Real estate flipping tips usually tell you to update fixtures and replace the carpets, changes that can be costly and may even put you over budget. However, many savvy flippers know that with a little elbow grease and baking soda, you can make formerly grungy parts of the property sparkle. Here are a few real estate flipping tips and tricks for getting your property into shape for your open house:
- Fix the floor. Carpets are expensive to replace, but it’s very important that they at least look clean. Remove stains by mixing vinegar and baking soda into a paste, then scrubbing the spot with the mixture. Let it dry, then vacuum up the remains. Make sure you test this on an inconspicuous area first – the acidic vinegar may alter the color of the carpet.
- Get the smell out. Smelly homes don’t appeal to anybody. Although you can hide it with a candle or an air freshener at the open house, it’s better to get rid of the smell entirely. Shake some of your trusty baking soda on carpets and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming to make the floor less stinky. Spraying vinegar around the home is also a proven odor remover. For tougher odors, place some vinegar in small dishes throughout the home.
- Make fixtures sparkle like new. Instead of installing new fixtures, give them a thorough cleaning. Even the grungiest fixtures can be cleaned by soaking a cloth in vinegar and letting it sit on the fixture for twenty minutes. This loosens the buildup, which can then be removed with an old toothbrush.
- Toilet and sink stains. Vinegar can make your toilets and sinks look new again. Just pour the vinegar in and let it sit overnight. The next day, scrub away the calcium and hard water buildup. If the vinegar doesn’t work to get rid of those stains, try letting half a cup of bleach sit in the bowl for a couple of hours.
Before you jump in to buying all-new fixtures or redoing the carpets, try these real estate flipping tips for cleaning. You’d be surprised how many parts of the home can look new again with just a little time and effort. Make your property look great for the open house – without spending a bundle. You may not have to replace those fixtures and floors after all.
