Most sellers understand the importance of keeping their home clean while it’s on the market. Actually keeping it clean is another matter, though. Share these tips with your clients so they can tidy up in a flash next time an agent calls to show the home on short notice.
Banish bad smells. As soon as you find out someone is on the way to your house, light a scented candle. If you have a cat-litter box that could stand cleaning, put it in the garage or, better yet, back yard.
Clear clutter. Get kids' toys, laundry, dishes, papers, and other distracting messes out of the way. Stash items in locations where buyers are unlikely to look–like under beds or in dressers–rather than in closets. If there’s no room in the dishwasher for dirty dishes, put them in the fridge. The washer and drier offer handy temporary storage space for items that will fit. So do cars. As a last-ditch solution, stuff belongings into garbage bags, pillow cases, or boxes and put them in the garage.
Don’t forget bathrooms. Scoop everything from bathroom counters into a basket, box, or bag and put it in a cabinet. Check to ensure all toilet lids are down.
Prioritize the rest. If you still have time before the prospects arrive, determine what will make the most difference and tackle it. A quick pass with the vacuum, wiping down kitchen counters, cleaning glass tabletops and mirrors are all good candidates.
If you leave the house when the prospective buyers show up (a good idea), blow out the candle before you go.
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timeasmymeasure
How to - Clean a house in seven minutes
Date: 2004-03-18 12:29 pm (UTC)Banish bad smells. As soon as you find out someone is on the way to your house, light a scented candle. If you have a cat-litter box that could stand cleaning, put it in the garage or, better yet, back yard.
Clear clutter. Get kids' toys, laundry, dishes, papers, and other distracting messes out of the way. Stash items in locations where buyers are unlikely to look–like under beds or in dressers–rather than in closets. If there’s no room in the dishwasher for dirty dishes, put them in the fridge. The washer and drier offer handy temporary storage space for items that will fit. So do cars. As a last-ditch solution, stuff belongings into garbage bags, pillow cases, or boxes and put them in the garage.
Don’t forget bathrooms. Scoop everything from bathroom counters into a basket, box, or bag and put it in a cabinet. Check to ensure all toilet lids are down.
Prioritize the rest. If you still have time before the prospects arrive, determine what will make the most difference and tackle it. A quick pass with the vacuum, wiping down kitchen counters, cleaning glass tabletops and mirrors are all good candidates.
If you leave the house when the prospective buyers show up (a good idea), blow out the candle before you go.