Why Realtors Should Avoid Making House Cleaning Part of the Conditions of a House Sale
When negotiating the sale of a house, every detail counts. From the price to the closing date, every term can impact the satisfaction of both the buyer and the seller. One such term that often comes up is house cleaning. While it might seem like a nice gesture to include a professional cleaning as part of the sale, there are several reasons why this should be approached with caution as it may not be the best idea to include cleaning as a condition of sale.
The Pitfalls of Including House Cleaning in Sale Terms
1. Questionable Quality
When house cleaning or maid service is included in the terms of a sale, the quality of the cleaning can become a significant issue. The seller may opt for the cheapest option available to get a receipt, leading to subpar results. Professional cleaning services vary widely in quality, and a poor cleaning job can leave the new homeowners dissatisfied right from the start. This dissatisfaction can cast a shadow over the entire transaction, even if all other aspects went smoothly.
2. Easy to Fake Professional Receipts
In the era of digital ease, anyone can create a professional-looking receipt. Unscrupulous sellers might claim they hired a high-end cleaning service when, in reality, they did the bare minimum themselves or hired an unprofessional cleaner. This can lead to disputes post-sale, tarnishing the reputations of both the seller and the realtor involved. What is a professional house cleaning company? What designation do they have? This is legally hard to enforce as what is the definition of clean?
3. Impact on Reputation
Reputation is everything in the real estate industry. If a buyer moves into their new home only to find it inadequately cleaned, the realtor’s reputation can suffer. Buyers trust realtors to facilitate a smooth transaction, and any hiccup, especially one involving the cleanliness of their new home, can lead to negative reviews and a loss of future business. Sellers want to look good as well, but can’t rely on the clients to hire the best, brightest and most reliable cleaners.
4. Seller’s Cost-Cutting Measures
Sellers looking to maximize their profit might choose the cheapest cleaning service they can find, reduced hours, or Kijiji quality no experienced people. This often results in an insufficiently cleaned home. While the house may look superficially clean, deeper issues can be overlooked. For instance, appliances might be neglected, or corners may be cut in less visible areas. This penny-pinching can backfire, leading to a disgruntled buyer. They may only mop and leave and give a receipt, does this count?
5. Picky Buyers
On the other hand, buyers can be extremely particular about cleanliness. What one person considers clean, another might find unacceptable. This subjectivity can lead to conflicts where the buyer feels the home was not cleaned to their standards, even if the seller did fulfill the agreed-upon terms. This misalignment can cause unnecessary friction and complicate the final stages of the sale.
When Should Cleaning Be Included in Conditions of Sale?
Despite the potential pitfalls, there are scenarios where including professional cleaning in the sale terms makes sense. Learn what people on Reddit think too!
1. When the House is Unlivable
If the house is in a state of significant disrepair or is particularly dirty, it might be necessary to include professional cleaning as part of the sale. In these cases, it is crucial to specify the cleaning standards and possibly even the cleaning company to ensure quality. This can make the house presentable for potential buyers and facilitate a smoother sale.
2. As a Gift from the Buyer’s Realtor
A more strategic approach is for the buyer’s realtor to gift a professional cleaning service upon closing. This ensures that the cleaning is done to a high standard and meets the buyer’s expectations. By using a reputable cleaning company, the realtor can guarantee the quality of the service and enhance their relationship with the buyer. This gesture not only ensures the buyer is satisfied but also builds goodwill and can lead to future referrals.
