Does the House I Buy Have to be Cleaned?

When you buy a house does it have to be cleaned before you get your keys? This is a common question among many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, and unfortunately, the answer might now be what you’re hoping. When it comes to buying and selling Real Estate, there are no true “stipulations” when it comes to the cleanliness of a home, but rather encouraged guidelines. There are a few different ways you can purchase a home, however the two most common include an “as is” sale and a standard sale, both of which can come with different cleaning expectations.  

Related: Are There Downsides to Selling in a Seller’s Market?

As Is 

When you purchase a home “as is” you are quite literally offering to purchase the home the way it is. This means that no repairs will be made, no credits will be given, and often the home will be far from pristine when it comes to cleanliness.  

Standard

When it comes to the more traditional, or standard sale, the home you purchase will often be cleaner than that of an as is sale, however, unless specifically disused between the seller and buyer, the home will not be fully cleaned and will be what many people refer to as “broom cleaned.”

What is Broom Cleaned?

Broom cleaned is a term that is used within the real estate word to describe the general standard of cleanliness when it comes to selling or buying a home. Once the seller has accepted an offer, upon closing escrow and handing over the keys they will generally leave the home broom cleaned. This means that the floors have been swept or vacuumed and the walls and ceilings are bare. Keep in mind, this is generally a quick sweep or vacuum, and often while the walls are bare, holes from previous photos and shelving may still be visible and present. 

Related: Should I use My Friend or Family Member as my Agent?

With broom cleaned homes, many buyers choose to have their new home professionally cleaned prior to moving in or take a few days to give the house a good deep clean before moving their belongings. Regardless of the style of purchase you end up going with, whether an as is purchase or standard/traditional, make sure to communicate any cleaning concerns with your realtor® to see if additional cleaning, or credits to hire a cleaning company can be negotiated within your purchase or counteroffer.  

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified and local seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Boston Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.