Cleaning Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

The luxury lifestyle of Burr Ridge continues to make it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in suburban Chicago. With grand estates, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and a peaceful vibe, you will find everything you need in this serene and affluent environment. A wonderful mix of fine dining, upscale retail, charming coffee shops, and spacious parks make Burr Ridge an exclusive and attractive community for potential home buyers.

When it is time to place your home on the market, it is critical the house is clean and well-maintained. With the busy home selling season upon us, you want to keep your home orderly, spotless, and inviting. Below we will explore easy cleaning tips to ensure your home sparkles and attracts possible buyers from the moment they step inside.

One of the best ways to start the cleaning process is to perform an extensive process of decluttering and neutralizing your home for sale. Go through each room and determine what items you want to keep when you move, what things need discarding, and what items you can donate or sell. This step will help you prioritize your belongings and make your home look more spacious. Plus, potential buyers can more easily see themselves in your home when it is clutter-free. While it may be tempting to stash items in a closet and leave it at that, it is best to remove things that distract from the appeal of your home. Articles you may want to consider taking out of the home include:

Focus on the areas of your home that become cluttered over time, such as closets, pantries, cabinets, and laundry rooms. Remember to declutter and organize your basement and garage areas as well. Buyers looking for homes for sale in Burr Ridge, Illinois, will check out all your spaces, and you want them to leave with the best impression of your home. Plus, going all out on decluttering means you will have less to move when the time comes.

While cleaning can be time-consuming, it pays huge dividends in resale. Plenty of areas routinely get cleaned, but it is critical to perform a thorough deep cleaning throughout the home. Doing a next-level cleaning will help your home stand out. While this may take more time and money, the investment is well worth it, ensuring your home's features stand out. Whether you hire a service or do it yourself, identify areas often bypassed in your regular cleaning routine. Remember to give special attention to the following areas:

Buyers pay attention to the most minor details, and thoroughly cleaning your home from top to bottom will set your home apart and provide a notable first impression.

Before placing your home on the market, ensure you are on top of any routine maintenance for your home. For example, change the HVAC filters, put new batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, check that the hoses connected to the washing machine are functioning correctly, and so forth.

Remember to inspect the outside of your home as well. An inspection is critical to ensure a fabulous first impression when buyers visit your home. Check your roof and gutters for any damage that may have occurred over the winter months. Look for cracks or shingles that may have loosened. Hire a professional to inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts. Be sure your front door and porch area are pristine. Now is the time to paint the front door, add flowers, and purchase a new doormat to spruce up this important space.

If you plan on selling your home with the current appliances, you need to ensure they are performing at peak levels. One way to do this is to give them a thorough cleaning. For example, in the kitchen, clean the garbage disposal under the rubber gasket. Run the garbage disposal with a citrus peel like lemon or lime to make it smell fresh and clean.

Often overlooked, the dishwasher should also get some attention. Remove and prevent food residue buildup by using a dishwasher cleaner. Remember to remove and clean your dishwasher's filter routinely to keep the machine running well.

Food debris and stains often accumulate in the kitchen sink and are not removed with regular cleaning. Now is the time to tackle the kitchen sink and faucet with a toothbrush to clean any holes blocking water from flowing freely from the fixture. Remove the aerator and give it a thorough cleaning.

Buyers looking at houses for sale in Burr Ridge, Illinois, want to see if the kitchen appliances have been well maintained, including the oven. Make the job easier by placing a large pot of steaming water into the oven for a few minutes before tackling the grime and grease accumulating over time. Use the same strategy to make the inside of your microwave sparkle.

Lastly, tackle the refrigerator and freezer. Buyers will open and close every door, appliance, and closet. Ensure their impression is that your home is clean, tidy, well cared for, and attractive. Clear out everything from your freezer and refrigerator and wash the inside with clean, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Remember to pull the appliance away from the wall to vacuum the floor, coils, and fan to keep everything running efficiently and effectively.

When you are ready to place your home on the market or view Burr Ridge, Illinois homes for sale, contact The Casselyn Group. Their expertise in market analysis, negotiating the best deal for their clients, and walking you through each step of the real estate process ensures you will have a successful and profitable real estate transaction.