Home Improvement
Even though spring officially sprang back in March, it’s just now getting around to Chicago! Summer – our busiest buying season - will be here before you know it. If you’re considering putting your house on the market in the next few months, a good spring-cleaning is just what the real-estate agent ordered. 

Many sellers believe that they need to make major home repairs or renovations before listing their home on the market. Do you want to know the truth? Undertaking major repairs before listing your home is often unnecessary and will just cost money that you may not get back in the purchase price. Before you undertake those bigger projects, consider starting with a deep spring cleaning. To make this process a little easier, I’ve pulled together this spring cleaning checklist with some tips for preparing your home for selling. 

Spring Cleaning Checklist for Sellers in Chicago 

 

1. Make An Entrance 

We know that first impressions matter with buyers, so start your spring cleaning with your porch or front entryway. The key is to make the entrance to your home cheerful, neat and inviting. 

 

Sweep/mop your entrance, front walkway, stairs, and porch. 

Clean and polish the doorknob and fixtures, and make sure there are no cobwebs or bugs in your exterior lights. 

Don’t forget to wash/clean your railings, windowsills and door jam. 

If your doorbell/buzzers are broken or worn out, do your best to fix or replace them. 

After everything is neat and tidy, consider adding some seasonal flair. Perhaps a new doormat, wreath or some potted flowers would make your entrance more inviting. 

If your front door or shutters are looking dingy or worn out, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint. 

 

2. Cleanse the Kitchen 

Buyers make a beeline for the kitchen during showings. Ensure that yours is clean and organized. It shouldn’t feel dark, cramped or messy. 

 

Start by cleaning off your kitchen counter. Stow away appliances that you never use, and make sure the ones you keep out are free of grime or residue. 

Organize your cabinets and remove any extraneous glassware or dishes. Your cabinets should feel spacious and orderly, so clean out or store anything you don’t use daily. 

Clean the sink and make sure there are no unpleasant smells coming from the drain or inside the dishwasher. 

Clean the microwave – both inside and out. And make sure the clocks show the correct time! 

Make sure your refrigerator smells fresh and looks clean. Remove all magnets and extraneous notes from the exterior. Don’t forget to clean off the top and refrain from storing things here! 

Wipe down all handles and surfaces – including the backsplash and the wall behind your oven. 

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries in them, if necessary. 

 

3. Blitz the Bathroom 

The condition of your bathrooms can make or break a sale. You want to make sure that your bathrooms are absolutely pristine. 

 

Clean the room from top to bottom – including the walls all the way up to the ceiling. 

Polish all of your fixtures and remove any calcium or lime buildup. 

If you’ve spent the winter jiggling the handle on your toilet to make it stop running, take a look in the back and replace any faulty parts. 

Replace your shower curtain liner or clean the one you have so that it looks brand new. 
Dust the vanity lights and replace any burned out bulbs. 

If you have a whirlpool tub, clean by filling with hot water and add 1/2 cup of bleach then run the jets for 10-15min. If it hasn’t been used in a while there could be black residue that shoots out when first turned on. 

Examine the grout between your tiles and clean it until it looks bright and fresh. 

If the caulk around your tub looks dingy or has mildew spots, consider re-caulking the tub. 

 

4. Lighten Up Your Windows

After our long Chicago winters, our drapes and windows might have accumulated a lot of dirt and grime. Buyers are attracted to warm, natural light, so make sure your windows are worthy of showing off! 

 

Wash all the windows in your home (inside and out), clean the windowsills, and dust or wash your blinds. 

Replace any missing or ripped screens. 

Clean your curtains and shake out any dust. If your curtains are heavy or dark, consider replacing them with lighter fabric that will filter the light instead of blocking it. 

 

5. Focus on the Floors 

Buyers pay close attention to floors during showings, so it’s important that they don’t attract attention for the wrong reasons. 

 

Vacuum all carpets. For higher traffic areas or places with spots and discoloration, try steam cleaning or sending the rugs out for a professional cleaning. 

Clean and polish hardwood floors so that they gleam. 

Wash all the baseboards (don’t forget to move your furniture and clean behind them!). 

 

6. Fluff the Bedrooms 

Bedrooms should feel calming, open and fresh. 

 

Wash your comforter or duvet cover, all bedding and the bed skirt. When placing it back on the bed, be sure to shake it out to eliminate any clumps. Iron your duvet cover if it appears wrinkly.

Dust and wipe your bedframe down; if it’s fabric, use a handheld vacuum to remove any dust/allergens. 

Clean out and organize your closets. Store any winter items away to make as much space as possible in your closets. 
 

7. Liven up the Living Room 

 

Clean all surfaces and furniture in your living room. Polish furniture if needed. 

Wipe down your television and use disinfectant wipes on your remotes. 

Use a vacuum to clean your sofa cushions. If cushion covers are removable, toss them in the wash. Turn the cushions over and fluff them to give them new life. 

If your throw pillows look worn, consider replacing them with bright stylish accents. 

 

8. Stage your Outdoor Space 

Chicagoans love their outdoor spaces, so make sure yours looks nice and inviting. 

 

Cut the grass and make sure your landscaping looks sharp. 

Cut bushes and foliage back 6-12 inches from all exterior walls. 

For single-family homes, a couple inches of foundation should be visible. Dig out over-filled areas so the foundation can be properly inspected. 

Remove any weathered or worn out furniture, toys or décor. 

Power wash and re-stain the deck, if needed. 

Add potted plants to your patio to create an inviting space. 

 

If you complete this Spring Cleaning Checklist, your home is sure to look fresh, clean and inviting to any potential buyers – no expensive renovations needed! Have a question about prepping your house for sale? Don’t hesitate to contact me!