So you’ve packed, hired movers, and handed over the keys, but there’s still one question lingering: how clean is a seller required to leave the house after moving out?
Some homes are sold ‘as is,’ meaning the buyer accepts the property in its current state, which can affect cleaning expectations.
Whether you’re the one selling or the one buying, expectations around cleanliness can feel unclear. Do you need to wipe down every cabinet? Should you vacuum the carpets? What about paint cans or roofing materials left behind?
Let’s break it down, what’s required, what’s recommended, and what’s just common courtesy when it comes to cleaning your house before closing.
What Do Real Estate Contracts Say?
Legally speaking, most real estate contracts don’t require deep cleaning unless specified. The standard term is usually “broom clean,” which means:
- Sweep floors
- Remove all personal belongings and trash
- Leave behind nothing but what was agreed upon in the sale
That said, some real estate agents or buyers may request additional cleaning as part of the deal, especially if you’re asking top dollar. If the asking price is high, buyers may expect a higher standard of cleanliness as part of the negotiation process. It’s always wise to check your contract and clarify expectations with your realtor.
What Does “Broom Clean” Actually Mean?
“Broom clean” isn’t the same as “move-in ready,” but it does carry weight. Here’s what most buyers expect:
- All personal property and furniture removed
- Carpets vacuumed and floors swept
- Countertops, shelves, and surfaces wiped down, including appliances
- No debris, trash, or leftover stuff in closets or the garage
- Functional kitchen appliances and working light fixtures
Vacuuming carpets, sweeping floors, and wiping surfaces are key steps to achieving a ‘broom clean’ condition.
Leaving behind paint cans, extra flooring, or roofing materials? Unless you got permission from the new owners or included them in the listing, you’re likely expected to dispose of them properly.
When to Consider Deep Cleaning
While broom clean might be the baseline, most sellers want to do the right thing, and leave the place in good condition for the next people to call it home. Some sellers even opt for a deep clean to ensure the home is in top condition and meets or exceeds buyer expectations.
Here’s where a deep cleaning or cleaning service can come in:
- Scrub the oven, refrigerator, and kitchen appliances
- Wipe down walls, baseboards, and windows
- Clean carpets or hard floors
- Sanitize bathrooms and leave cabinets empty and wiped
- Dust light fixtures, ceiling fans, and corners
Missing even a single point in the cleaning process can affect the buyer’s perception of the home’s condition and potentially impact the sale.
Hiring a professional cleaning service may cost a bit, but it saves time cleaning when you’re already overwhelmed by the moving process.
Areas of the House to Focus On
When preparing your house for sale, focusing your cleaning efforts on key areas can make all the difference in attracting new buyers and ensuring a smooth closing. While some sellers choose to hire a professional cleaning service to guarantee a deep cleaned, move in ready property, many prefer to handle the cleaning themselves to meet their own standards and save on costs. Either way, knowing where to concentrate your time cleaning will help you leave the best impression.
Start with the kitchen, as it’s often the first thing buyers notice. Make sure all kitchen appliances, including the oven and refrigerator, are thoroughly cleaned inside and out. Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and shelves, removing any food residue or dirt. Don’t forget to empty and clean inside cabinets and drawers, most buyers expect a spotless, functional kitchen, and a dirty house can quickly turn them away.
Bathrooms are another high-priority area. Scrub sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs until they shine, and disinfect all surfaces. Mop the floors and ensure all personal belongings, like toiletries and towels, are removed. Leaving the bathroom broom clean and free of clutter shows buyers you’ve taken care of the property.
Floors and carpets throughout the house should be vacuumed, mopped, or deep cleaned, depending on their condition. Pay special attention to removing dust, dirt, and debris from corners and under furniture. Clean, well-maintained floors are a sign of a house in good condition and can make a big impact on buyers’ perceptions.
Don’t overlook the walls, ceilings, and windows. Dust and wipe down these surfaces, and remove any cobwebs or marks. If you have leftover paint cans or other materials, dispose of them properly unless the buyer has agreed to keep them. Clean windows let in more light and make rooms feel brighter and more inviting.
The garage and yard also deserve attention. Remove all trash, debris, and personal property, and sweep or hose down the floors. A tidy garage and well-kept yard help present the property as move in ready and cared for. If you have extra roofing materials or other building supplies, check your real estate contract or ask your real estate agent if you’re required to remove them.
Lighting fixtures, including ceiling fans and light fixtures, should be dusted and cleaned so they’re free of dirt and working properly. Most buyers expect a well-lit, clean house, and sparkling fixtures can make a room feel more welcoming.
Finally, don’t forget the exterior. Clean gutters, downspouts, and roofing materials, and make sure the entryway is free of trash and debris. First impressions matter, and a clean exterior sets the tone for the rest of the showing.
By focusing on these areas and following these cleaning tips, sellers can ensure their property stands out in the real estate market. Whether you decide to hire a cleaning service or tackle the job yourself, leaving the house in good condition is not just about meeting the seller required standards in your real estate contracts, it’s about showing respect for the new owners and making your sale as smooth as possible.
What Most Buyers Hope For
While every buyer is different, most people just want to walk into their new house without having to scrub the floors or deal with a dirty house. Even after the house is sold, the condition in which it is left can significantly impact the buyer’s experience.
A move in ready home signals care, respect, and responsibility. It sets a positive tone for the transition, especially if the buyers are already stretched from moving expenses.
And while the sale might be final, your reputation still matters in the world of real estate. Leave the home the way you’d want to find it. Preparing your property for sale by cleaning thoroughly can help ensure a smoother transaction when you sell.
TL;DR
- How clean is a seller required to leave the house after moving out? Legally, usually just “broom clean” unless otherwise noted in your real estate contract
- This includes removing personal belongings, sweeping floors, and clearing trash
- Deep cleaning isn’t always required, but it’s often appreciated
- Consider hiring a cleaning service to tackle surfaces, appliances, floors, and cabinets
- Leaving behind paint, furniture, or debris without permission? That’s a no-go
- Bottom line: Leave the home in good condition, it’s the right thing to do, and it helps make the move smoother for everyone
Final Thoughts
Every move comes with its own challenges, but leaving your property clean and clear isn’t just about what’s required. It’s about respect for the next chapter of someone else’s life. Realtors can provide valuable guidance on cleaning standards and preparing your home for close, ensuring you meet all expectations for a smooth transition.
At Action Moving & Storage, we work with sellers, buyers, and families every day, and we know that a clean, organized move-out makes all the difference. We offer a range of services to support you during the moving process, including clearing out your garage, moving heavy furniture, and coordinating last-minute cleaning service. If you need more information or assistance with moving and cleaning services, contact us, our team is here to make your transition seamless.
Ready to move out the right way? Get a free quote today and let’s take care of the moving process, so you can focus on the rest.