Fun fact: homes that are staged typically sell not only faster, but also for a higher price. And one of the most important parts of the staging process? A deep, deep clean. In fact, your home-staging clean should rival spring cleaning as far as intensity goes!
You may not notice small things, like dust bunnies under beds or scuffs in paint, but buyers will. That’s why it’s crucial to be as thorough as possible as you clean and stage your home. Use these tips to get started, and give us a call if you’d like some more personalized pointers!
The Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing buyers will see…so make sure it’s nothing less than impressive. Oftentimes, the exterior of your home can get put on the back burner, but your curb appeal will set the tone for the rest of the showing.
First, if your siding is looking worn down, consider either repainting or power washing. While you’re at it, it also might be a good idea to power wash any gunk, moss, and grass away from your sidewalks and driveway, as well. Pay attention to your landscaping, making sure your shrubs are trimmed, your garden weeded, and your plants as colorful as they can be. Lastly, if you have a porch area, set out a few extra potted plants or furniture to make it all the more welcoming—and don’t forget a new welcome mat, as well!
The Focus Areas
For buyers, the two most important areas of the home are typically the kitchen and the bathroom. That isn’t to say that the rest of the home is unimportant, but if you only have so much time to spend cleaning, then these are the two areas where you should devote the most focus.
Mop and polish the floors, wipe down the countertops and vanities, scrub down appliances, sinks, toilets, showers, and more, and consider re-caulking around problem areas. For a few finishing touches, set out fresh fruit in the kitchen and fresh towels in the bathroom!
The Clutter
If clutter makes you feel overwhelmed in your own home, imagine how it makes buyers feel. Not only that, but an excess of trinkets, photos, and other decor can also make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Be sure to take down any family photos, clean off tables and countertops, and make your decor as depersonalized as possible.
This also extends to the cleaning process. Besides doing the usual things like vacuuming, mopping, and dusting, you should take things a step further. Get under the couches and really take care of those dust bunnies, repair any cracks or holes in your walls, and update your walls to a more neutral color.
The Finishing Touches
The cleaning process is almost over, and it’s time to start with the finishing touches. This is where you can really show buyers that you take care of your space and go the extra mile! Scrub down the inside and outside of all the windows, dust the tops of the ceiling fans, polish the hardware, and make even the most out-of-the-way corners shine.
Need Some Staging Tips?
Cleaning before a staging is just one aspect of the selling process—want a little help with the rest? In addition to our staging tips, we’d also be more than happy to come to your home and do a walkthrough, recommending a few more personalized updates.
If you’re in need of any other selling help, feel free to browse our resources or give us a call. Whenever you’re ready to list your home, we’ll be there to help!