How Clean is a Seller Asked to Leave the Household After Moving Out?
A reader asks: “I just sold my home on a short sales agreement instead of let the banking company take it in foreclosure. I don’t know who bought it, and I don’t care; we’re just glad to be rid of it. My broker says the home must be “broom swept.” What does that mean? Am I required to sterilize it up after moving out? How clean am I supposed to provide the home for the new household buyers?” Answer: That’s a good question. Stop for a moment to weigh the status of many bank-owned homes. Soil, filth and mold are often the least of buyers’ worries when they find all the conveniences are pulled out, the H2O heater has been stolen and the front doorway is boarded up. Some banks don’t clean anything, and they insist that home is sold in “as is” shape. Houses in a seller’s possession that are released over to a new buyer are different. It doesn’t count if that home is a short sale or a regular sale, sellers may have responsibilities to clean the house. Legal Responsibilities for Cleaning a Ho
