Congratulations, you've found the ideal buyers, the ink has dried on the paperwork, and our real estate agents are helping you finalize the process. Essentially, it's a clean break! All you have to do is hand over the house keys to the new owners, walk away, and celebrate, right?

Well, not just yet! While it's tempting to skip out on the last few cleaning chores, not observing seller's etiquette could actually compromise the sale of your home.

How to Clean a House You Just Sold

Both the buyer and seller have obligations to fulfill under the sales contract. As a seller, you're generally required to:

• Make any repairs you have agreed to make
• Leave the home broom-clean, at a minimum
• Remove all your possessions from the property unless specified to stay under the sales contract.

After completing the closing process, you're no longer the property owner, and you're expected to have moved out by this point. Here are some cleaning tips that will help you live up to your end of the bargain.

1. Pack Up Everything
   Chances are you decluttered before listing your house for sale. Maybe you even placed some items in self-storage. If so, the packing process may be a little less hectic for you.
   
   Hiring professional movers? Find out what is included in the service package on the packing front. Some moving companies will wrap up all your furniture in plastic and provide blankets for heavy items. Other companies do all the heavy lifting, including boxing up your belongings and moving them to your new residence.
   
   Make sure to sell or donate any items you no longer need.
   
   
2. Clean All the Rooms
   It's a courtesy to clean the house as you leave and patch up any holes in the walls. You'll find it easier to clean the house after packing everything up. Take advantage of the moment to pay special attention to those places that don't get cleaned regularly.
   
   Cleaning checklist:

• • Dust light fittings and fixtures, AC vents, and ceiling fans
  • Wash walls and wipe down baseboards, and doorframes
  • Clean inside cupboards, cabinets, and drawers
  • Clean and sanitize all the appliances you're leaving behind
  • Clean all parts of your windows, inside and out
  • Clean the blinds and other window treatments
  • Scrub down the sink, countertops and leave the floors spotless

More importantly, give the bathroom a deep clean. Your buyers will appreciate it, and they'll rest assured that the house they purchased is in great condition and has been well maintained.

3. Take Everything With You
   It's not uncommon for sellers to leave personal belongings behind or items they think the new owners would want. But unless the buyer specifically asked for something, it's advisable to take everything with you.
   
   Make sure to check what's included in the sales contract, so you don't unknowingly carry anything that was meant to be left behind. Some items like major appliances are obvious, but others like curtains and light fittings are less so.
   
   Here's a tip: Create a guide to your house that includes appliance manuals, a note on garbage collection days or anything you'd like them to know about the neighborhood. It's a lovely thing to do and help the new buyers enjoy the property more.

Selling Your Home? Let's Find You a New One

Selling your home can be a daunting and time-consuming process. That's why we're here to help you out, whether you're downsizing or just looking for the perfect second home. Check out our Atlanta homes for sale for your dream home, and contact us for any questions you might have.