The Highest Return on Investment When Selling Your Home Isn’t a Remodel — It’s Cleaning
Forget Costly Remodels — Start with Clean
When preparing to sell, most homeowners immediately think about upgrades — a new bathroom, fresh carpet, or updated landscaping. But according to the National Association of REALTORS®, the activity with the highest return on investment isn’t any of those.
It’s cleaning.
A professional deep clean (or a weekend of elbow grease) consistently delivers the strongest return for sellers — often boosting a home’s perceived value by 5% or more.
First Impressions Sell Homes
Buyers decide whether a home feels right within seconds of walking through the door.
In fact, 77% of buyers say they know within moments if a home fits them — and cleanliness is the #1 factor influencing that first impression.
A spotless home communicates care, quality, and value. Dusty baseboards, streaky windows, or a faint odor can unconsciously tell buyers the opposite. When a home feels clean, it also feels well maintained — which translates directly into stronger offers.
Why Cleaning Beats Remodeling
Let’s talk return on investment:
Improvement
Avg. ROI Avg. Cost
Deep Cleaning 300–400% $300–$800
Interior Painting 107% $2,000–$3,000
Bathroom Remodel 57% $10,000+
New Carpet/Flooring 70% $5,000–$8,000
Cleaning costs a fraction of what a remodel does — and unlike major projects, it doesn’t delay your listing. It’s also one of the few “home improvements” almost anyone can do themselves or outsource affordably.
Clean Homes Photograph (and Show) Better
Real estate marketing starts online. A clean home:
Reflects light better, making photos brighter and more inviting
Creates crisp lines and visual balance that attract attention on social feeds and MLS
Makes rooms feel more spacious and calm
The result? More clicks, more showings, and more offers.
What “Clean” Really Means
Not all cleaning is created equal. To get maximum return, aim for a true deep clean — top to bottom, inside and out:
Interior:
Ceilings, fans, light fixtures, and vents
Walls, baseboards, window sills, and tracks
Inside cabinets, closets, and appliances
Flooring, grout lines, and carpets
Decluttering and minimizing surfaces for an open, airy look
Exterior:
Power wash siding, driveways, patios, and decks
Clean windows (inside and out)
Remove cobwebs, dirt, and buildup from eaves and light fixtures
Sweep porches and entryways — the “handshake” of your home’s presentation
When a home is immaculately clean, buyers stop focusing on flaws and start picturing themselves living there.
Pair Cleaning with Decluttering
Cleaning and decluttering go hand in hand. Removing excess furniture, personal items, and decor opens up the space, allowing buyers to visualize their own lives inside.
Think of it like editing a story — removing distractions so the main character (your home) can shine.
The Bottom Line
Before spending thousands on updates, start with a deep clean. It:
✅ Delivers the highest ROI of any pre-sale activity
✅ Boosts perceived value by up to 5%
✅ Helps your home photograph and show beautifully
✅ Costs a fraction of traditional upgrades
If you’re preparing to sell your home in San Luis Obispo County — from Arroyo Grande to Paso Robles — a clean, fresh, and decluttered space is the fastest, most cost-effective way to attract qualified buyers.
Need a referral for trusted local cleaning professionals? I can connect you with experienced teams who specialize in pre-market preparation and deep cleaning.
👉 Schedule a home-prep consultation to learn exactly where to focus your time and budget for the highest return.