A house cleaning checklist can transform your cleaning routine. It maintains your organization and ensures you don’t miss any tasks. Providing a clear plan, helps you prioritize and manage your time better.
Professional cleaning before listing for property sellers can greatly increase the property’s market value. A spotless home attracts more buyers or renters and can justify a higher asking price.
Hiring a trusted property manager ensures that cleaning is handled efficiently and effectively.
In this article, we will explore the ultimate real estate cleaning checklist to help you get your property ready for sale.
Understanding the Significance of a Real Estate Cleaning Checklist
Before listing a property for sale or rent, it’s important to understand the impact of cleanliness on its marketability. Cleanliness greatly influences the perception of a property’s value and desirability.
Property cleanliness ranked as the most important factor (51%) in making a positive impact on buyers.
When home staging, your goal is to present your home in such a way that potential buyers can envision it as their dream house.
Here’s how to do it:
First Impressions Matter
The initial impression frequently leaves the longest-lasting impact. When prospective tenants or buyers visit a property, cleanliness is frequently the first thing they notice.
A well-kept and tidy exterior suggests that the house has been well-maintained and is likely in good overall condition.
Perceived Quality and Marketability
A spotless property is often thought to be of high quality. It persuades potential buyers or tenants that the infrastructure and systems are in good condition.
Well-kept homes not only have a higher market value but also attract more potential buyers.
Long-term Worth
Maintaining a clean property over time helps preserve its value.
Routine cleaning and maintenance prevent deterioration and damage, ensuring that the property remains appealing and valuable in the long run.
The Advantages of Using a Checklist for Property Sellers
A structured house cleaning checklist offers numerous benefits for property sellers.
- Ensuring Market Readiness
For real estate agents, the aim is to swiftly sell properties. Professional cleaning ensures the property remains market-ready at all times.
- Say Cheese!
Listing photos that showcase their dream home draws potential buyers. Real estate agents can attract these buyers with high-quality photos of professionally cleaned property.
Indeed, 58% of buyers agents surveyed for the National Association of Realtors agree that deep cleaning sets the stage for quality professional listing photos and effective staging.
- It Shouldn’t be on the Sellers
Cleaning standards vary from person to person. By hiring a professional cleaning service, facilitated by a reputable property manager, you can maintain a high level of cleanliness and offer buyers a pristine, fresh start in their new home.
- Get Your Money’s Worth
Maximizing profit is important when selling a house. A professionally cleaned property leaves buyers with no reason to request discounts at closing.
- Post-Construction Clean Up
Many properties require remodeling before listing or upon buyer request. Highlight these improvements by hiring commercial professional cleaners to ensure the property looks its best.
- Pristine Viewings
Using a professional cleaning service helps maintain a safe, pleasant environment and keeps the property smelling fresh for every viewing. It allows buyers to appreciate the property’s full potential without any distractions.
Room by Room Cleaning Checklist
A room-by-room checklist ensures thorough deep cleaning and helps you stay organized. Breaking down the cleaning process into smaller tasks makes it more manageable.
Kitchen
- Remove debris and sanitize with a damp microfiber cloth using an all-purpose cleaner.
- Thoroughly rinse the cloth and wipe both the inside and outside of cabinet doors and handles.
- Give kitchen appliances, such as the stovetop, a good wipe-down to remove any grime.
- Refresh your dishwasher by running a hot water cycle with a cup of baking soda.
- Scrub both the interior and exterior of the microwave and other small appliances.
- Keep the kitchen sink clean and odor-free by scrubbing it and pouring baking soda down the drain.
- Finish off by sweeping and mopping the floors, starting from the farthest corner and working towards the entryway.
Bathroom
- Take out bath rugs, trash cans, and any items from the tub or shower area.
- Remove the shower curtain and launder it in your washing machine or hand wash it in the tub.
- After scrubbing the shower walls, doors, and tub with a nylon scrubbing pad, apply an all-purpose cleaner spray.
- Apply grout cleaner to the grout lines and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the shower walls and tub thoroughly.
- Clean the vanity, sink, and faucet using an all-purpose cleaner, then rinse.
- Clean the mirror using a cloth and glass cleaner.
- Mop the floor using hot water and an all-purpose cleaner, ensuring to rinse off any residue.
Living Room
- Decluttering out the living room by removing any items that don’t belong there.
- Dust all surfaces from top to bottom using damp microfiber cloths, including picture frames, shelves, and furniture.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly.
- Clean the windows and window treatments such as blinds.
- Take out loose cushions, vacuum them, and clean the area beneath.
- Wipe down the TV and other electronics with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
- Disinfect remotes, game controllers, and similar small electronics using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.
Bedroom
- Remove clutter from the floor.
- Strip the bed, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, vacuum it, and then make the bed with fresh bedding.
- Dust the tops of windows and doors, then dust all surfaces working your way down.
- Clean the windows using glass cleaner.
- Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor thoroughly.
Outdoor Spaces
A clean exterior is essential for curb appeal.
- Declutter and sweep out garages and outdoor storage sheds.
- Invest in trash cans to keep trash bags out of sight.
- Ensure you water and prune all outdoor plants for optimal appearance.
- Trim bushes and shrubs to maintain a uniform look.
- Clean the front door area and consider painting it if necessary.
Tips and Tricks for Effective Cleaning
To maximize the efficiency of your deep cleaning process, consider these tips and strategies.
Make a Strategy
Plan out the locations to clean and the order in which to do so before you start. This method simplifies the procedure and helps you stay on course.
Declutter first.
Cleaning a clutter-free area is simpler. Set aside a short period of time to tidy up so that your cleaning binge will be speedier and more efficient.
Arm Yourself Adequately
The trick is to have the correct tools. For best results, make sure you have the necessities on hand, such as microfiber cloths and a dependable vacuum cleaner.
As You Go, Keep It Clean
Instead of letting chaos accumulate, deal with it when it arises. Quickly clean up spills and crumbs, and after you’re done using a place, tidy it up.
Concentrate on Just One Task
Whether you’re sweeping the living room or organizing the kitchen, focus on one cleaning chore at a time. This narrowly focused strategy increases productivity.
Split and Take Over
Ask your family members for assistance if they are around. Give each individual a specific cleaning task to complete in order to divide the workload and foster teamwork.
Form a Routine
Include it on a regular basis in your cleaning routine. For a continuously tidy home, set aside a specific day and time each week for a complete cleaning, and keep your place tidy in between.
Top 8 Things to Clean Prior to Listing a Home for Sale
Here are eight essential tasks to ensure your home is spotless and ready for sale.
- Clear Away Clutter
Removing debris and clearing clutter is essential when selling your home. Clutter can be visually off-putting and divert potential buyers’ attention. Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles in every room, including the garage.
- Shinning Surfaces
Dust and wipe down all surfaces to present your home as well-cared-for. This includes furniture, decor, wall hangings, cabinets, baseboards, and even ceilings.
- Use Your Tools
Begin by sweeping floors, and paying extra attention to corners and tight spots. Use a vacuum cleaner to catch any dust or dirt missed by the broom, and then mop to sanitize and add a floors shine.
- Keep Appliances Clean
Thoroughly clean and sanitize both the outside and inside of all appliances to maintain cleanliness and prevent dust or dirt buildup.
- Can You See Your Reflection?
Ensure bright, clear natural light by thoroughly cleaning windows and mirrors. This also keeps reflective surfaces free of dust and grime.
- Where You Eat and Shower
Give your bathrooms and kitchen a deep clean. Dust all surfaces, wipe down counters, and scrub showers and tubs, paying particular attention to grout. Don’t forget to clean fans, light fixtures, and windows.
- Organize the Garage
Create an orderly garage space. Sort through belongings, discarding items no longer needed, such as tools, garden cleaning supplies, and outdoor furniture.
- Proper Trash Process
Empty all trash cans and dispose of garbage appropriately. This eliminates odors and reduces the risk of pests and germs.
Ready to impress? Schedule your real estate cleaning service with us now!
Utilizing a real estate commercial cleaning checklist is essential for property sellers. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to present your property in the best possible light, maximizing your chances of a successful sale.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your home for sale. Contact us today to have a cleaning schedule with a professional real estate cleaning service and the assistance of a skilled property manager. Also, see what our satisfied clients review about our services.
FAQs About Real Estate Cleaning Checklist
Here are some of the most common questions regarding real estate cleaning checklists.
Why is a cleaning checklist important?
Having a monthly house cleaning checklist is crucial for staying organized with your chores and preventing any tasks from slipping through the cracks. It helps you establish and meet cleaning goals regularly.
What is the difference between basic cleaning and deep cleaning?
While basic cleaning maintains day-to-day tidiness, deep cleaning involves a thorough overhaul beyond the usual routine. It addresses overlooked areas and difficult-to-reach spots, including hand-wiping anything reachable with a step stool.
What is the right order to clean a house?
Step-by-Step Guide to House Cleaning:
- Decluttering to simplify the cleaning process.
- Dust and damp-wipe from top to bottom.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
- Sweep and mop floors.
- Organize and clean the kitchen.
- Polish the bathroom.
- Freshen up the bedroom.
- Tidy the living room.
What is the priority of cleaning?
Cleaning should be a top priority for everyone at home or in the workplace. It ensures a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment, reflecting positively on your image.
In what order should you clean a house?
- Begin with the bathroom for a thorough cleanse.
- Proceed to dust and organize throughout the house.
- Follow up with mopping and vacuuming all floors shine.
- Conclude by thoroughly cleaning and organizing the kitchen.
