6 Spring Cleaning Tasks to Do While Socially Distancing

The busy summer selling season will be here before you know it. Set your clients up for success by sharing the following pre-sale to-do list before putting their house on the market.

Enhance curb appeal

It’s important for sellers to take care of any exterior issues which may turn off prospective buyers. This means removing stray leaves and branches, shaping up hedges and keeping the lawn neatly cut. If exterior siding is rotting or the paint has begun to peel, it’s important to fix these issues before a home goes on the market. Your clients should also inspect their windows to make sure they don’t stick or have any flaws that might cause concern among buyers.

Avoid certain improvements

While the right renovations can add value to a home, some provide poor returns on a homeowner’s investment. Kitchen renovations tend to bring only about 50 cents on the dollar, while basement renovations yield even less value in most instances. Unfortunately, many sellers mistakenly believe these types of renovations will allow them to increase their asking prices. Be sure to advise your clients against fruitless renovations that cost more than they will get in return.

Make the right renovations

Certain upgrades can enhance a home’s value without putting a large dent in your client’s bank account. To add real value to your home, it’s generally best to focus on projects that offer a double impact. For instance, instead of targeting upgrades that make your home more beautiful, your clients should look for ways to make their homes more functional and energy efficient. New doors and windows can bring a nice return on a seller’s investment. A mid-range bathroom remodel such as tiling the floor and replacing the tub, toilet and light fixtures can also add value..

Declutter living space

Your clients should do a sweep of tables, windowsills, counters and any other visible areas. They should also thoroughly clean and organize drawers, closets and cupboards. Make sure your clients understand the importance of decluttering – when it comes time to show a home, nothing should be off-limits to prospective buyers..

Depersonalize a home

It’s important for sellers to eliminate any distractions that would keep buyers from being able to visualize themselves living within a home. Family photos and other personal items should be packed away before the first showing. Since people have varying tastes, it’s a good idea to remove bold furniture and artwork. If your clients don’t have another home yet, advise them to place personal possessions in storage.

Perform a smell test

Even the slightest strange odor can turn buyers away from a home. Unfortunately, most people have difficulty detecting odors after a while. It can be hard for agents to tell clients their homes have unusual smells without putting them off. Advise your clients to have an unbiased third party to inspect the property for pet odors or lingering kitchen smells.