HINTS ON HOUSEKEEPING

BATHROOMS | Few places in the home get dirty faster than the bathroom, yet few things will “unsell” a house as fast as dirty baths. Vanity, sink, faucet hardware and mirrors are the focal points, but other potential problems might be soap residue in a shower, a moldy shower curtain, accumulated dirt in the track of a sliding shower door, soiled or missing grout, stained toilet bowls and wet, dirty or battered bath mats.

KITCHEN | Like baths, kitchens get dirty quickly. Most buyers will inspect this area carefully, so extra time spent here is important. Clean the stove inside and outside. Replace badly stained or corroded reflector plates under the heating elements in electric range tops. Don’t neglect the kitchen exhaust hood – buyers frequently check this area as a clue to general housekeeping. Remove clutter and any small appliances that are taking up counter space like microwaves and coffee makers.

WINDOWS | Clean windows are an absolute necessity if a house is to look its best, yet this is very often overlooked.

WATER HEATER AND SOFTENER | Perhaps because it is so unusual, a sparkling clean water heater or water softener usually really impresses agents and buyers.

TOWELS AND WASHCLOTHS | Residents of a home frequently aren’t aware of this potential source of bad odors. Replace all used towels with fresh ones.

SOILED CLOTHES | When the house is being shown, keep laundry out of living areas.

GARBAGE | Take all of the trash and garbage out of the house, particularly any organic or food related discards from the kitchen. Run part of a lemon through the disposal unit to add a fresh smell.

SEWER GAS IN THE HOUSE | You must do whatever is necessary to correct this problem before the house is placed on the market.

CATS AND DOGS | As a first step, move the cat litter box out of the house. Also, be sure to clean up after the dog or cat before any showings. Remove all pet bedding, crates and toys. If possible, remove the pet during the showing. An air purifier will help reduce any pet odors.