It’s every realtor’s dream to sell a foreclosed home that doesn’t need much spring-cleaning. However, that’s never the case.
You’re more likely to be welcomed with cobwebs, dirt, rodents, and a whole lot of junk. As a realtor, cleaning foreclosed homes isn’t exactly in your job description, but sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.As professional junk removers, we’ve hauled away all kinds of junk from hundreds of foreclosed homes in the past few years. Based on our experience, here are a few tips to consider and what we believe needs to be done in order to prepare the home for a new owner:
Tip #1: Get organized
Cleaning foreclosed homes is serious business, especially if it’s left in a nearly uninhabitable state. Make a checklist of all the tools you’ll need, for example: disinfectant, sponges, scrub brushes, tile cleaner, garbage bags, old newspaper, a vacuum cleaner, rubber gloves, etc. Try to estimate how long it will take you to clean, and how much help you’ll need. You might be able to tackle the little things on your own, but certain tasks will require professional help.
Tip #2: Create a good first impression
When potential buyers visit a home, the first thing they’ll see is the external appearance. Has the lawn been mowed? Do the plants need to be trimmed? Are tools and toys lying around? Make sure you take these factors into account before your viewing.
The external appearance of any home is one of the key factors in determining its resale value. Even a quick lick of paint and a new door can make a major difference to your home’s curb appeal. With a few simple improvements, your properties’ appearance can significantly improve and increase their selling value.
Tip #3: Check the floors
Chances are that the floors of a foreclosed house are not going to be in the best condition. If the carpets are stained or damaged, tear them up before you start cleaning. If the house hasn’t been vacant too long and the carpets can still be salvaged, consider getting them professionally cleaned. Make sure you sweep out every corner of the house, starting at the top and working your way down. You might have to use a scrub brush on stubborn areas, or a toothbrush to clean tight areas.
Tip #4: Spring clean the kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home – and the prime selling point for buyers. Make sure the countertops are clean, the cabinets are dusted off, and no old appliances are lying around. Start by clearing the counters of anything that doesn’t belong. Wipe down walls, cupboard faces and the fronts of kitchen appliances with a cleaning cloth and some surface cleaner.
Scrub the ceiling and floor using sponges and scrub brushes (it’s best to do this before you sweep and mop the floors). A toothbrush will come in handy when cleaning the stovetop and sink. This Old House offers some great speed-cleaning tips for an efficient clean-up.
Tip #5: Make sure the bathroom is presentable
A dirty bathroom can be very off-putting for potential buyers. Bathrooms are the second biggest selling feature of the home – so make sure it’s clean. Start by cleaning the walls, floors, and then tackle the surrounding areas. Make sure the bath, shower, and toilet are spotless.
Make sure you wear gloves when you clean these areas. When cleaning the toilet, you can pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush and flush. Clean windows, mirrors, and shower doors by rubbing it with glass cleaner and then wiping them with dry newspaper to avoid leaving streaks.
Tip #6: Get rid of all the junk
When cleaning foreclosed homes, you’ll most likely need to get rid of all the previous tenant’s property. Junk removal and disposal can be quite a tricky undertaking – especially since you need to break down and carry those heavy items out the door, and you need to figure out how to dispose of them.
It can be quite intimidating just thinking about what needs to be removed: refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, mattresses, couches and yard waste. Not only do you need to haul heavy items out of the home, you also need to ensure that the home isn’t damaged in the process. Instead of trying to do this on your own, we recommend hiring a professional junk removal service.
Having a professional haul and responsibly dispose of all the junk will give you peace of mind and literally take a load off your back.
Looking for a professional junk removal service? Junk King offers fast and friendly junk hauling with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices. When we perform a trash out on a foreclosed home, we clear the entire house and yard of any junk, clutter or debris lying around.
We can also rip out those pesky carpets, tear down drywall, or perform other demo services upon request – making cleaning foreclosed homes easier than ever before. If you’d like to know more about junk removal and the services that we offer, download our guide.
