Are you unsure about how to clean a house after selling it? You’re prepared to part with your old home now that you’ve found a buyer and set the closing. A tidy break! Spending the weekend doing a thorough cleaning so that someone else can enjoy it is the last thing you want to do.
The temptation to put off those final cleaning tasks is great. But resist giving in. Cleaning up after yourself isn’t only a matter of manners; it might also affect your ability to sell your house.
Buyers may overlook your forgetfulness to sweep under the stove, but more major infractions can have dire repercussions. The top Toronto real estate agents can warn that transactions can even fall through because a property’s bad conditions were found during the final walk-through. By closing day, it’s likely that your buyer will be under a great deal of stress, and you don’t want to add to their anxiety.
Verify the terms of your contract; some sellers may require that the property be clean before the buyer moves in. You run the danger of being sued if you accept this (verbally or in writing) and don’t keep your part of the contract.
To avoid any issues, here are some of the best cleaning tips for your home, before you move!
Work with a Plan
Starting the cleaning process as soon as you can is easiest. A well-thought-out strategy will help you do the task more quickly. Work your way down, cleaning each room one at a time. In the relevant rooms, take into account:
- Clean the light fittings and ceiling fans
- Clean the walls
- Vacuum, sweep, and mop
- Refrigerator cleaning
- Clean the drip pans and the stove and oven
- Clean cabinets and walls
Move on to the next space once you’ve finished the previous one. Don’t overlook the specifics.
Clean the Unseen
You have to think about more than just how to clean the house before the final walk-through. If your property has any unpleasant odours, such those from cat litter, a wet dog, rubbish, mould, or the cuisine you made for supper the night before, buyers will likely notice them as soon as they enter.
Buyers will assume the house is dirty if there are any unusual smells, even if they are fleeting. Air fresheners can, of course, reduce scents that linger, but you may also try these creative strategies.
If you’re having doubts, ask a friend who may not be as accustomed to the smell of your home as you are to come walk through your home and ask for an unbiased opinion.
Don’t Leave Things Behind
Because they don’t want to deal with them or because they believe the future owner might find use for them, many sellers opt to leave behind personal items. But purchasers are virtually always searching for a blank slate. Your outdated garbage can, and shower curtain are useless.
Take everything with you unless the buyer specifically requested not to get it. Check again for any potential missing items in the garage, storage areas, basements, and attics.
