Unless it is specifically written into the contract a house doesn't need to be any sort of clean when it is sold.
Top priorities are wiping down all visible flat surfaces, clean bathrooms, wipe bannister rails and door handles (stick bannisters are very off-putting) and vacuum. If there's an area you can't wipe or vacuum without just moving one or two things, it's probably too cluttered.
Laundry should be sorted, beds should be stripped and clean linens should be placed on each bed ready to go, if cleaners and clients have agreed to changing sheets and putting laundry away. Most horizontal areas — floors, countertops, dresser tops, end tables, desks — should be cleared of clutter.
The truth is that there's no such thing as “too dirty”. Most of us are too judgmental and magnify how dirty our place actually is. Moreover, always keep in mind that professional house cleaners are precisely that, professionals, and have seen all types of houses and degrees of messiness.
Deep cleaning
This is the most crucial step. From the kitchen counters and the toilets to the hardwood floors, make sure that everything is sparkling. Do not forget to take out the trash and dust the fireplace mantle. Also, make sure that all toiletries have been tucked into the medicine cabinet.
Let's get straight to the biggest issue: In almost every case, the reason your house isn't getting showings is because it's priced too high. Again, the lack of interest has nothing to do with your home. It has to do with the price of the home compared to similar properties within your market.
The 80/20 Rule for House Cleaning: Get An 80% Cleaning Result With 20% Effort. The 80/20 rule or the Pareto principle was developed by economist Vilfredo Pareto. It's considered a rule of thumb where you can get an 80% result from 20% of effort.
Not only should you avoid turning on faucets and flushing toilets, but you should most definitely NOT use the bathroom while you're there.
Respect and professionalism are two crucial elements of proper house cleaner etiquette. Your cleaner will assist you, so treat them courteously as any other professional. This means being punctual for scheduled cleanings, providing a safe working environment, and refraining from micromanaging their every move.
Most real estate contracts specify that your house should be in a broom-clean condition by the time you are handing over the keys. You should wipe down the windows, surfaces, skirting boards, and cupboards. However, you can choose to have the house professionally clean to save you time and energy.
General cleaning:
Ceilings and corners: Remove cobwebs and dust from ceiling corners. Light switches and doorknobs: Wipe down to disinfect these high-touch areas. Air vents: Vacuum or wipe down to remove dust buildup. Baseboards: Wipe down to remove dust and dirt.
Clean homes sell faster
This is because buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that is move-in ready and doesn't require a lot of work. If your home is clean and well-maintained, buyers are more likely to see it as a good investment and make an offer quickly.
How long do showings last? Although time will vary, you can expect an interested buyer to spend around 30 minutes to 1 hour in an average-sized home (2500 sq ft or less). You should plan on being away for at least this amount of time.
Generally, if your home has been on the market for 30 to 45 days without significant interest or offers, it might be time to reassess your strategy. The real estate market is highly dynamic, and what's considered a “normal” time to sell can vary widely.
Most Buyers View a Home for Sale on Sundays
It gives the buyer a chance (typically) to see the home before the seller makes a decision and write up an offer.
Vacuuming and mopping floors, dusting shelves, and wiping down countertops are the minimum essential tasks for getting a house ready to sell. Other important cleaning tasks include: Washing windows to let natural light in.
Professional cleaners don't circle a room more than once. Taking their place before the bathroom sink, they'll spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the sink, wipe down counters and polish fixtures before they move one inch to the right or left. Don't get physical with your cleaning sessions—make every movement count.
If you don't clean your house, it might mean you are busy and have little time to clean and organize. It might be a sign that you have too much stuff. Or it might be the result of having young kids in the house who are usually not motivated to clean up after themselves.