Selling Your Long Island Home? Power Wash First — Here's Why

First Impressions Sell Houses

According to the National Association of Realtors, buyers form their opinion of a home within 7 seconds of seeing it. On Long Island — where the median home price exceeds $600,000 — a dirty exterior can cost you tens of thousands in lost negotiating power.

Here's what experienced Long Island real estate agents recommend cleaning before listing:

• House siding — removes years of green algae, dirt, and oxidation
• Driveway and walkways — eliminates oil stains, tire marks, and discoloration
• Roof — removes black algae streaks that make buyers think the roof needs replacement
• Deck and patio — restores weathered wood and brightens pavers
• Fencing — cleans green algae from vinyl and restores wood fences

The ROI of Pre-Sale Power Washing

A comprehensive exterior cleaning package on Long Island typically costs $800 to $2,000 for a full property. Real estate professionals estimate this investment adds $10,000 to $15,000 in perceived value — a 5-10x return on investment.

More importantly, a clean exterior accelerates your time on market. Homes with strong curb appeal sell 7% faster than comparable listings with neglected exteriors.