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The Golden Rule and Real Estate

In the Gospel according to Luke, we find the following saying: The-Golden-Rule-of-Real-Estate

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

This verse provides the basis for what many refer to as 'The Golden Rule' or the Ethic of Reciprocity, which states one has a right or expectation to receive fair and just treatment, and a responsibility to offer similar fair and just treatment towards others.

Just recently, I had the pleasure of representing a 1st Time Home Buyer in the purchase of a property in West Bremerton WA. Overall, it was a fairly smooth transaction. I had the good fortune of working with the Listing Agent previously and knew her to be a very competent professional, as well as a strong advocate for her clients.

We navigated through the inspection process, where the Sellers kindly accepted to remedy all of the items the Buyers had requested. The required work was performed promptly and copies of relevant receipts were provided.

Sellers-should-clean-their-home-before-moving-out The weekend before closing, I performed a final walk-through with my Buyer to visually verify that all work had been performed. The Sellers were busily packing the last few loads of household effects, so we could meet our Monday closing deadline.

On the day of closing, after receiving notification from escrow that the contract had funded and recorded, I turned the keys over to my joyful and excited Buyer, who immediately began the process of moving into her first home!

Imagine her disappointment at finding the home in less than 'move-in' condition. It was clear that the Sellers had made very little, if any, efforts at cleaning the home after removing their belongings. Even the most basic tasks of vacuuming and sweeping had been neglected. After several days delay and several hundred dollars paid-out for cleaning expenses, my Buyer was finally able to move in.

Let's face it, the relocation process can be a very hectic and stressful time for both Buyers and Sellers. There can be instances where time or travel constraints can prohibit us from ensuring that the home is left in reasonable move-in condition. In such situations, Sellers should be advised to budget for professional cleaning services paid out of escrow, or to provide the Buyers with a credit at closing to cover such expenses.

Both Buyers and Sellers (and their Agents) need to remember and apply the Golden Rule:

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

Posted by Rich Jacobson Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Agent on 06/30/2009 06:12 PM

Comments (69)

The Golden Rule for Buyers and Sellers in the Moving Channel

the golden rule, buyers, sellers, movein condition, post closing

Originally posted at: "Singing in the Rain!": The Golden Rule and Real Estate

Post is included in group: Puget Sound - WA Real Estate
Post is included in group: Peninsula Real Estate
Post is included in group: Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA
Post is included in group: ETHICS and the REALTOR
Post is included in group: 1st Time Buyers

69 Comments on The Golden Rule and Real Estate

JUN

I remember on many occasions having to go into the house & vaccuum because the previous owner left the house a mess. The funny thing is, I bet that seller would be angry to move into a house and find it that way!

No kidding, Jeremy. It's the karma of kleaning!...

Hey man, it is so good to see you back. It's been longer since your last post than mine...wow! Great posts and as usual it's a point that is as relevant as gravity. I try daily to do this and actually practice what was preached to me in the past!

Rich, one of our Raleigh agents doing a final walk through found the freshly painted master a bit of a disappointment - apparently when the sellers repainted - THEY PAINTED AROUND THE OVERSIZED BEDROOM FURNITURE. Now that's what I call just bad! Or how about the sellers that forget to clean the fridge after moving out?? If I have an inclination I will now put it in the offer that the home is to be professionally cleaned after owners vacate... somethings just shouldn't be left up to chance!

Rich, I always do a last minute walk through with my buyers, and if they place isn't "broom clean and free of trash and debris" we have funds escrowed. I once sold a house where an honorable gentleman Member of Congress left his house a total wreck. He balked at paying what turned into a couple of thousand dollars for mega trash removal and cleaning - until the buyer threatened to talk to the Washington Post gossip columnist.

I had an experience recently where the seller abjectly refused to remove debris from a crawl space in the lower level of the house. It was a collection of building junk, disgarded furniture, etc.

He was angry because my buyers got a good house at a good price and he had lost a lot of market value and was taking his anger out on the buyers.

The listing agent and her broker were so embarrassed by his behavior they credited $500 to my buyers at closing to compensate for the bad behavior of the seller.

Our contracts call for "broom clean and free of debris".

This wasn't even a matter of the inspection addendum, it was contractual in the Property Condition Paragraph.

We closed at separate times. I wouldn't expose my buyers to the seller's bad manners or behavior.

Gracious Rich...

The last two homes we bought were filthy when we moved into them. Funny thing is I never really notice all that filth until after I move. I really should pay more attention and wear my glasses. If I did that I wouldn't have had to spent my day vacuuming disgusting pop corn ceilings. I sent a professional cleaning crew in on both the homes we've vacated. I was kinda hoping for some of the kleaning karma :)

TLW...ROAR!

I have seen this time and again. The Sellers should have been thrilled to sell the home and dispalyaed the common courtesy of cleaning. I am sure they expected the house they were moving into to be clean.-Dinah Lee

Solid post. The golden rule is a basic ethical principle that would, if and when practiced liberally and frequently, make the world a better place.

Some more on this ethic of reciprocity (via Wikipedia):

The Golden Rule was a common principle in ancient Greek philosophy.

Examples of the general concept include:

"Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him." – Pittacus

"Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing." – Thales

"What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them." – Sextus the Pythagorean

"Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others." – Isocrates

"What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others." – Epictetus

"It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and well and justly and it is impossible to live wisely and well and justly without living a pleasant life." – Epicurus

Rich

Times have changed in such a short amount of years; what we used to take for granted sometimes is just an assumption.

Tom: No kidding. There are NO assumptions any more, and NOTHING is taken for granted!

Darren: Thanks for the excellent enhanced definition!...

Dinah: Unfortunately, all too many times, what they leave and what they expect upon arrival are two totally different things!...

TLW: I have it on good authority that anyone who vacates a home here on Earth without cleaning it has to spend several thousands of years in Heaven cleaning the Buyer's Mansion!....

Lenn: Excellent added verbiage to the contract - "Broom Clean and Free of Debris." I like it!

Patricia: If only all Seller clients were as concerned about negative press!...

Lee & Pamela: A dirty fridge was an issue with this one as well. It rivaled my kid's elementary science fair project on Mold & Spores!...

Russell: Always great to see your smiling face pop up! Yeah, I've been busy trying to get my RE biz ramped back up. Teaching a class on Facebook to a bunch of area agents on Thursday. Should be fun!

Hello my friend! I think this has happened to all of us, don't you? I remember a closing last year with first time home buyers. We were patiently waiting for the sellers to leave so we could do the last minute final walk thru. What a MESS. I called the listing agent and she came over and helped me clean for 4 hours, just so they could have the movers start unloading. I then had to pay a cleaning crew, because the sellers were such pigs.

I loved someones comment above about escrowing for cleaning. After 11 years in the business, you'd think I would have thought to do that. See, learn something new everyday!

It's hard to imagine why it would make ethical sense (from a seller perspective) to have someone move into a filthy "new home." The owners, with any degree of pride of ownership, SHOULD either credit to the buyer full service cleaning, or do it themselves before closing. Disappointment, along with everything else, just shouldn't be on the table when it's easily avoidable. Not to mention contractually agreed to...

Elizabeth: Hello back, Dear Friend! Unfortunately, it's all too common. Lucky you had the help of the Listing Agent. I have huge respect for those kind of agents! Nice to see your face!...

Laurie: One would think that such ethics and pride of ownership would rule the day. Unfortunately, all too many times they don't. We have basic language that attempts to address it, but it's not specific enough.

It does happen, more often that not...unfortunately. We do what we have to do to make things better....right. Some listings/closings, contracts, etc...are better and easier than others. It sure ain't a perfect job.

Patricia Aulson/portsmouth nh real estate

Rich, I used to work in retail and was astounded that people could try on brand new clothes and then leave them in a pile on the dressing room floor. That is what your story reminds me of. but I bet if they were going to buy those clothes they sure would not end up on the floor!

Amen!

Rich, I have experienced the same thing - I guess we all have - it is the nature of real estate. And so often we agents do what ever it takes to make it right for our clients - even at our expense and elbow grease.

I joke with my wife that the last thing on the truck and the first thing off the truck are the cleaning supplies... In the hotel we were in last weekend, she re-cleaned the room in just a few minutes... and cleaned it before we left.

That might be a little over the top... but, it is only good manners to actually deliver that which you would want delivered.

That is a bummer Rich. I think we have all faced this at one time or another and it is never fun.

Thankfully I haven't had to face that too often but on the rare occasions that it's happened, we make an adjustment at the closing to cover cleaning expenses. I'm appalled by people who think it's okay to leave a piggy place for the new owners.

This should be the start of a series, Rich. There are too many issues that we face as realtors that the Golden Rule can be applied to. I haven't had this experience yet, and I hope that I never do.

At least when its a bank owned deal the expectations are lower.

It would be nice if everyone applied the rule....but since they don't we have a provision in our contract for cleaning ...or cleaning credit. Of course it doesn't really apply to lender sales etc. because they always have a 17 page counter that excludes anything and everything :)

Before I was an agent and moved into my current home, the sellers left tons of things that were too big for them to move that we ended up hauling to the dump.

As a result of that experience, I actually have a clause in my listing agreement that if they don't have the home broom clean and remove all items, unless agreed to be left by the buyer, they will reimburse me for expenses incurred. I haven't had a seller balk at the clause, nor have I had to use it.

I think we listing agents just need to set some expectations up front for expected "transaction" behavior.

Hi Rich~ I have had it happen! Thank goodness for "walk throughs". If it is nasty, we don't close until it is clean or money is left to get it that way. I had a client that couldn't understand WHY she had to empty her attic out! Some things that you think are common sense, aren't!

Rich - I work like Pat ...last minute walk thorughs to prevent this sort of thing. I had a listing of mine that I checked the weekend before a Monday closing and the buyer's agent scheduled a last minute showing after that. Got a call an hour before inspection that them main water line in the basement had a serious leak. It was a corporate owned property. I stopped before closing to verify and sure enough. I had to call a plumber and it cost about $350 but we closed. Imagine how disappointed these buyers would have been with their agent if they had to pay that plumbing bill because the walk thorough was scheduled too far in advance.

The Golden Rule is a good idea to apply in just about any situation. It's unfortunate your buyer had to go through this.

I've never heard the Gold Rule referred to as "Ethic of Reciprocity". But whatever it's called, I really wish more people would work this way.

JUL

Hi Rich, Each of these experiences is a learning experience for real estate professionals as well. It is disappointing to say the least and what would have near perfect was ruined with this unnecessary conclusion. And agents wonder why as getting burned we write these almost redundant clauses into the offer to try and prevent this final conclusion. Honestly, talk about a check list of trying to prevent this happening is almost impossible to get it all. There just aren't enough answers to cover all the possibilities. I close one tomorrow and the sellers had a painter to touch up the holes and nicks. When we did our walk through it white paint on yellow. The agent said when the paint dry it will match. When it dried it was pure white on yellow. This seems so unimportant until you see the Buyer who is so disappointed and immediately the dollars were adding up to correct not to mention the amount of frustration. Sad people are in such a hurry that they make all the unnecessary errors and then it becomes someone else's problem.

I am so glad this is one part of the job that does not come up very often but make no mistake, it does come up. My sellers are always encouraged to leave the home clean and offers to hire people are made well in advance in case they do not have the time.

At the very least they should dust, wipe down and vacuum, and this is the very least. I have personally swept out garages and vacuumed rather than a buyer seeing a home like that. There's really no excuse for not at least making a slight effort to clean. By that time everyone is tired and worn out but I wonder if the sellers moved into a new home that was dirty if it would make them think about the fact they left their home dirty as well?

Excellent post, keep up the good work.

Rich,

You're absolutely right. I'm not a spiritual man, but I do believe what goes around comes around. Or as the Golden Rule more eloquently reminds "Do unto others..."

Thanks for the post!

I have conducted "pre-settlement" walk-thrus that prompted a phone call to the Listing agent or even a escrow(2+ x's the cost) for trash removal !!!

Looks like you got hijacked by a couple of spammers just above...talk about the Golden Rule...sheesh. I'm sure AR'll take care of it...

As to the issue, it does seem like this is happening more and more. I now incorporate the conversation very specifically with my sellers, not just interior cleaning but not neglecting the yard! Who wants to move in and have to swish through foot high grass to get into the house! I totally understand if you don't want to keep it up. Then let me provide my cleaner for a departure clean and my yard man to keep up the yard until you go...and I'll collect your check up front made out to the providers. A little acknowledgement of expectation goes a long way! Thanks for a well written post!

THE MESS....is too often an unfortunate reality. The fact is, many people leave the house a mess because it was a mess when they lived in it, therefore, look how clean we left the house. For others, I think that there could be some residual resentment if the negotiations were diffucult and the sellers sold for less than they wanted. It is a way to "get even."

In either event, it is a grim reality that we as agents need to stay on top of as much as possible in counciling our sellers.....and at times as some of you have, within reason, stand in the gap and do it ourselves.

When I first joined Active Rain I wasn't sure who I would meet, after all this is the internet. I like to speak to people face to face. I am delighted to read all of your posts; it is sad that in our industry and through out the world "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31 isn't practiced more. Remove Luke 6:31 and this sentence becomes common sense not religious.

I try to do as I say and follow this rule among others. When it comes to clients I try very hard not to work with people who are self absorbed, I do get surprised sometimes. I think I'm working with great people then wham the true personally comes out.

I am happy to meet all of you and look forward to reading all of your posts. We need more people like this group in the world today!

I recently worked with a first time home buyer that got a great deal on a home and when they went with the real estate agent to go in their new home after closing it was trashed. Lenn has the right idea...have it in the contract and there shouldn't be an issue.

Rich, here in the middle part of America, most sellers still clean the home prior to the buyers moving in. However, I believe we are beginning to see this behavior change to where it won't be the norm anymore after a while. I always recommend to my buyers that we do the walk through the day before closing and after all the furniture is gone.

LOL Gracious...

That seriously cracked me up :)

TLW...ROAR!

TOTALY AGREE -

My business partner and I experienced a lesson in this just the other day from what turned out to be a fellow agent. We recieve buyer referrals through a company called "Estately.com" (they are great btw - check them out). Well, we got one in from a 'Shawna' - we called and talked to this person 3 times over the course of 2 days, got an email address, talked about finances (she said she was prequalified for 170K and could put 20% down) and set up a showing to see the condo she had requested. On the way to the condo - we got a little lost and called the listing office to talk to the listing agent (the apt had been scheduled through the office not the agent). The cell phone we were given --- was the SAME AS THE CLIENTS. Then we realized that the email the client gave us included the listing agent's name as well (we had thought it was a wierd coincidence at the time). We arrived at the condo - to find that no one was there for us to show it to - talked to the seller - and were baffled as to why the other agent would lie and pretend to be a buyer on her own property....We of course reported her to her broker, who appologized and said that he'd take care of it for us.

But what a waste of time (2 hours in rush hour traffic to get there), gas, ect.....

I'm in complete agreement here, Rich... The PSA's clause 'Items left by seller become property of the buyer' was not meant to include junk that the seller didn't want to move and/or dispose of.

I always do the walk through with my clients on our way to closing, so if there is a problem money can be held in escrow until the problem is resolved. As many others mentioned our contract also states the house must be "broom cleaned." However most sellers go above and beyond and have the house professionally cleaned.

You got it Rich...If we all followed the golden rule the world would be a much better place!

I usually suggest to my Sellers that they hire a cleaning service to come in during closing -- and they are usually happy to do so, provided the transaction has gone smoothly. If I'm representing the Buyer, I ask the Listing Realtor about it. I don't expect people to do the right thing without a reminder.

You know it has been so long since I have sold a home with some one actually living in it I had not thought a lot about it. When my wife and I moved I remember cleaning on our way out the door.

I purchased a home and found it in a complete mess and had to spend many hours cleaning it out, it is an awful shame for a seller to leave it in that type of condition. We all should learn a lesson and make sure we say things like "mrs seller, I know you would be looking forward to your move and moving into a nice clean home so your move will be a pleasant experience and all buyers do expect the same courtesy.

Rich: Thanks for the reminder. I'm sure you've seen your share of the "golden rule" being applied and forgotten. Have a great day!

Rich - This is a solid point. I had one of my own clients leave a bunch of junk and trash in a home I sold back in 1997. I spent a lot of time cleaning that day.

Both Buyers and Sellers (and their Agents) need to remember and apply the Golden Rule:

That's great advice for everyone! :)

Rich- It is a shame that that happened to your buyers and hopefully they will remember how the rest of the process was smooth. Those things happen sometimes and it is important to adjust and do one's best when it does. I definitely agree with the Golden Rule.... the karma comes back to you when you do good things and even more so if you do great things... but more importantly vice versa. Did you ask the listing agent to see if they could contact the seller to see if they could write a check to reimburse for the cleaning services ? If not, sometimes that it is a good closing present to provide or the listing agent can step up to the plate as well. Either way, it is all good ! That golden rule is an important one to remember in business !

I always try to encourage my seller to leave a clean house. However when I am on the buyer's side and the home they are buying is not a reo or short sale I write in the additional provisions when writing a contract that the home should be professionally cleaned, carpets shampooed and all nail holes filled, etc. I have paid for cleaning services many times and now make it part of the offer to purchase.

The golden rule should apply to all--buyers and sellers, agents treating each other, etc.

I really wanted to know what IS the GOLDEN RULE of Real Estate - hence I had to come here. I am glad I practise that. Thanks for sharing the post and your heart.

Evening Rich, Interesting issue. Certainly disappointing and frustrating to the new owner ! Perhaps it would be best to include some language to this effect in the contract.

Thanks for the reminder, one more item to go into our "Addendum" to the contract, along with all the other possible problems that can creep up unexpectedly. Actually, one should expect almost anything.

Rich - it goes without saying - common sense and courtesy! There are people and 'very important people' (as the politician in Patricia's post), however, and that is why good Realtors check, arrange or roll up the sleeves for their clients...

Good post ...

With smiles,

Bo in Yukon

JUL

Rich,

My personal experience when I move two years ago. We closed and funded, went by the house, and the sellers (2 young doctors) were still in the process of moving out.

We were not expecting our furniture to arrive until the next day; however after they removed their belongings the house still needed to be cleaned. The seller told us they had accidentally packed the gate keys, but would mail them to us.

After several weeks I called the listing agent about the keys. He was furious and reminded me the wife had just had a baby and had to make the drive to upsate New York. My response was "Did she have to make the trip in a covered wagon, get me the keys like the contract called for".

May your clients experience some good karma in life and the seller not so good.

Great topic! I started adding to my contracts a couple of years ago after being forced to pay for cleaning. To bad that we have to go to such extremes. As a listing agent, I advise my seller's that they must leave the house in the shape they would expect to move into and if caught on a time crunch then I've got names for them to use and pay to have it done. Nothing extreme but sweep, vacuum, clean the bathrooms and especially the kitchen...refrigerator, stove, etc.

Rich:

I find it interesting how differently folks can handle these situations. Some sellers go out of their way, including shampooing rugs, getting windows washed and having a crew in, while others seem to delight in leaving as much crap behind as possible. Buyers also seem to have differing opinions about what they expect and how they react. Some are more much reasonable than others.

Most of the time I have been fortunate to welcome my buyers to a clean house, and, of course, working with sellers I always discuss the matter of leaving a welcoming house. Amd I have done my own share of cleaning, or arranging for cleaning.

Jeff

JUL

Sometimes, on the contract, the buyers request that 'home be professionally cleaned' as one of the additional provisions. Having it in writing keeps the anxiety at bay. All the best for a safe & happy holiday, to you & your family, Rich!

JUL

Rich: I have been involved in quite a few sales where I had to put in black in white in the Contract in the remarks that the sellers had to remove their junk before leaving. In one case it was over $1000 to remove some trash and junk in a large property.

I am glad you are tackling this subject. Either the real estate agent has to hire someone to clean the mess or do it himself or herself.It seems that some sellers think that once they have the money in their pocket they should leave a mess behind.

Some people will always be slobs but we can try to make sure they clean their pig pens before closing. I recall cleaning under one home on stilts one afternoon because the buyers were going to walk out if the place was not cleaned up.

Thank you for sharing this messy topic.

JUL

My daughter is thinking of moving her family to the Seattle area. Would love to know if you think a move from TN to WA is worth it for a struggling art teacher who will have to get recertified to teach in another state then carry the burden of the cost of that long a move. He'll probably have to start at a new teacher's pay as well. All that and I have a friend who told me it ALWAYS rains there and that she hates it. What say you? Trusting you for your answers because of your great post about the "Golden Rule."

JUL

Good idea Rich. This will help protect your Clients from having to clean up someone else's mess.

JUL

Rich,

Frequently I am reminded of how complicated this field can be.

A great application of the rule, thanks Rich.

JUL

Rich, This is so disappointing. I've not had this happen but I'm sure that it will at some point. I've had sellers do a better job of cleaning after it sold than they did when we were marketing... one couple even did some painting after we had a contract on the house!

JUL

There is always a question of when the final walk through should be scheduled. Some want it early so there is time to work out any problems. But if not done close to the settlement, there may be a recent problem that is not discovered until it's too late.

AUG

Its so disappointing when that happens - so did you pay for the place to get cleaned? Most I find leave it clean - but once in a while we're in for a big surprise.

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