Before putting her historic condo on the market, Rachel Wilson decided to have it professionally cleaned.

While perfectly capable of cleaning herself, she opted to hire the Boston house cleaner pros at Liberty Cleaning Co.

"When I went to the condo later to check, I found that everything had been done as promised," Wilson says. "Overall, the service was totally professional and a good value."

Wilson paid $170 to clean her condo, but experts say a professional house cleaning is a small investment that could yield big results. First impressions can have a major impact on the buyer.

Surveys have shown that a good first impression of your home can add to its overall value. Although many factors will contribute to this value, image is one of the most important aspects buyers notice.

If you’re attempting to prepare your home for sale, consider hiring a cleaning professional before you open your home to potential buyers. A cleaning service not only will have the training and experience necessary to successfully complete the job, but will also have the right tools to ensure a thorough cleaning.

A cleaning professional can prepare the inside of your home so it’s ready for open houses, promotional photos and walk-throughs by real estate agents and potential buyers.

This is extremely helpful when the house has extremely soiled areas not easily removed by common household cleaners. Professionals often have access to high-powered cleaners and can make dingy areas appear new.

A professional will also know how to remove odors that might hinder a potential sale. Ruby Bullen turned to B.P. Expert Cleaning of Bridgeview, Ill., to deep clean her brother's townhome that had been plagued by cigarette smoke for years.

"Overall, I was extremely pleased with the service and will use them again," she says of her experience with the Chicago house cleaners.

If you’re still living in your house prior to open houses and home viewings, a house cleaner can help put away everyday items, vacuum, dust, organize and straighten closets and pantries and clean bathrooms and kitchens, two areas of the house that can make or break potential deals.

House cleaners can also help remove and store personal items for any upcoming showing, such as family photos, children’s’ artwork or pet items.

If you intend on showing your home without furniture, hiring a cleaning professional can help restore areas that have been neglected due to the interference of furniture and appliances. For example, several years of dirt and debris beneath the refrigerator can require more advanced cleaning tools and products than the average person has access to.

Diane Fraser paid $175 to Marybelle's Maintenance Service after the Los Angeles area house cleaning company prepared her rental property for new tenants. She was so pleased with the results that she paid more than was quoted.

"They arrived on time and did a fantastic job," Fraser says. "The crew of three was hardworking. They did everything they said they would and all had a great attitude."

Want to ensure you get the most value on your property? Let Angie’s List can connect with you with a highly rated and recommended house cleaner in your area.