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 Before After
Before After
Before you spend money on upgrades, grab a pressure washer. Cleaning the exterior of your home is one of the highest-ROI things you can do before listing — and it costs almost nothing if you do it yourself.
What to Pressure Wash
Connecticut weather — especially our winters — takes a toll on exterior surfaces. Here’s what to hit:
- Driveway and walkways — removes oil stains, moss, and winter salt residue
- Siding — clears mildew, dirt, and pollen buildup (use low pressure on vinyl)
- Garage door — often overlooked, but it’s one of the largest visible surfaces
- Deck or patio — brings weathered wood or pavers back to life
- Fencing — especially vinyl or wood that’s turned green
Why It Makes Such a Big Difference
Buyers in Monroe, Trumbull, and Shelton are often comparing 3–5 homes in the same price range. The one that looks cleanest wins. A dirty exterior doesn’t just look bad — it makes buyers wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.
A clean exterior tells a different story: this homeowner took care of the property.
DIY or Hire It Out?
You can rent a pressure washer from a hardware store for about $50–$75 per day. Start with the driveway — it’s the most visible surface and the most satisfying to clean. Use a wide fan tip for large flat areas and a narrower tip for stubborn stains.
If you’d rather not deal with it, a professional exterior cleaning runs $200–$400 for an average home — and it’s money well spent.
Either way, do this before listing photos are taken. The difference in how your home photographs is dramatic.
Go Deeper
The Bottom Line
You can’t control the market, but you can control how your home shows. A clean exterior is the fastest way to look like the best option on the block.
For more tips like this, download our free Home Seller’s Guide. Curious what your home is worth today? Get a free home value estimate.
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