Should House Cleaning be in a Homebuying Agreement

Starting with a house cleaning included in the deal can make your move to a new home a breeze. Imagine opening the doors to find shiny floors and spotless windows. That's possible when you ensure it's all written into the home buyer contract.

When juggling the many tasks of buying a house, from securing a loan to packing up your old place, it's easy to forget the final condition of the home you're moving into. Ensuring that professional cleaning is part of the agreement sets the stage for a smooth transition.

Key Takeaways

Why Cleanliness Matters

Before we dive into how to include house cleaning in your home buyer contract, let's discuss why cleanliness matters. A clean home is more than just aesthetics. It can enhance your well-being. Clean environments are healthier and reduce the threat of allergies and various health issues.

Pro Tip: Request professional deep home cleaning before entering your new home.

First impressions matter, too. A clean home feels more inviting and saves you from the stress and expense of tackling cleaning tasks right after moving in. Addressing this during the homebuying process can create a positive experience.

Including House Cleaning in the Homebuyer Contract

Let's explore how you can include house cleaning in your home buyer contract. It's all about the negotiation process. Be bold and bring up the cleaning services when discussing the deal with the seller.

Pro Tip: Define the scope of cleaning services in the contract. Be specific about what you expect to be cleaned.

Setting expectations and responsibilities is crucial. Some sellers might agree to cover this as part of the deal, while it may be a shared expense in other cases.

Benefits of Requesting House Cleaning

The advantages of including house cleaning in your home buyer contract are significant. One of the most immediate benefits is moving into a fresh and clean home, saving you the time and effort of tackling this task yourself.

Pro Tip: If the seller agrees to cover the cleaning cost, it could save you money.

Starting with a clean slate ensures you move into a property in its best condition. It's like stepping into a brand-new space and getting that amazing feeling.

Types of Cleaning Services to Consider

When discussing cleaning services in your home buyer contract, you should consider various types of cleaning, such as pre-move-in deep cleaning, regular maintenance cleaning, and specialized cleaning like carpets and upholstery.

Pro Tip: For specialized cleaning needs, ensure the contract details, which will cover the cost. 

Remember the home exterior. Consider including services like window and gutter cleaning to ensure the entire property is in top shape.

Negotiating with the Seller

Negotiating the inclusion of cleaning services in your home buyer contract can be a delicate process. When broaching the topic, be clear about your expectations and be prepared to discuss the cost-sharing arrangement.

Pro Tip: Anticipate objections from the seller, be ready to compromise, and be flexible if necessary.

The Contractual Agreement

Once you and the seller have agreed, it's time to draft a clear and comprehensive cleaning clause in the contract for home buyers. Ensure the contract is legally sound and includes all the essential details, such as the schedule and quality standards.

Pro Tip: If you can, add a clause stipulating a final walkthrough after cleaning, allowing you to address any concerns.

Post-Purchase Cleaning Checklist

After the purchase, it's time to prepare for the cleaning day. Have a property post-cleaning inspection to make sure things are to your satisfaction. 

Pro Tip: List things you need to check when inspecting the property.

Conclusion

Let's revisit the perks of having house cleaning as a part of your home buyer contract. It’s a move that can save you loads of time and stress on a moving day, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home sweet home.

We've walked through how to ask for it and contingency plans. And we've dropped some handy tips to ensure your homeownership transition is as smooth and clean as you'd hope.

Don’t forget adding house cleaning to your contract is just one of the savvy moves you can make as a homebuyer. For more insights and pro advice on all things home buying, keep your eyes on the prize and your future home. So, get ready to start a new life in your new residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is house cleaning always included in the homebuyer contract, or is it negotiable?

House cleaning is not included in the homebuyer contract. It's a negotiable aspect of the purchase agreement that can be discussed and agreed upon between the buyer and the seller.

• What if I want to handle the cleaning myself or with my cleaning crew after buying the house?

If you prefer to handle the cleaning on your own or with your cleaning crew, you can negotiate with the seller to exclude cleaning services from the contract or arrange a credit instead of cleaning.

• Can I include cleaning services as part of a new construction home purchase, or is this more common for pre-owned homes?

While it's less common for new construction homes, it is possible to negotiate cleaning services as part of a new home purchase. The specifics will depend on the builder and the terms of the purchase agreement.