Home staging is a great way for buyers to get a closer look at the property they have their eyes on. It’s also an effective way for the seller or real estate agent to appeal to the buyer.
According to Statista, people find it easier to visualize a property as their future home if the property is staged. That’s why real estate agents prefer home staging sessions when they have to sell such a property.
In fact, RubyHome reports that a total of 6.9 million homes were sold in 2021 in the US. Out of them, 1.3 million were staged. Thus, around one in five homes sold in the US that year were staged.
A crucial aspect of home staging is ensuring your home is impeccably clean. In this article, we’ll share a few essential house cleaning tips to help you achieve a successful home staging.
#1 Declutter First
Before diving into the deep cleaning process, it’s essential to declutter your home thoroughly. Clutter not only makes your space appear smaller but also distracts potential buyers from envisioning themselves living there. Start by going through each room and getting rid of unnecessary items. Donate or store away personal belongings, excess furniture, and any clutter that’s accumulated over time.
Once you’ve decluttered, it will be easier to clean and organize your space effectively. You’ll also find that your rooms look more open and inviting, which is a key element in successful home staging.
#2 Deep Clean Carpets and Floors
Clean carpets and floors are crucial for creating a visually appealing environment. Begin by vacuuming all carpets and rugs, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas and corners. Consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service if there are stubborn stains or deep-seated dirt.
You also need to deep clean your outdoor concrete patio or driveway if you’re living in a rainy or flood-prone area. As to why you need to do so, let’s explain with an example.
Portland, OR this year has seen a lot of rain and floods. As a result, neighborhoods got very muddy. People’s outdoor concrete patios and driveways got especially dirty due to such weather. Thus, homeowners reached out to the best Portland pressure washing services they could find.
Pressure washing using an advanced cleaning solution and high-quality equipment is very effective in getting rid of stubborn and muddy dirt. Normal cleaning will barely clean the surface but with pressure washers, you get a more thorough cleaning.
According to Absolute Painting, professional service providers use commercial-grade pressure washers. Thus, they are more capable of removing dirt that, otherwise, is difficult to remove using ordinary soap and water. Ensuring the use of such services means your house will look as good as new no matter how bad the weather is over there.
#3 Kitchen and Bathroom Scrub Down
According to Trulia, buyers closely inspect and judge the kitchen and master bath when they’re out house hunting. Thus, the kitchen and bathrooms are two of the most critical areas to focus on when staging your home. These rooms can significantly impact a buyer’s decision, so they must be spotless.
In the kitchen, clean all appliances inside and out, paying special attention to the stove, oven, and refrigerator. Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes, ensuring they are free of grease and stains. Don’t forget to clean and shine your sink and faucets. Remove any clutter from the countertops and leave only a few decorative items to create a clean, inviting look.
In the bathroom, scrub the tub, shower, and toilet thoroughly. Replace any worn-out or discolored caulk and grout to give the space a fresh appearance. Clean the bathroom sink, mirrors, and any glass shower doors or partitions. Make sure to keep personal toiletries hidden and neatly organized, as this will help create a spa-like atmosphere.
#4 Dust and Polish Furniture and Fixtures
Dust can accumulate quickly, making your home look neglected. Before staging your home, dust and polish all your furniture and fixtures to ensure they look their best. Start with a microfiber cloth or duster to remove dust from surfaces, shelves, and decor items.
For wooden furniture, use an appropriate wood polish to restore shine and remove scratches. Pay attention to details like lampshades, light fixtures, and ceiling fans, as they often collect dust and cobwebs. Clean and polish metal fixtures, such as door knobs and handles, to make them shine like new.
#5 Freshen Up the Air
A clean and pleasant-smelling home can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. To achieve this, freshen up the air throughout your home. Open windows to let in fresh air and allow any lingering odors to dissipate.
Consider using natural air fresheners, such as bowls of citrus fruits or bowls of baking soda, to absorb odors. Avoid using strong artificial scents that may be off-putting to some buyers. If you have pets, ensure that pet odors are well managed by cleaning and deodorizing pet bedding, litter boxes, and other areas they frequent.
Conclusion
Given how effective a home staging can be, it’s vital that you make an amazing first impression on the potential buyers. Therefore, keep things around the house clean and fresh. To do so, stick to the cleaning tips we’ve discussed above. As you do that, you’ll have a clean and neat house that’s sure to wow your potential buyers.
