The warmer days of summer lighten the heart but also promise one of two challenges for your home maintenance, especially if you’re preparing to sell in the current, re-emerging market.
Summer storms are always a risk, and you should certainly consider clearing out your gutters and downspouts to make sure any big rains don’t overflow into your home.
The heat of summer also draws out odors in the home, which can be an issue if you’re preparing to entertain potential buyers.
It’s often hard to locate the source of a smell. And sometimes, no matter how much you try, there’s no amount of air freshener that’s going to fix the problem.
With the sellers needing to be competitive to attract buyers in the current market, it’s important everything is perfect for when you open the front door to walk-throughs.
Here are eight tips to help keep your home smelling fresh through your summer sales campaign:
Rotting food – If you’re throwing leftovers into the kitchen trash can, you need to diligently replace the bag every couple of days. The smell of meat and decomposing vegetables is not a winning combination for potential buyers.
Clean the can – Wipe down the can and spray some multi-purpose cleaner into it before replacing the bag. This will ensure any mucky residues that have spilled from previous garbage bags will not cause a problem.
Nasty leaks – Occasionally, meat juices, sauces and gravy will leak out of a bag. To help minimize this issue, consider putting a few pages of a newspaper or magazine underneath the garbage bag to soak up liquid.
Fridge funk – We’ve all found a long-forgotten container of leftover food at the back of the fridge. Regularly remove uneaten food and wilting produce, and wipe the shelves every couple of weeks. A commercial solution or vinegar and baking soda mixed with water will do the trick.
Towel turnover – Keep bathroom towels clean and fresh. It’s easy to let hand towels hang around for a few weeks, but their dampness will attract mildew and give off a nasty odor.
Musty bathrooms – Try to create a flow-through of air in the bathrooms. Hot water and steam encourage mildew and mold that stains your grout and silicon seals. If it’s difficult to allow fresh air inside, use products such as OdorGenie or DampRid to fix the problem.
Carpet capers – When was the last time you steam-cleaned your carpets? If you’re selling your home, it’s a great idea to hire a professional contractor to do this job. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make inside your home, especially if you have pets.
Furry friends – When selling, some buyers may recoil slightly at the thought of animals being in the home. Not all pets have perfect bathroom etiquette. So, be mindful of this when preparing your home for sale. During walk-throughs, it’s often recommended to put away food and water bowls.