Introduction

Selling a home in Calgary's dynamic real estate market requires strategic planning and meticulous preparation. Among the myriad factors that influence a home sale, cleanliness stands out as a critical component. This article delves into how professional Calgary house cleaning can significantly impact home sales in Calgary, providing insights from a seasoned local realtor Ben Pinckney, and backed by statistical data and real-life examples.

Brief Overview of the Calgary Housing Market

The Calgary housing market has experienced notable fluctuations in recent years, shaped by economic shifts, migration trends, and housing affordability issues. According to Global News, Calgary has welcomed 100,000 new residents over the past four years, with an expected influx of another 110,000 in the next four years. This surge in population is placing increased demand on the housing market, making it a seller's market but also intensifying competition among sellers to attract buyers.

Importance of Home Presentation in Real Estate Sales

Home presentation plays a pivotal role in real estate transactions. A well-presented home can captivate potential buyers, making them more likely to place a competitive offer. Cleanliness is a fundamental aspect of home presentation, as it not only enhances visual appeal but also conveys a sense of care and maintenance.

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Expert Insight: Interview with Ben Pinckney, local realtor

To gain professional insights into the impact of cleanliness on home sales, we interviewed Ben Pinckney, proffesional realtor, a born-and-raised Albertan who started his real estate journey in February 2021 after reflecting on how he could make a difference in his personal and professional life as well as in his community. Ben has a stellar track record of helping clients sell their homes quickly and at top dollar.

Realtor’s Perspective on the Importance of Cleanliness in Home Staging

"It is extremely important to having a clean home as it heavily impacts a buyer’s perception and potential interest in a home," says Ben. "First impressions make a huge impact on a buyer’s decision. The average home-buyer sees 12-20 properties before buying and they have roughly 15-30 minutes to view each property. Sometimes they even see 3-10 listings in a single day depending on the type of market we’re in. A very clean and well-maintained product has a massive impact on a buyer’s perception about the home."

First Impressions Matter

Statistical Insights on How First Impressions Affect Buyer Interest

Research indicates that potential buyers form an opinion about a home within the first few seconds of viewing it. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 49% of buyers believe that staging and cleanliness affect their purchasing decisions. A clean, well-staged home can increase the perceived value and reduce the time a property spends on the market.

Realtor’s Anecdotes on Buyer Reactions to Clean vs. Unclean Homes

Ben shares, "To be honest, you usually only have that first impression to make an impact on a buyer’s opinion about a home. If a home is not clean or maintained when we go during our showing that greatly impacts the buyer perception and 99% of the time the buyer will never revisit that property since it had such a negative impact on them."

The Cleaning Effect: Before and After

Case Study of Calgary Home Before and After Professional Cleaning

“One notable example,” says Ben “I had a townhouse listing earlier this year where the sellers had not kept the home very clean. Their dog was a big culprit as it ruined some finishings and had various pee stains throughout the home. This was back in January 2024 when the market was hot and so the sellers wanted to list as quickly as they could. I stressed to them that even though the market is moving quickly, buyers still want a well-maintained and presentable property when buying. They were too concerned about the market shifting so they insisted on listing with the home in its current condition. Although we did get a lot of showings due to our price point (under $500k), this did not result in us getting a sale. We got a lot of feedback that the layout, location, and size of the home was great, but buyers were not keen on its condition due to the perception that it was not clean and not kept in good shape. This feedback convinced my clients to hire a cleaner and do some other touch-ups throughout the home to make it turn key ready. We ended up getting a sale within a week after the home was cleaned up and did some TLC. Buyers in today’s market are willing to pay top dollar for a home, but they want to ensure that their money is being spent on a good quality, well maintained and clean product.”

Realtor’s Commentary on Changes in Buyer Interest Post-Cleaning

"Professional cleaning can transform a home," Ben emphasizes. "Buyers and I notice the difference immediately. When an owner does a clean it is usually a “surface level” clean. This is just enough to make the place look presentable, but there has not been a deep clean. Some examples would be that they have vacuumed the floors, but you can still see the layer of dust that is sitting on top of the baseboards.  A professionally cleaned home is very apparent. Since my clients are too busy getting a feel for the home it’s my job to look for details that could impact the sale. Things regarding its conditions, cleanliness, how it’s been maintained, etc. I can always tell when something has been professionally cleaned and make a point to go out of my way to tell my clients so they know that the seller has put in considerable effort to make a good impression."

Financial Implications

Analysis of Cleaning Costs Versus Return on Investment at Sale

Investing in professional cleaning services can yield a significant return on investment. The cost of a comprehensive cleaning service for a typical Calgary home ranges from $300 to $900. However, this investment can lead to a 5-10% increase in the home's selling price, translating to thousands of dollars in additional profit.

Realtor’s Views on Budgeting for Cleaning in the Sales Strategy

Ben advises, "Professional cleaning is one of the most affordable ways to spruce up your home and make it presentable for listing. Not only does it cost $1,000 or less typically (depending on the size of your home), but it is also quick to do. I can usually get a cleaner in a home within 24-48 hours and get it prepped for photos and ready to be listed. Compared to the cost/time needed for other renovations, cleaning can have a huge ROI."

Common Cleaning Oversights in Home Sales

Common Areas and Items in Homes That Are Frequently Overlooked During Cleaning

Certain areas are often overlooked during DIY cleaning, such as:

  • Baseboards and crown molding
  • Light fixtures and ceiling fans
  • Inside cabinets and closets
  • Windows and window sills
  • Appliances, particularly behind and under them

Tips from the Realtor on Ensuring a Thorough Clean

Ben suggests, "If you’re selling your home I encourage you to clean the things that you don’t clean on a regular basis. Yes, you do need to vacuum, mop, and dust, but really focus on the areas that don’t get much attention regularly like inside cabinets and under sinks, tops of baseboards, etc."

Professional Cleaning vs. DIY

Comparison of Professional Cleaning Services Versus Doing It Yourself

While DIY cleaning might seem cost-effective, it often lacks the thoroughness and efficiency of professional services. Professional cleaners have the expertise, equipment, and products to tackle deep cleaning tasks that homeowners might overlook or be unable to perform effectively.

Realtor’s Recommendations and Why They Prefer Professional Cleaning for Their Listings

"I always prefer professional cleaning services," says Ben. "It all goes back to how deep of a clean you go for. It’s a night and day difference between having a professional vs doing it yourself. Buyers can be nosy and they tend to look in places that a DIY cleaner wouldn’t think about. On the other hand, professional cleaning services have a high standard that will meet or exceed everyone’s expectations."

Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

Criteria for Selecting a Cleaning Service in Calgary

When choosing a cleaning service in Calgary, consider the following criteria:

  • Reputation and reviews
  • Range of services offered
  • Pricing and packages
  • Experience with real estate cleaning
  • Availability and flexibility

Realtor-Endorsed Cleaning Services and What Makes Them Stand Out

Ben endorses Cactus Cleaning, a trusted Calgary cleaning company known for its thoroughness and professionalism. "Cactus Cleaning offers move out cleaning services. You get the best at a very reasonable cost! Fur Fighters. They use pet-friendly cleaning products so you don’t have to worry about what the cleaning materials are doing to your pets. Very personal touches when cleaning and customer-focused."

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Q&A with the Realtor

Q1: How far in advance should I schedule a professional cleaning before listing my home?

A1: Ideally have the cleaning done a day or two before you take photos for your home and then once again just before your home is active on the MLS. Just make sure to declutter so they can come in and do their job and you’re not having to worry about moving stuff around.

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Q2: Can professional cleaning really make a difference if my home is already tidy?

A2: Yes, the fresh smell and once over does have an impact on people’s perception of the home!

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Q3: What should I do if I can't afford professional cleaning?

A3: If budget is a concern, Ensure you make the place as presentable and as clean as you are able to. Clean to a slightly higher standard than what you normally would as again everyone has a different standard for what is clean.

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Conclusion

Cleanliness is a crucial factor in selling a home in Calgary’s competitive market. Professional cleaning services can significantly enhance a home’s appeal, leading to quicker sales and higher offers. Investing in a thorough cleaning can yield substantial returns and make the selling process smoother and more successful.

Final Thoughts from the Realtor on Maximizing Home Value Through Cleaning

Ben concludes, "A clean home not only attracts more buyers but also creates a sense of trust and value. Today’s buyers are willing to pay top dollar, but they want to ensure the home is clean and well-maintained and that they can envision themselves living there without ordering move in cleaners! Sellers who invest in professional cleaning often see the best results, both in terms of speed and final sale price. It’s a step you can’t afford to skip."