Posted on June 18th, 2024

Inheriting a home can be both a blessing and a burden.

If you don't need it since you don't live there or find it easier to sell than to spend on renovations and costly fixes, selling might be a wise choice.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to spruce up an inherited home, provide deep clean tips, and offer advice on how to market the inherited house. Let's get started!

Assessing the Condition of the Home

Before diving into cleaning and marketing, take time to thoroughly assess the inherited home's condition. Inspect both the interior and exterior, noting any areas that require repairs or updates.

Interior Assessment

• Walls and Ceilings: Look for cracks, peeling paint, or water damage.
• Floors: Check for scratches, stains, or worn-out carpets.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure they open and close smoothly and that locks are functional.
• Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Verify that there are no leaks, faulty wiring, or outdated fixtures.

Exterior Assessment

• Roof and Gutters: Look for missing shingles, leaks, or clogged gutters.
• Landscaping: Check the condition of lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Paint and Siding: Examine for peeling paint or damaged siding.
• Driveways and Walkways: Look for cracks or uneven surfaces.

Decluttering and Organizing

Once you've assessed the home's condition, it's time to declutter and organize. Removing personal items and unnecessary clutter will make the space feel more inviting and easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.

Decluttering Tips

• Sort Items: Create piles for items to keep, donate, sell, or discard.
• Use Storage Solutions: Invest in storage bins and organizers to keep essential items neat and accessible.
• Remove Personal Items: Store family photos, personal collections, and anything overly unique.

Organizing Spaces

• Bedrooms: Clear out closets and arrange furniture to maximize space.
• Living Areas: Arrange furniture to create an open and inviting atmosphere.
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Keep countertops clear and organize cabinets and drawers.

Deep Cleaning the Inherited Home

A deep clean is essential for making an inherited home market-ready. Clean every nook and cranny to ensure the house shines and feels fresh. Here's a room-by-room guide to deep cleaning an inherited home.

Living Areas

• Dust and Wipe Surfaces: Clean all surfaces, including shelves, mantels, and baseboards.
• Vacuum and Mop Floors: Pay attention to corners and under furniture.
• Clean Windows and Blinds: Wash windows inside and out, and clean blinds or curtains.

Kitchen

• Clean Appliances: Scrub the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
• Wipe Cabinets and Counters: Clean inside and outside of cabinets and all countertop surfaces.
• Mop Floors: Ensure the floors are spotless and free of stains.

Bathrooms

• Scrub Toilets, Sinks, and Tubs: Use disinfectant cleaners to ensure all surfaces are hygienic.
• Clean Mirrors and Fixtures: Polish mirrors and clean all fixtures.
• Mop Floors: Make sure floors are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Bedrooms

• Dust and Wipe Surfaces: Clean all furniture, baseboards, and light fixtures.
• Vacuum or Clean Carpets: Shampoo carpets or clean hardwood floors.
• Wash Windows and Curtains: Ensure windows are clean and curtains are fresh.

Making Necessary Repairs and Updates

After deep cleaning, focus on making necessary repairs and updates to increase the home's value. Address any issues found during your initial assessment and consider minor updates that can boost the home's appeal.

Common Repairs

• Fix Leaks and Plumbing Issues: Ensure there are no drips or water damage.
• Repair Electrical Problems: Replace faulty wiring, outlets, and switches.
• Patch Holes and Cracks: Repair any damage to walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Replace Broken Fixtures: Update light fixtures, doorknobs, and cabinet handles.

Cost-Effective Updates

• Fresh Coat of Paint: Choose neutral colors to appeal to a broader audience.
• Update Flooring: Replace worn-out carpets or refinish hardwood floors.
• Upgrade Appliances: Consider replacing outdated kitchen appliances.
• Enhance Curb Appeal: Maintain the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch or flowers.

Staging the Home for Sale

Staging is a crucial step in marketing an inherited home. It helps showcase the property's best features and allows buyers to visualize themselves living there.

Interior Staging

• Furniture Placement: Arrange furniture to create a flow and highlight the room's best features.
• Decor: Use neutral and tasteful decor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Lighting: Ensure all rooms are well-lit with natural and artificial lighting.
• Clean and Fresh Smell: Use air fresheners or diffusers to keep the home smelling pleasant.

Exterior Staging

• Curb Appeal: Maintain the lawn, trim hedges, and add potted plants or flowers.
• Entrance: Ensure the front door and porch are clean and inviting.
• Outdoor Spaces: Stage patios or decks with outdoor furniture and decor.

Marketing the Inherited House

Now that the home is clean, repaired, and staged, it's time to market it effectively. Here are some strategies to ensure your inherited house reaches potential buyers.

Online Listings

• High-Quality Photos: Hire a professional photographer to capture the home's best angles.
• Detailed Descriptions: Write compelling descriptions highlighting the home's features and recent updates.
• Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours to allow buyers to explore the home online.

Traditional Marketing

• For Sale Signs: Place signs in the yard and around the neighborhood.
• Open Houses: Host open houses to allow potential buyers to view the home in person.
• Flyers and Brochures: Distribute marketing materials in the local community.

Working with a Real Estate Agent

• Expertise: A real estate agent provides valuable insights and market knowledge.
• Network: Agents have access to a network of potential buyers and other agents.
• Negotiation: They can help negotiate the best price for your inherited home.

Elevate your real estate experience with Amy H. Braun, Realtor.

Our team specializes in assisting sellers, buyers, and investors, ensuring each client's needs are met with precision and care.

Our seasoned professionals showcase your property to its fullest potential, strategically marketing it to attract the right buyers and maximize your selling price.

Wrapping Up

Sprucing up an inherited home involves assessing its condition, decluttering, deep cleaning, making necessary repairs, staging, and effectively marketing it.

If you don't need the house since you don't live there or find it easier to sell than to spend on renovations and costly fixes, selling the home can be a smart decision.

Don't forget to talk to a real estate professional to assess your options.

If you need assistance with selling your inherited home, contact us at (559) 960-4155 or email us at [email protected].

We're here to help you every step of the way.