How clean does my house need to be for showings?
How clean does my house need to be for showings? — The Georgetown standard that gets offers quickly
Quick answer you can act on now
Buyers evaluate a home in 90 seconds. In Georgetown, ON, that first 90 seconds decide offers. Your house must look and smell move-in ready. Not museum-perfect. Move-in ready. Clean enough that buyers picture themselves living there the minute they step inside.
Why cleanliness wins in Georgetown real estate
Georgetown buyers are practical. They want space, character, and fewer headaches. Dirt, clutter, pet hair, or odors scream “work.” Work kills offers. Clean homes generate higher prices, fewer conditions, and faster sales.
Local market facts that matter:
- Georgetown buyers compare properties across Halton Hills and surrounding areas. Clean homes stand out.
- Many buyers shop on weekends; curb appeal and entryway impressions count.
- Weather: spring and fall bring mud and wet shoes. Plan for it.
The exact standard: room-by-room checklist (do this every showing)
Treat every showing like an open house. Quick 20–40 minute prep before each appointment.
Entry & curb
- Lawn trimmed, walk cleared of debris, clear house number and porch light working.
- Remove shoes, put down a simple runner or mat inside.
Living room
- No clutter. Clear surfaces except one minimal decor item.
- Vacuum floors and upholstery. Remove visible pet hair.
- Open curtains; maximize light.
Kitchen
- Counters wiped, dishes put away, sink empty and dry.
- Fridge magnets minimal; clear countertops near stove.
- Smell control: wipe garbage can lid, run dishwasher if needed.
Bathrooms
- Mirror streak-free, counters clear, toilet lid down.
- Fresh towels, no mildew in grout.
- Use a subtle, neutral scent — not air freshener bombs.
Bedrooms & closets
- Beds made, counters clear, closets organized with some unused space.
- Buyers check storage — full closets can signal lack of space. Leave them partially organized to show capacity.
Basement & laundry
- Clean, lit, no damp smell. If unfinished, remove boxes and make the space tidy.
Exterior
- Remove toys, bikes, and personal items. Patio tidy. If winter: clear walk, salt as needed.
Smells & small details
- Neutralize odors: baking soda in carpets, empty garbage, clean pet spots.
- Fresh air: open windows 10–15 minutes before a showing if weather allows.
Deep clean vs show-ready: where to spend your effort
You don’t need a full renovation. Prioritize based on ROI and buyer focus.
High ROI (must-have)
- Kitchen and bathrooms spotless.
- Floors vacuumed/mopped and baseboards wiped.
- Windows clean where buyers will look (living room, kitchen, master bedroom).
Medium ROI
- Paint touch-ups in high-traffic areas.
- Light fixtures dusted and working bulbs.
Low ROI (skip if pressed)
- Replacing carpet unless stained or smelly.
- Full house repaint unless colors are extreme.
If time allows: steam-clean carpets, deep-clean grout, and deodorize HVAC vents.
Last-minute showing checklist (15 minutes)
- Open blinds, turn on lights.
- Empty sink, clear counters.
- Start dishwasher and hide trash.
- Quick sweep or vacuum main traffic areas.
- Put pet bowls and litter boxes out of sight.
- Set thermostat to comfortable temperature.
How often to clean during a listing
- Showings only: tidy before each appointment.
- Multiple showings per day: do a mid-day reset.
- Open house: deep clean the night before and a quick reset before the event.
Hiring professionals in Georgetown: when it pays
Hire pros for tasks that buyers notice first or you can’t do well.
- Professional cleaners: useful for deep cleans, move-in ready finish.
- Carpet cleaners: to remove odors and stains — worth it if carpets are old but not trashed.
- Stagers: top-performing listings often use staging to maximize price. Even partial staging (living room + master) makes a difference.
Typical pricing (Georgetown estimates):
- Standard deep clean (full house): $200–$450 depending on size.
- Carpet steam-cleaning: $100–$300.
- Partial home staging: $500–$2,500 depending on scale.
These are investments that reduce days on market and often increase net sale price.
Staging + cleanliness = faster offers and stronger bids
Cleanliness makes buyers comfortable. Staging helps them visualize. Combined, they remove buyer objections and support higher offers. If you want multiple offer situations, make the home look ready to move into the day the keys exchange.
Local tips specific to Georgetown, ON
- Weather prep: spring/fall mud. Keep a box of shoe covers or disposable booties at the entry for viewings.
- Commuter buyers watch for travel convenience. Make parking look effortless—clear driveway when possible.
- Highlight seasonal curb appeal: daffodils in spring, trimmed hedges in summer, clean walk in winter.
- Market timing: long weekends and school dates impact showings; have the home show-ready during these peaks.
Pricing the clean: is it worth the cost?
Yes. Clean and staged homes sell faster and often for more. Sellers who invest in preparation reduce negotiation concessions tied to perceived repairs or maintenance. Clean equals confidence for buyers. Confidence converts to higher bids and shorter conditional periods.
Common mistakes sellers make
- Overcomplicating staging with too much decor. Simpler sells.
- Ignoring pet evidence. Pet hair and smells erode trust quickly.
- Leaving personal photos and political or niche decor that distracts buyers.
- Waiting to clean until an offer is in — by then it’s often too late.
How I help sellers in Georgetown (clear, no fluff)
I provide a step-by-step prep plan, referrals to trusted cleaners and stagers in Georgetown, and a checklist tailored to your property. If you want a fast, higher sale, I’ll audit your home and tell you exactly what to fix and what to ignore.
Contact information:
- Tony Sousa — Local Realtor specializing in Georgetown home preparation & staging
- Email: tony@sousasells.ca
- Phone: 416-477-2620
- Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Quick answers Georgetown sellers need
Q: Do I need to deep clean every room before showings?
A: No. Focus on high-impact rooms: kitchen, living room, bathrooms, master bedroom, and entry. Clean visible floors, surfaces, and remove odors.
Q: How often should I clean during multiple showings?
A: Quick resets between showings. Full clean nightly if you have daily viewings.
Q: Will staging really increase my sale price in Georgetown?
A: Yes. Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices. Even partial staging (living room + master) has strong ROI.
Q: What about pets? Should I remove pets during showings?
A: Remove pets when possible. At minimum, remove bowls, litter boxes, and evidence of accidents. Hide pet items and do a pet-hair sweep.
Q: What are affordable local services for cleaning and staging?
A: Ask your listing agent. I maintain a vetted list of Georgetown cleaners, carpet technicians, and stagers with proven results.
Q: How does weather in Georgetown affect showings?
A: Mud and salt are common issues. Provide shoe covers, keep entry clean, and clear walkways. Protect floors with runners.
Q: Is professional cleaning necessary?
A: Not always. If the home is generally clean, a quick professional touch-up can be enough. If there are stains, odors, or heavy traffic wear, hire professionals.
If you want a no-nonsense audit and a custom prep plan for your Georgetown home, email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. I’ll tell you exactly what buyers will notice and how to fix it for the best sale outcome.
