By Gretchen A. Peck

When homeowners decide to sell, their listing Realtors will offer counsel about how best to present the home, including tips on decluttering, making key repairs and cleaning the entire property—inside and out—so it looks its best. These same tips can be useful for homeowners who aren’t necessarily in the market to sell, but want their homes to present well this spring and summer.

First Impressions

“If you are thinking of selling your home, one of the first things I tell people is to make sure the first impression is a good one,” according to Realtor Greg Broadbent, who’s affiliated with RE/MAX Coast and Country in Mystic.

“Think about where people are going to enter the home,” he explained. “The path from their car to that door should be spruced up. Take care of overgrown areas. Add some fresh mulch. Be sure to pay attention to the area around the door, where we all pause to get the keys. Paint the trim around the kickplate. Secure your loose railings, and add a fresh layer of paint. This will show people you care about the look of your house. It will start a positive impression as you enter.”

After last season’s drought and plunging winter temperatures, your lawn may require some TLC, too. Broadbent said, “Now is the time that you’ll want to put some grass seed down on the spots that are a little thin. The spring rain will help it grow.”

Marie Tyler Wiley, a Realtor with William Raveis’ Mystic brokerage, also suggested homeowners begin their spring cleaning outside. “The first thing anyone sees when they come to your house is the exterior. Sweep off your patios, driveways or decks. If needed, power-wash them. Wash your windows, inside and out. Clean your gutters and your outdoor furniture.”

Wiley also advised giving the mailbox a fresh coat of paint or an upgrade; adding potted flowers around the front entrance; and raking matted winter grasses from the lawn.

Interiors that Sparkle and Shine

“I love spring cleaning,” Stephanie Anthony told Welcome Home. She’s a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate’s Mystic brokerage, as well, and frequently advises her selling clients about how to ensure their homes look and show their best.

“The feeling of a clean, well-organized home goes a long way,” she said. “It helps us feel less overall stress and anxiety in our lives. I like to pick one or two projects a day, so it feels less overwhelming.

“I started last month by cleaning vents and ceiling fans. They can collect dust, dirt, lint and pet hair,” Anthony explained.

She also suggested vacuuming and cleaning the moldings in each room.

“Don’t forget appliances—inside and out! For example, remove the contents from your fridge and wipe down containers, especially those condiment bottles and jars. Wipe down the walls, drawers and shelves. … Rotate older items to the front and newer items toward the back, and toss anything that has expired or is at the end of life. Make it a habit of cleaning out those items weekly on trash day.”

“My biggest spring-cleaning tip would be: declutter,” Viviana Penson-Rodriguez told Welcome Home. She’s the broker-owner of Leaf Realty Group in Groton.

“Donate items and clothing that have not been used in the past year. And if you’re a prospective seller, my advice would be to declutter; paint [interior rooms] in neutral colors; and clean like you could eat off the floors,” Penson-Rodriguez added.

The time investment for each of these chores varies, so don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t get to them all. Start by making a list of your priorities, and check them off, one at a time.

“My ‘inside list’ is very short, and it’s the same for every room,” Realtor Marie Tyler Wiley said. “Wash the baseboards, window sills, doors and walls. Dust all the overhead lights and fans. Vacuum the floors and lampshades. Mop the floors, shampoo the rugs, wash the curtains and reseal any grout lines.”

And don’t forget the garage, attic and any outbuildings on the property, she added. “Start with the garage. Get rid of everything you haven’t used in years. Get rid of things like old, broken rakes. Give it a good sweep, and if you need to, power-wash it.”