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I think my buyer just bought the dirtiest house in the county

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA

I think my buyer just bought the dirtiest house in the county, and she’s really happy about it!  Why?  Because she knows she saved about $25,000, all because of dirt.

 

She is not like most buyers.  She has great vision and can see (and smell) beyond the filth in front of her.  (I, on the other hand, spent most of the showing outside because I just couldn’t take it.  And then I was even more distraught when I noticed the smell followed me and clung to my clothes!)

 

The only advantage I can see of a dirty home is the money buyers can save on the purchase price.  But other than that, there are not many benefits to a dirty home that is listed for sale.  The majority of buyers will keep looking. So sellers, if you live in filth, you just can't list in filth.

 

For her closing gift, I thought it would be best to go the practical route, and I purchased just about every kind of cleaner, scrub brush, and other cleaning tools to give her a head start on the big task.

 

 

Clean closing gift I’m all for green cleaners but I’m not sure vinegar and baking soda could even get the first layer of dirt off, so I purchased the toxic, heavy-duty cleaners to give her a head-start!

 

As a Realtor, it’s tough for me to see homes in such condition.  It’s my view that your home is typically your biggest financial asset and you should take care of it as best as you can.  Walking into a home where pets are allowed to use the carpet as their bathroom or the living room that is being used as the garbage dump is disheartening for me.

 

My buyers are also frustrated because they don’t understand why or how a seller would allow their home to be listed in this condition. Sometimes the seller is unable to care for their home, and sometimes the seller just doesn’t care at all.

 

In the end, this transaction worked out smoothly and my buyer ended up getting a great deal in what is currently a strong seller’s market.  And she got a kick out of her closing gift!

Posted by

 

Francine Viola, Realtor
In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

 

Serving Buyers and Sellers in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County, WA

Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Inc.  |  Olympia, WA

 

Cell:      (360) 359-0689

Email:  Francine.Viola@cbolympia.com

Web:     www.FrancineViola.com

 

       

 

Comments (5)

Julie A. Black
KAUAI DREAMS REALTY Kauai Real Property Specialist - Kapaa, HI
CLHMS, CRS, GRI, Realtor, Broker

Yes most buyers don't have the vision or time to do the cleaning or remodeling. Definitely a great closing gift.

Nov 01, 2017 04:32 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Francine

Good for your buyer. That must have been quite the challenge. I think most buyers have a hard time overlooking a dirty house Your gift was perfect! Congratulations to you and to your client!

Jeff

Nov 06, 2017 10:10 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

$25,000 can buy a lot of cleaning supplies and cleaning services. Nice gift idea!

Nov 08, 2017 09:16 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Oh my goodness, we had a similar experience. Although, the house was priced where it should be, but still dirty. The reason she got is because there was little competition, for a change. At 260K there is a lot of competion - not this time. She's cleaned house, so to speak. ;) 

Nov 22, 2017 08:34 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

As long as the price reflects the fact that the house is filthy, there is a buyer for everything. Some people enjoy the discount offered by homes that are in a state of disrepair, although the majority of home buyers look for move-in ready. Your closing gift was appropriate and I am certain the buyer cleaned up!

Dec 16, 2017 09:00 AM