The amazing thing about people viewing your property for sale is the speed with which they walk through.

What they are checking is the number of rooms, size and storage. They might spend a little longer in the kitchen, checking out the type of stove and oven, but in most cases they will be in and out very quickly.

If people don’t closely investigate a property they are viewing why do we have to clean it and make it look tidy?

The answer is you don’t, but if you have been looking at other properties to purchase, you know what your opinion is of the home that is cluttered and dirty. It says: “I don’t care,” and that statement always rings alarm bells.

If no one cares enough to make their place look clean and tidy, then what other problems are there? Does the plumbing work? Are the foundations safe?

If you want a prospective buyer to stay and really look around your home so they can discover the value, your home needs to be inviting, clean and warm.

Having the property spring cleaned, the outside soft washed and the windows cleaned is a good start. To access areas so the cleaners can do their job you will have to do your part and de-clutter.

A minimum amount of furniture in each room and no personal mementos or knick knacks not only makes the home easier to clean, but makes each room look larger. Pack what you can into boxes and store in the garage, under beds or at the bottom of cupboards.

Bathrooms and kitchen look so much larger if you remove all articles from vanity units and benchtops. Hide everything in the cupboards and drawers.

You will also find that because the tops are clear they will be easier to wipe over on the morning of the open inspection.

Remember you are trying to get people to see a warm and inviting property currently owned by people who care. If one area of your home is colder than another, put a heater on in that section to warm it up before the inspection.

Place a welcome mat at the front door. Get the family to keep the communal areas and their rooms tidy.

Every little bit helps when selling a home. Show you care and everyone viewing will want to stay longer.

·Julie Finch-Scally is the founder of The Duster Dollies Cleaning Agency and author of The Third Oldest Profession, The A-Z of House Cleaning, Hippo Publishing.

Share this article