Practical Home Cleaning Tips

Administrator — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:25:21 +0000

A clean home is of utmost importance while it is on the market. Nobody wants to purchase someone else’s dirt. The following checklist provides cleaning tips with an emphasis on what most buyers commonly focus on when they walk through a home on the market. Provide this list to your clients and you will be surprised how grateful they will be for your guidance and direction.

ENTRYWAY and LIVING ROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST

Front Door	Clean the front door with a good general purpose cleaner such as Simple Green. Use a metal polishing cloth to shine the metal hinges and doorknob. Install a brass kick plate to give the front door a more polished look.
Entryway	If there is carpet in the entryway use a fresh, attractive carpet mat near the front door to keep this high traffic area clean. If there is tile in the entryway clean the grout thoroughly. A cleaning solution of 4 parts water to 1 part bleach will do the job. If there are hard wood floors in the entryway purchase a commercial grade restore cleaner made for hard wood floors.
Living Room	For carpet, it is always best to use a professional carpet cleaner that can take out the tough spots and add a deodorizing solution. If this is not an option, rent a carpet cleaner. Pay extra attention to tough spots and deodorizing the carpet.
Woodwork	Make sure that woodwork is free of smudges and nicks. This includes stair railings, baseboards and chair railing. A great product for wood is lemon oil, which can be used to cover scratches and restore luster on all wood surfaces.
Walls	In a formal entryway it is imperative that all walls, baseboards and other molding are in perfect condition. There should be no scuff marks, dirt or dings.
Lighting	Clean all light fixtures and replace burned out bulbs so they all have equal wattage.
Windows	Windows should be spotless. The best products for this are ammonia and vinegar used in water. The solution should be mixed ½ cup of ammonia, ½ cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. Use a sponge to wash the windows and a lint free terry cloth towel to dry them. The windows should sparkle and be smudge free.

KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST

Floors	To clean vinyl floors use a damp microfiber mop to eliminate any accumulation of soap buildup. If the floor is still dull, use a vinyl floor restorer or polymer product. If a tile floor is present use the instruction provided above to clean the grout.
Counters	Buyers zero in on counter tops and they should be in perfect condition. There are products on the market specifically designed to restore laminate counter tops to like new condition if they are not to badly worn.
Cabinets	Cabinets need to be cleaned with a de-greasing product such as Simple Green. Cabinets should be cleaned inside and out because buyers will open them. Don’t forget the cabinet pulls and hinges.
Pantry	The pantry should also be cleaned inside and out. Buyers will open the pantry to check for storage space. The pantry should be well organized and free from clutter.
Hood/Exhaust Fan	Clean and de-grease under the hood. Make sure the lights and fan are working.
Stove	Buyers will open the oven and look inside. It should be spotless! Make sure all elements work and the knobs look new.
Dishwasher	Leaks, rust spots on the racks and stained liner do not give a good impression. These should be cleaned. Make sure the dishwasher is empty and has a pleasant smell for any showings.
Refrigerator	The inside should be spotless and smell good, especially if you are including it in the sale.
Light Fixtures	Light fixtures should be cleaned and in good condition. Replace bulbs with the highest wattage as can safely be used. The more light in the kitchen the better.
Sink	The sink should be spotless with no hard water spots, rust stains, or damage. Use vinegar to remove water spots. Use a light coating of mineral oil to give stainless steel sinks a shine.
Faucets	Faucets should be in perfect condition with no drips or damage. Shine metal parts with window cleaner.

BATHROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST

Floors	If the floor is tiled use the grout cleaning solution mentioned above. If the floor is vinyl, clean it thoroughly. Make sure it is not beginning to curl up due to failed glue. If it is, this is an inexpensive, easy fix.
Fixtures	Fixtures should be clean and shiny. Don’t forget doorknobs, pulls and hinges.
Mirrors	Mirrors should be shiny and streak free. Use the vinegar and ammonia solution mentioned above for this task.
Sink	It is important to remove all rust and hard water spots. If the sink is chipped, there are repair kits available. Work carefully to match the color.
Showers/tubs	Make sure tile and grout are clean. Re-caulk where the tile or other surface meets the tub or shower pan. Shower doors need to be cleaned with a hard water stain remover so that the glass and metal are shiny and new looking.If necessary, re-caulk around the tub.
Toilet	The toilet should be spotless with no bowl water stains. Bleach is a good toilet stain cleaner. Replace the seat and hardware if needed.
Lights	Make sure the light fixtures above the sink are clean and polished. Multi-bulb fixtures should have the same wattage bulbs. Don’t forget to clean the switch covers. Replace them if they are old or cracked.

De-Clutter for Dollars

Administrator — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:01:19 +0000

Yes, we have all heard of the term de-clutter but do homeowners really know what it entails? We all have too much stuff. I define clutter as anything that is not necessary for the function or beauty of the room. Some examples of clutter are: too many books, knick knacks, messy or cramped book cases or too many plants

Here is a fool proof check list to share with your sellers to get the “declutter” ball moving in the right direction.

Practical Tips for Decluttering

1. Cupboards

Go through all kitchen cupboards, one at a time of course. You will be amazed what can be thrown out because you really are not using it and it is not needed in your kitchen. What about your spice cabinet. Odds are, there are spices that are outdated. If you have duplicates consolidate.

If you have several sets of pots or china pack them away. Leave only the minimum amount of these items that you will realistically need while your home is on the market. You will have accomplished two things – your kitchen will give the impression there is plenty of storage space and those items will already be packed and ready to move.

2. Bedroom Closets

We have all heard organizers talk about this area. All professional organizers say the rule is — if you haven’t worn it in a year get rid of it. This is a good general guideline to follow. You will be amazed at the clothing, purses and shoes you can get rid of. You will also be amazed how big your closets look after this chore is complete.

3. Bookcases

Are your bookcases jammed with all manner of publications — books, magazines, photo albums and knick knacks? Look over your bookcases. The three (3) pile system is especially helpful here. Make a pile to keep, a pile to toss and a pile to donate.

Generally speaking, if you want to keep paper back books, they need to be packed away – otherwise put them in the toss or donate pile. The rule here is 50% or more of the items on bookcases need to be removed using the 3-part system.

4. Children’s Rooms

This can be a major undertaking if you don’t set some guidelines in advance. Toss or donate any clothing that does not fit or should be gotten rid of for any other reason. Toss or donate any toys the children have outgrown or are no longer interested it. This can be a rewarding process. It always feel good to donate to those children who are less fortunate. Purchase colorful organizational containers for easy access to the items that remain.

5. Bathrooms

This is an area that can be very cluttered if we are not careful. Go through all of your towels. Which ones are frayed and no longer serving their purpose. Repurpose them into cleaning rags or toss them. Go through all of the products that are not being used or almost empty or are past their prime. Throw them away. Your bathroom should look like a spa retreat when you are finished.

6. Linen Closet

This is an area that always needs attention. Homebuyers are looking for adequate storage. Towels, sheets, curtains, etc, are also things that need to be sorted and gotten rid of. A helpful organizational tip is to store fitted and flat sheets in the pillow case that matches the set. This creates a more orderly linen closet that looks like it has more room for storage and saves time when you are changing linens on your bed.

7. Under Your Bed

There are many clear organizational bins that are made for under the bed — some of them even have rollers on them for easy in and out access. This is a perfect place to store off season clothing removed from your closet. This gives the added benefit of visually increasing the size of your closet which is always a plus.

Provide this written list of de-clutter tips to your clients and watch how the home goes from cluttered and unappealing to one that will appear to be well taken care of and shows well.

Curb Appeal: Is Your Home Visually Appealing? Does it Pass the Curbe Appeal Test?

Administrator — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:56:12 +0000

The easiest and best way to determine what needs to be done to the outside of the home and the lawn is to walk across the street. Look objectively at what the home looks like from that vantage point. Then – take the following curb appeal test:

Are the gutters clean and in good repair?
How does the driveway look?
Do the shrubs need pruning?
Do the trees need trimming?
How do the flower beds look?
Is the walkway leading to the house inviting?
Does the lawn look clean and neat?
Are the house numbers clearly visible?
Does the entryway and front door make a great first impression?
Are toys, tools, hoses and any other distracting items put away?

It is only after answering and addressing the above issues that the seller will have passed the “curb appeal test.”

Home Staging Cost Savings

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:08:03 +0000

There are two scenarios when contemplating the cost savings to consumers in using a home stager. The first involves homes that were staged after the property had been on the market.

The second, more preferable, scenario is for homes to be staged prior to going on the market. Here are seven case studies from actual Home Staging by Amie clients presenting both scenarios.

SCENARIO ONE: STAGED AFTER GOING ON MARKET

Following are four case studies involving consumer savings that could have occurred had the home been staged prior to going on the market.

Case Study 1: Renovated Condominium

This condo was immaculate and had been completely renovated. It was listed for sale by owner for six months with absolutely no activity. It was then listed with an agent/stager team. The agent advised the seller that the average time on the market for comparable properties was 12 months. The home was then staged and sold within the first 3 months of being listed.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 18 = $18,900.00
Monthly carrying costs X 3 = $2,300.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $16,600.00

Case Study 2: Great House, No “Wow”

This home had a great floor plan, was priced right and was in a great location. Yet, it had no “WOW” factor. It was on the market for 18 months prior to staging and was purchased by the first person to look at it after staging (two weeks). Had the home been staged from the outset the total consumer savings would have been $29,750.00.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 18 = $30,600.00
Monthly carrying costs X 2 weeks = $850.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $29,750.00

Case Study 3: Carrying Costs Cut in Half

This home had a very small living area and was fronted by a very busy street. It was on the market for four months with no offers. After staging, it sold in 2 months.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 4 = $5,600.00
Monthly carrying costs X 2 months = $2,800.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $2,800.00

Case Study 4: College Town Bungalow

This adorable bungalow had been completely updated and was very near a major college campus. It was on the market for seven months prior to staging with lots of activity but no offer. It sold within the first month after staging.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 7 = $12,600.00
Monthly carrying costs X 1 month = $1,800.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $10,800.00

SCENARIO TWO: STAGED PRIOR TO GOING ON THE MARKET

The following three case studies reflect consumer savings when homes were staged prior to going on the market.

Case Study 1: Seller Faced Competition from New Home Construction

This house was a first time home buyer’s dream; however, the seller had competition from new homes still being built in the area. The real estate agent warned the home owner it could possibly take three months to sell his home. After being staged, it sold within 8 days of going on the market.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 3 = $3,075.00
Carrying costs – 8 days = $273.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $2,802.00

Case Study 2: Dated Garden Home

This garden home was somewhat dated. Other units in the development had not been selling. The real estate agent informed the home owner it could take up to one year to sell the property. Although the owner paid cash for his home, there were still monthly carrying costs totaling $275.00. The home was staged prior to going on the market and sold in the first month after listing.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 7 = $3,300.00
Monthly carrying costs X 1 month = $275.00
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $3,025.00

Case Study 3: Horse Lover’s Dream

This rural classic Victorian home could have been on the market 12 months, according to the Realtor, but sold within the first month following listing. The monthly carrying costs were $1,750.00.

Monthly carrying costs per month X 12 = $21,000.00
Monthly carrying costs X 1 month = $1,312.50
TOTAL CONSUMER SAVINGS = $19,687.50

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

Administrator — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:48:14 +0000

Inevitably, the first question I am asked by Realtors and home owners is “What does staging cost?” I know the answer they are looking for is the dollars and cents amount of my staging services. But the answer they really need to hear has nothing to do with that amount. They really need to hear what it will cost not to stage. Staging is not about spending money, but making money.

If homes are not staged it can cost much more than the actual dollars and cents of staging. Here’s how:

A prospective buyer will drive by and not want to go inside because the home lacks curb appeal;
A prospective buyer will not see more than the first room of the home because it feels dark, cluttered and not large enough;
A prospective buyer will see the home as dated and brand it a fixer upper to justify making a low offer;
A prospective buyer will not make an offer at all;
The homeowner will then make the first price reduction.

This is the true cost to the homeowner when deciding not to stage because they did not want to spend the dollars and cents.