We're the first to admit that spring cleaning isn't at the top of our fun list, especially on a sunny spring day.

But if you're planning to sell your home, a thorough spring clean can add a surprisingly high value to your sale, while buying a spring-cleaned home will make life easier for you.

Here are our top tips for spring cleaning - and a great sale.

Where do I start?

Start opening cupboards and going through shelves - including those in the garage - but aim not to procrastinate on cleaning by looking through old memories!

Grab your mop, bucket and vacuum cleaner and put on your rubber gloves.

Put some funky music on and work towards relaxing later that day with a good book or movie and a takeaway dinner.

And, did we mention the fabulous sale your hard cleaning work will achieve?

Top tips to improve house value

1. Remove clutter 

Pretty knick-knacks, photos and cards are fine but toys, books and other items strewn across rooms aren't so attractive.

And while you're cleaning up the clutter, wipe down shelves and cupboards too.

2. Pressure clean outside surfaces

It's amazing how much difference a strong pressure clean can make to steps, decks, patios and driveways.

You can buy or rent a pressure washer but either way, make a date to return surfaces to their former glory.

3. Spruce up the gardens

While you're outside pressure cleaning, take the time to weed your gardens, mow the lawns, and trim overgrown bushes and trees - and again, remove clutter.

4. Professionally steam clean and deoderise carpets 

Pet owners, we're looking at your in particular with this tip!

We love our furry friends as much as the next person but they can get a bit on the nose without you even realising it - to say nothing of the fur they can leave in your carpet.

5. Scrub and seal grout

Again, it's amazing how a good scrub of your shower and bathtub can make these details look like new.

That mould you hardly noticed is more noticable now just for not being there any longer!

While you're scrubbing, check any grouts that need re-sealing.

Your buyer will thank you for it - and be prepared to pay more for your sparkly clean house.

6. Light and scent in spades

Complete your spring clean with letting that spring sunshine in, as well as all the lovely fragrances of spring flowers.

Scented candles and essences are lovely too as are some homey baked whiffs - but saying this, don't overdo the scent factor as it could wise up your potential buyer to hidden smells.

How spring cleaning increases your home's value

So, your house is sparkly clean and smelling gorgeous - but has it been worth it?

You bet it has!

Firstly, you've sent the right message to buyers, telling them that your home has been well looked after over the years and will have no long-term damage from mould, built-up grime and similar.

Secondly, you've given buyers a positive impression of your home and highlighted its special features such as hardwood floors, picture windows, flowers and that beautiful clawfoot bathtub.

Thirdly, you've showcased your home's possibilities to buyers. Buyers can immediately imagine where and how they can fit their own furniture and knick-knacks into the space now clean from clutter and dirt.

Fourthly, your spring clean is telling buyers your home is a healthy one with no mould that could take a long time - and money - to professionally clean.

Fifthly, a spring-cleaned house assures buyers that they won't have to undertake vast repairs and maintenance and can move into a move-in-ready home.

We're here to help

A thorough spring clean will definitely help you achieve a fantastic price for your home - or to buy a fantastic home for a great price!

And while we at Listing Loop aren't obsessed with spring cleaning, we are great fans of helping you buy - and sell - off-market - and for the best possible price.

We can also help you refinance and first-home buyers and investors, we've got your property back too.

So, if in doubt about any of your home buying plans, sign up at Listing Loop or download our app.

Our off-market and pre-market marketplace give you VIP access to properties so you can get in first.