Delight potential buyers and boost your property’s value with these interior and exterior home cleaning tips
It is universally acknowledged that a meticulously cleaned and organised home can attract buyers more quickly and command a higher selling price. As highlighted by real estate experts from Seeff Property Group, routine upkeep and thorough cleaning are the keystones to preserving your home's worth and enhancing its market value over time.
Cleaning Tips to Improve Your Property’s Value
Every corner of your home tells a story, and a well-maintained space can significantly elevate its narrative and value. From the bustling heart of your home - the kitchen - to the study adorned with family photos, every nook deserves attention and care.
Here are several cleaning tips to make your home look and feel inviting:
- Prioritise high-traffic areas, beginning with the heart of the home: the kitchen. Dive deep into those kitchen cupboards and scrub them every few months to maintain their shine. Clean the stove and cooking spaces weekly to prevent persistent grease and dirt build-up.
Last but not least, regularly tend to your extractor; you should replace its filter between six to twelve months, depending on the brand. - Clean your kitchen and bathroom tiles monthly, and watch out for the grouting, especially if it appears less than white. Periodic touch-ups will ensure the grout doesn’t become an eyesore that distracts from the flooring.
Your taps and other small finishes also require constant attention; we recommend you polish them regularly to uphold a pristine sparkle.
- Twice a year, clean your bedroom wardrobes and other built-in cabinets (for example, in a study). You can also introduce fresh, welcoming scents into these spaces with aromatic sachets, particularly in storage or linen closets.
- Commit to an annual deep clean for carpets, ensuring each stain is meticulously addressed. Based on their quality (and your budget), replace your carpets every five to fifteen years.
To maintain your wooden floors, follow the care recommendations of the professionals who installed them. - Proactively address any wear and tear. Swap out damaged tiles, taps, hinges, or handles when they show signs of wear. Prioritise the upkeep of air-conditioners annually or, even more frequently, based on their brand.
Do you have a fireplace or a built-in braai? We also recommend that you devote time to a monthly clean and refurbish (when necessary). - Vigilance is key when combating mould. Act swiftly and treat affected areas. For structural concerns or deeper issues (such as cracks in the wall), enlist an expert's opinion immediately to avoid further complications.
- When it comes to paint, splurge on the best. A washable variety is a smart choice. Refresh your home's interiors with a fresh coat every three to five years, depending on the paint's quality, while exteriors can last five to ten years.
- Boundary walls, too, require upkeep. Attend to cracks before they become unfixable and occasionally give your walls a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, ensure gates, including their motors and accompanying garage doors, function flawlessly.
- On the roof, replace any cracked tiles promptly. You don’t want to risk leaks or crevices that could become more severe over time.
Wooden windows and exterior doors will also benefit from routine sanding, treating, and sealing. It may be prudent to conduct an annual fumigation in some older homes or those in wooded areas. - Engage in a weekly cleaning routine for your pool, while resurfacing is best done every eight to ten years. Moreover, ensure that the pool's surroundings are aesthetically appealing and free of cracks.
Incorporating these cleaning tips can transform your home's allure and worth. But the journey doesn't stop here. To delve deeper into the art of home presentation and maximising value, Seeff offers a treasure trove of insights.
Explore our blogs on how to stage your home for that wow factor, prepare your house for sale, and understand why a well-maintained home is your ticket to a higher asking price.
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