As a realtor, it is a priority to make your property’s floors impeccable for an open house. They are one of the first features your potential buyer will notice. Stains, odors, and clutter can ruin a buyers’ first impression. Take the initiative to follow these tips on how to prepare a home’s floors for open houses.
Clear Up the Clutter
Before you start the hard work on your floors, make sure to clear up clutter. Store away any extra items and area rugs that make the room look smaller. Removing all unneeded items and repositioning furniture will make it easier for you to clean the floors, and will make the room appear more spacious. Additionally, a clear floor will allow the buyers to roam more freely through the home.
Suck It Up
You never know if you are going to be dealing with a nitpicky buyer. Make sure to keep a vacuum with you and go after every piece of paper, dirt, and lint that you see. Clearing your floor of debris and small bits of trash will not only satisfy a detail-oriented buyer, but will make it easier to polish or treat the surfaces later.
Let Your Floors Shine
No visual quality represents cleanliness better than shine. A shiny, spotless floor will help to convey to the buyer that this is a well-maintained property. If you have a tile floor, sweep and mop it, and if necessary, hire someone to clean the grout between the tiles. If you have a wood floor, mop it, and after that, consider having it buffed by a professional. Spending a little extra time and effort to ensure your floors are in their best condition will help you get the selling price you want.
Deal with the Odors
Carpeted floors have a tendency to retain dirt and unpleasant odors from smoke, spills, and accidents. Strong odors can drive away your buyers the moment they enter the room. If the odor is contained to a small area or spot, clean it yourself by using soap and water, then cover it with baking soda and borax. After letting it sit for a while, vacuum the area. If the odor extends to a larger area or to the entire house, it is best to seek a professional to clean the carpeted areas.
Professional Surface Restoration focuses on cleaning and restoring surfaces such as tile, wood, and carpet floors. If you need help to get your home’s floors in their best shape before an open house, call us at (419) 705-8693 for a FREE demo.
