Congratulations on selling your home! Before you pull up stakes and move, remember to leave the house nice and tidy for the next residents.

Cleaning the property after selling is more than just a matter of etiquette. It can save you a headache down the road. While some buyers are more forgiving than others, some may stipulate in the contract that the house be move-in ready. That means ensuring that the home is clean and clear of all your personal effects. In rare cases, buyers can walk away from the sale because of the condition of the home at the final walk-through. 

By starting early, you make the clean-up a lot less stressful. Here are some tips:

Declutter: Grab two large trash bags, move from room to room and fill them with all unwanted items that may have remained in the house after packing out. 

Clean the walls and flooring: Wipe down the walls, vacuum any carpets, and mop your hardwood floors. Light fixtures and cabinets are not commonly cleaned, so spend effort instead on the appliances.

Focus on the appliances: remove and wash oven racks with warm soapy water, deep-clean dryers and washers, and wipe refrigerator doors and drawers. Since in most cases, appliances remain with the house after the sale, it is important to keep them in good shape.   

If you find yourself thinking it’s time to move into a larger home in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, I am ready to talk about how much home you can afford. Call me anytime!