Landlords & sellers · 3 min read
Exterior cleaning before selling your house: what’s worth doing
Which exterior cleaning jobs make the biggest difference before listing photos and open homes, and when to book them.
- First impressions start at the kerb and in listing photos
- A house wash, driveway clean and windows give the biggest lift
- Book 1 to 2 weeks before photos
Buyers form an opinion before they reach the front door, often from listing photos. A clean exterior tells them the home has been cared for.
The jobs that make the biggest difference
- Soft house wash: removes mould and grime so paint looks fresh
- Driveway and path clean: the first thing buyers walk on
- Exterior windows: brighter rooms and better photos
- Roof wash: if lichen or moss is visible from the street
- Gutter clean: overflowing gutters can raise questions at a building inspection
When to book
Aim for one to two weeks before listing photos. That leaves time for surfaces to dry and for any roof treatment to start working.
Cleaning vs repainting
Many homes that look like they need repainting just need a good wash. It’s worth washing first and then deciding.
Real estate agents and property managers can join our partner program on listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth cleaning the roof before selling?
If moss or lichen is visible from the street or in drone photos, yes. It also avoids it being flagged in a building report.
Maidly looks after homes across Christchurch with eco-friendly methods and a 100% work guarantee on every service. Request a free quote.