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Washington DC Real Estate Resource Center: Washington DC Home Sale Tips

One benefit of owning a home comes in the form of mortgage interest tax deduction, which reduces the true cost of home ownership and gives homeowners more disposable income. Home mortgage interest is a tax-deductable expense reported on Form 1040 along with other deductions such as medical expenses and charitable contributions.

Cleaning Your Washington DC Home is an Essential Part of the Sale Process

When preparing a home for sale, many sellers look at only the big picture details, such as replacing a roof or updating kitchen appliances, and forget about one of the simplest, cheapest, and most essential parts to readying a home for sale. Cleaning and organizing a home can make a huge difference in the sale process by selling a home faster and for more money.

Potential Buyers View

Many potential buyers simply can not see past dirt and clutter, so it is important to display a clean, organized space. When preparing your home for sale, purge each space of items no longer needed in order to make rooms, closets, and storage space look more spacious. Look at your home as a potential buyer would, giving major attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure you deep clean your home and avoid stuffing excess items in the closets, as home buyers will most likely open closet doors and peer into crawl spaces. What's more, organizing your home depersonalizes it, which is a good thing. This allows potential buyers to imagine their belongings in the home and recognize how functional the home could be for their needs.

Additional cleaning and organizing tips include:

• Remove any mildew and mold stains from shower doors and bathroom tiles. Recaulk if necessary.
• Wash the windows regularly - inside and out.
• Vacuum regularly, including window coverings.
• Follow a regular routine of rinsing the shower or tub and dry faucets and handles to prevent water spots.
• Dust furniture, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
• Hang up fresh towels and make all beds neatly.
• Pack up any knickknacks and store them properly.
• Clean off any extraneous items from your kitchen counters and put essential items used daily in a box that can be neatly stored when not in use.
• Hang your clothes neatly, facing the same way, and line up your shoes. Do not overcrowd closets.

For more cleaning, organizing, and staging tips, contact Michelle Buckman, representing W.C. & A.N. Miller and Christie's Great Estate properties in Chevy Chase, Northwest Washington DC, Capitol Hill, and the Trinidad neighborhood.