I’m not good at selling a house. There are a lot of reasons, but suffice to say that most issues revolve around cleaning this darn house.
It’s only been a month. I know that it’s not personal.
But I just wanted the first person who came through to fall in love and make us a full-asking-price offer. That didn’t happen. Instead, we have had a LOT of showings over the past month, two second showings, and zero offers.
It’s been really disappointing, but I know that it’s normal for this kind of thing to take time.
But, mostly, it’s the cleaning. The re-cleaning. And then the re-re-cleaning. Because with a toddler, the cleaning never seems to end.
But, I have managed to whittle down the time it takes – so I can clean everything in less than an hour. I think that’s pretty good to keep a clean home!
In addition to our everyday tasks, we do the following before each showing:
- Wipe all counters and sinks.
- Spray cleaner on bathroom toilet and tub. Wipe down.
- Clear all countertops.
- Put away all toys.
- Quick dust and windows. (Basically just walk around looking for any noticeable dust or streaks on surfaces or electronics.)
- Vacuum.
- Dry and wet mop floors.
- Turn on a scented wax warmer for a good smell when someone walks in.
Truthfully, our house has never been this clean.
Which is perfect timing, because I want every potential person who walks through this house to think that we ALWAYS keep our house this clean. And then they will want to buy it, right?
How do you keep your house clean?
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Donna says
I follow Flylady.net. She is fabulous! Great techniques and super philosophy.
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Love my Swiffer sweepers and dusters! Makes cleaning so fast and easy!
Kim Woodward says
They really are the best!
Gretchen says
oh, it’s SO HARD not to take it personally when people don’t immediately fall in love with your house and make an offer! Hang in there! And enjoy your time in the cleanest house you’ll ever live in while it lasts 😉
emily @ go haus go says
Loved the action shot! We have this rug that sheds and sheds and sheds. Swiffer is the only thing that keeps me sane.
Joyce Fowler says
Hi Kim, Always enjoy your posts. Sorry for your frustration in selling your home. It just takes one someone to buy it. If you have anyway to pack away and remove to storage some of your furniture and items, might help, makes the house look bigger and lets buyers think of how they could put their furnishings in the home. Your home is so cute the way it is, but sometimes people have a hard time seeing how their things will fit in. Maybe put a picture up somewhere for your use to look at everyday that shows your house with a sold sign on it. Puts it out there you believe it will happen. With school starting up lots of people are moving around. Good luck.
FunnyGal Kat says
This post is giving me flashbacks. We are finally under contract on our house after seven months and more than 30 showings (on at least 25 different days). I look back and still don’t know how I cleaned the house for showings with a toddler, a preschooler and two dogs. It was so stressful. I have my fingers crossed your house sells soon!
Kim Woodward says
Oh, I can’t imagine. Crossing my fingers it happens for us soon. And best of luck in your house-selling journey.