What Buyers Should Expect in a Transaction
Sellers are not expected to have homes professionally cleaned unless it is negotiated in the sales contract. If details like this are important to you, they must be made clear in the offer.
Today's real estate environment is much different than years past and the needto counsel your buyers and sellers as to reasonable expectations is critical. This seems to be even more important when they have purchased or sold homes prior to 2008. The loan process has changed dramatically. There are usually some bumps in the road prior to closings, and if expectations are explained, the transaction will be smoother.
Buyers always ask what condition the seller is required to leave the property,and in Colorado -- it is to be left in reasonable condition with normal wear and tear considered. Usually if you show a property and it is immaculate, most likely that is how the buyers will find their new home upon possession. If it is messy and dirty during the initial showing, that too is how the Buyer will find the home when they take possession.
Many times during the transaction, buyers make additional appointments to measure areas of the homes for furniture or window coverings, or meet contractors. This can become troublesome if it happens too many times, as the sellers are busy packing and taking care of possible inspection issues. If I have a buyer that loves to visit once a week, (unless it is vacant) I try to explain some of these items can be done after taking possession.
The week of closing where the file is at the lender and in underwriting, there is a very good chance a buyer will need to produce extra documentation. Underwriters seem to want to have every piece of information on you since birth, and if a buyer plans time away and will be unavailable, it is a good idea to schedule a closing a week after they return.
I recommend to all buyers to have time to clean their new property prior to moving kitchen and bathroom items in or have a professional cleaning company especially if I know they are neat freaks! I always recommend having the locks changed after closing. You never know how many sets of keys are out there. This sets a level of expectation, and usually has a better ending!
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Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.
GRI, CRS, CNE, e-Pro
Broker/Owner
Joan@JoanCox.com
720-231-6373
A Denver Metropolitan Realtor
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