.
• Tip: Invest in professional cleaning services for particularly challenging areas like carpets and upholstery. The investment can pay off with a higher selling price and faster sale.

Enhance Curb Appeal

• Data: Homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more according to a study by Michigan State University.
• Tip: Consider adding outdoor lighting to highlight key features of your home, such as architectural details or landscaping. This can create a welcoming ambiance for potential buyers, especially during evening showings.

Make Repairs and Improvements

• Data: According to HomeLight, minor Kitchen repairs and updates can yield an average return on investment (ROI) of 96%.
• Tip: Prioritize repairs that affect functionality and safety, such as leaky faucets or electrical issues. These are often red flags for buyers and can impact their perception of the home’s overall condition.

Stage Your Home

• Data: 83% of buyers’ agents say that staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
• Tip: Focus on creating inviting spaces that highlight the functionality and versatility of each room. Consider renting furniture and accessories if necessary to achieve the desired look.

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

• Data: According to a survey by the Institute of Environmental Design, pleasant scents can increase a home’s perceived value by up to 3%.
• Tip: Opt for subtle scents like citrus or lavender, which are universally appealing and unlikely to overwhelm potential buyers. Additionally, consider adding strategic lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere during showings.

Get the Financing for Your New Home Looking Great Too

By following this summer cleaning checklist, you’ll ensure that your house is in top shape for potential buyers. From decluttering to deep cleaning and staging, these steps will help you impress and attract interested parties.

And when it’s time to finance your new home, turn to Embrace Home Loans® for expert guidance and a seamless mortgage experience. Contact us today.

FAQs

What are the most important summer cleaning tasks to prepare my home for sale?

Focus on deep cleaning every room, decluttering, and enhancing curb appeal. These tasks help increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers.

Why is decluttering so important before listing my home?

Decluttering helps buyers visualize themselves in the space. It makes rooms appear larger, cleaner, and more inviting, which can lead to a quicker sale.

How can I improve my home’s curb appeal during the summer?

Mow the lawn, trim hedges, plant flowers, and consider outdoor lighting. Small updates like painting the front door or adding potted plants also make a big impact.

Should I invest in professional cleaning or staging services?

Yes—professional cleaning can increase your home’s perceived value, and staging has been shown to help homes sell faster and for more money.

What’s the benefit of using a checklist when prepping my home for sale?

A checklist helps you stay organized, ensures no tasks are overlooked, and allows you to prioritize high-impact improvements for maximum ROI.