If you were selling your car, you would probably give it a thorough cleaning before taking photos or showing it to a buyer. You might even have it professionally detailed. When you’re preparing your home for sale, I recommend thinking about cleaning the same way.
This goes well beyond vacuuming, wiping down the kitchen counters, and straightening up. It means cleaning the details you may not notice anymore, from baseboards and light fixtures to bathroom vent covers and tile grout. The goal is to have the entire home looking its best before the photographer arrives and buyers start walking through.
Buyers Notice More Than You Think 
I work with buyers as well as sellers throughout Harford County, and I see how a home’s condition affects their impression of it. Buyers don’t often walk through and say, “Wow, this house is clean.” What I hear instead is, “This home has been well taken care of,” or, “They’ve kept it meticulous.”
That distinction matters. In my experience, when buyers see a home that has been cleaned thoroughly, they tend to assume the owner has taken good care of it. Cleanliness doesn’t tell us everything about a home’s maintenance, but it helps create that positive first impression.
Think Beyond Your Regular Cleaning Routine
When I say everything needs to be cleaned, I really do mean getting into the details. Along with the floors, counters, and bathrooms, pay attention to:
- Baseboards and trim.
- Light fixtures and bathroom vent covers.
- Windows, inside and outside.
- Walls that need to be wiped down.
- The inside of the refrigerator, oven, and microwave.
- Tile grout and areas where dirt has built up.
These are the kinds of things that can get overlooked during a normal week. Preparing to sell is the time to give them some attention.
Cleaning also helps us see what needs more work. If flooring still looks worn or dirty after it has been thoroughly cleaned, I may recommend replacing it. If wiping down the walls doesn’t improve their appearance enough, fresh paint may be the next step.
Be Honest About Odors
Odors can be a touchy subject because homeowners get used to the way their own home smells. You may no longer notice something that a buyer picks up on immediately. In my opinion, unpleasant smells are among the biggest obstacles when showing a home.
Start by stopping whatever is causing the odor. If someone smokes, that means no longer smoking inside. If there’s a musty smell, find and address the source of the dampness.
Then focus on a thorough cleaning and fresh air. I recommend opening windows as much as conditions allow, cleaning carpets, and washing or removing fabrics that hold odors, including heavy drapes.
I personally like a light lemon scent because people associate it with cleanliness. But fragrance should be a finishing touch after the source has been addressed. A strong scent won’t solve an odor problem.
Consider a Cleaning Service That Prepares Homes for Sale
There are companies that specialize in cleaning homes before they go on the market, including one we have locally. This is a much more detailed service than a typical recurring house cleaning. They understand the level of preparation needed to make a home look its best for photos and showings.
It can be expensive, but I consider it a worthwhile investment. If you’re comparing services, explain that you’re preparing to list your home and ask exactly what their cleaning includes.
Give the Outside the Same Attention
The cleaning shouldn’t stop at the front door. I ask sellers to keep the landscaping immaculate, clean porches and decks, and wash the outside of the windows. The home’s exterior may also need washing, using a method appropriate for the siding and other surfaces.
Buyers begin forming their impression before they step inside. You want the outside to show the same care you’ve put into the interior.
Keep Up With It as You Go
Once homeowners have invested the money or effort to get their home spotless, I find they’re usually good about keeping it that way. The easiest approach is to deal with things as they happen. If you use a dish, wash it and put it away immediately.
That’s easier said than done when you’re still living in the home, but keeping up with small tasks makes the next showing much less stressful.
Before spending money on decorative touches, start with a truly thorough cleaning. It gives us a clear picture of what else the home needs and helps buyers see it at its best.