3 Tips for Cleaning Your Attic

by Ann Hayward 08/20/2017

As a home seller, you'll want to ensure all areas of your house look great. By doing so, you may be able to generate substantial interest in your house and boost your chances of a quick home sale.

Unfortunately, some home areas are tougher to clean than others. And when it comes to cleaning your attic, it may prove to be a time-consuming process to transform this space from a liability into an asset.

So what does it take to fully clean an attic? Here are three tips to help a home seller revamp an attic in no time at all.

1. Look Out for Dust and Mold.

Dust and mold can be problematic, but these issues may arise if you rarely enter your home's attic. Fortunately, a home seller who spends some time cleaning the attic can minimize dust and mold with ease.

Repair or replace any loose, broken or missing shingles in your attic. Also, check attic windows for missing caulk or cracked panes. Resolving these issues may help you prevent mold from forming.

If you encounter mold, contact a certified indoor air quality professional immediately. This professional can evaluate your attic and offer recommendations to correct the problem.

In addition, dust your attic thoroughly. This will enable you to minimize the risk that dust mites and other irritants could enter other areas of your home.

2. Get Rid of Unwanted Items.

From holiday decorations to family photo albums, your attic may be filled with a broad assortment of items. And if you remove clutter from your attic today, you may be able to save time after you sell your residence.

Go through your attic belongings and separate the essential items from the non-essential ones. That way, as moving day approaches, you won't have to rush to get rid of non-essential items.

Furthermore, wear rubber gloves, eye protection and a dust mask any time you clean or organize your attic. This will enable you to stay safe as you work.

3. Collaborate with Your Real Estate Agent.

Does your attic require a complete overhaul? If so, you may need professional cleaning support, and your real estate agent can put you in touch with the right cleaning company instantly.

Your real estate agent will do what it takes to help your home stand out in the eyes of homebuyers. He or she can offer attic cleaning recommendations and general cleaning tips, guaranteeing you should have no trouble creating a dazzling home interior.

When it comes to selling your home, it is easy to ignore your attic. However, a home seller who performs extensive attic cleaning may be able to differentiate his or her residence from others – something that is exceedingly important in a highly competitive real estate market.

Take advantage of the aforementioned attic cleaning tips – you'll be happy you did! If you revamp your attic, you could improve your chances of maximizing the value of your residence and accelerating the home selling process.

Attic

Cleaning Tips

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]