In the current climate of lower priced homes, foreclosures and absentee sellers I see many homes being sold with a fair amount of clean up necessary. Buyer's need to be aware that what they see during the initial showing of a home is likely what they are offering on. The seller is not going to magically appear and clean it in preparation for the closing unless it is specifically required by the contract.
When I list a home like this, I have the seller hire a cleaning company, or sometimes I will even get in there with a bottle of bleach and a scrub brush and do it myself.
When I represent a buyer on a home like this, I make sure the buyer asks for the cleanup on an addendum, or is willing to don a pair of cleaning gloves after close.
I sell homes in Lincoln County, a beautiful, coastal vacation area where many of the listings are second homes with various reasons for selling: Out of state heirs liquidating a vacation home held by a trust, older clients heading for warmer climes, and we see quite a few short sales and foreclosures as well. The expectation of a sparkling-clean bargain home at closing can be unrealistic.
The time to ask for repairs, pest control, clean bathrooms, old furniture and debris removed and all appliances to be in working condition at close of escrow, is at the time of offer, or during the inspection period on a written addendum, prior to the release of the inspection contingency.
The seller may, or may not agree to the buyer's written request. However, once the buyer removes all contingencies, they are buying the house as-is.
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