How should the home be left for the New Buyer?

How should the home be left for the New Buyer?

With the inventory so low, we are seeing many homeowners putting their homes on the market long before they are ready!    Just this week took some buyers out, and on the entry, there were 2" furrballs, floors that had not been cleaned, baseboards that have seen better days, and the cabinets were greasy.     This was when these first time buyers asked how the home is left.      Typically, if the home is in show home condition when viewing, that is how you will have it when you get your keys.   If it is filthy, that too, is what you will find when you take possession.     

We are seeing multiple offers, buyers agreeing to bring dollars to the closing table over appraised value and asking for minimal inspection items.     The Sellers should leave the home in a condition THEY would like to move into!

As the final boxes are being packed and sealed, Sellers should take the time to think about how and when the cleaning will be done to leave the home for the buyer.     It is a stressful time, and sometimes time is quite tight, but leaving the home in ready to move in condition is very important!      If time is tight - hire a professional cleaning crew and delegate this process out.   (Especially if you saw extra dollars on the bottom line)

Some items to Consider -

~ No personal items should be left in the home.   (even if that green couch was in the basement when you bought it....)  The exception to this would be if it was agreed upon by both buyers & sellers.

 ~ Trash should be in the trash cans, and ready for trash pickup.   We know you will have plenty of trash, but make sure it is not blocking access to the garage or the home.     There cannot be any flammable items such as oil or paint, you must dispose of these items in the appropriate manner -- do not leave these for the new buyers to deal with!   If there is debris in the yard, have it removed and especially clean up after pets.

 ~ Clean out the drawers and cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms - nothing like finding really gross leftover toothpaste or other unmentionables by the buyers.   Cleaning the bathrooms is always a nice gesture.    

 ~ Leaving leftover tile, carpet, wood or paint that is currently in the home is a nice gesture.

 ~ Sweep or vacuum the flooring.   

 ~ It is nice to have the lawn mowed prior to close date.

 ~ Last but not least --- do you really have to remove every roll of toilet paper?    Nothing like moving in, have many friends helping, and not one sheet of paper in the home.   Toilet paper is cheap!

It is best to think --- HOW WOULD I LIKE TO FIND A NEW HOME?    Leave a home like you would like to find when moving in.    It just is good karma!