Market & Moments: When Cleaning Out a Home for Sale Feels Overwhelming

Welcome to Market & Moments, where real estate broker Susan Kadilak shares market updates and lessons learned from more than two decades in the business.

When most people sell a home, the expectation is that the property will be delivered in “broom clean” condition at closing. That usually means the seller removes all personal belongings and leaves the home swept out and empty for the new owner.

But in some situations, that’s just not realistic.

I recently listed a longtime family home that had accumulated decades worth of belongings. The sellers told me there were items in the basement too heavy to move, along with furniture and storage in the attic they no longer wanted or had the ability to clear out. Like many families handling an estate or major downsizing, the process simply felt overwhelming.

Instead of delaying the sale or creating confusion later, we handled it upfront. The home was listed with a disclosure stating that any unwanted personal property remaining at closing would become the buyer’s responsibility.

And that’s completely allowed.

While “broom clean” is standard in most transactions, buyers and sellers can agree to different terms as long as everything is clearly disclosed in writing ahead of time.

For sellers, this can be a huge relief. Cleaning out an entire home can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining, expensive, or all three. In some cases, the cost of dumpsters, movers, and cleanout services can add up quickly. Selling a home with contents included can simplify the process and help families move forward faster.

For buyers, there can actually be benefits too. Some buyers are willing to take on the cleanup in exchange for a smoother negotiation, a better price, or the opportunity to keep certain furniture, tools, or household items left behind.

That said, transparency is key. Buyers should fully understand what’s being left behind and factor cleanup costs and labor into their decision before moving forward.

As more families navigate estate sales, downsizing, and long-time homeownership transitions, selling a property “as-is” with contents is an appealing option. The important thing is making sure expectations are clear from the beginning so there are no surprises at closing.