Buying a Forclosure

[BK_Adores_Chase]

So we really want this forclosed home - the only thing I'm wondering is how to properly clean it - there's dirt and stuff, and I'm sure all of the germs are pretty dead because the people haven't lived there in like 100 days or something, but still - it grosses me out.  Is there anything I should know besides using bleach and whatnot?

[kay7]

There are books at the library that give tips for all kinds of cleaning but you'll probably find that a little dish soap and water does wonders with dirt and grime.

[Tresbn00]

Bleach is geat with the germs and a large percentage of homes that have been used as methamphetamine labs which a large percentage of foreclosed homes were used for (meth usually leads to complete financial breakdowns). Even non-traffic areas like the attic, basement and crawlspaces should be sprayed, cleaned and wiped down with bleach and then rinsed.

[mattymatt79]

From personal experience... get a good home inspection and make the seller pay for it. Make sure you have everything documented prior to purchasing the house. don't run into this money pitfall that I've fallen into with a forclosed home.

[EAngels]

Just make sure everything is black in white then regarding the cleaning, if you can stand to do it better to hire a cleaning company. Best regards

[sommap]

I agree that a good home inspection is mandatory.  Some of the foreclosed homes are in pretty bad shape. 

[mrisha]

From personal experience... get a good home inspection and make the seller pay for it. Make sure you have everything documented prior to purchasing the house. don't run into this money pitfall that I've fallen into with a forclosed home.

If it is a foreclosure, the seller is not going to pay to have the house cleaned.  You will be responsible for cleaning the place if you really want it because you are buying it for a much lower price and "as is" in most cases.  Get some industrial cleansers and start cleaning.

[mattymatt79]

Very not true at all. My forclosure was cleaned and santized on the bank's dime. They paid for the inspector as well as a year of home insurance as well as fixing some minor problems prior to closing. I asked for all of it prior to signing the contract and didn't pay a dime for it.

[makedoughonline]

I think the buyer is  responsible for cleaning the place. The bank sells the house as it is.