Foreclosed properties are typically left in poor condition, giving the next owner a lot of problems to deal with. Thankfully, a foreclosure cleanout service can make the job much easier.
What Is a Foreclosure Cleanout?
A foreclosure cleanout is exactly as it sounds. It refers to cleaning out foreclosed properties, usually involving the removal of old furniture and appliances as well as junk and other types of debris left on the property by the previous owners.
Foreclosure cleanout services are usually needed when a property has foreclosed, but it can also apply to vacant or abandoned properties. This type of service is also not exclusive to single-family homes or townhomes. Just about any type of property or unit can benefit from a foreclosure cleanout, including condominiums, apartments, and even commercial establishments.
A foreclosure cleanout is similar to an estate cleanout as well, but they are not exactly identical. Whereas the former is a term typically used when it comes to foreclosed homes or properties where a tenant has been evicted, the latter refers to cleaning out estates normally due to the death of the homeowner. An estate cleanout can also happen if an owner wants to downsize their estate due to any number of reasons or because of a divorce settlement.
Why Is a Foreclosure Cleanout Service Necessary?
Investing in foreclosed properties and flipping them for a profit is nothing new. It is a well-known trend in the housing market and one that a lot of people have jumped in on.
But, flipping foreclosed homes is no easy feat. Evicted owners usually leave the property in disrepair, leaving the new owner with piles of junk to clean. If you lack the time or patience for that kind of work, a foreclosure cleanout service will come in very handy.
It is always better to hire a professional service when it comes to foreclosure cleaning. First of all, you want the property to look the best it can. Whether you use the property yourself or flip it for a profit, improving its appearance is the first step. And although it is theoretically possible, taking a DIY approach will take more time and give you poorer results than a professional service.
Once all the items and debris have been cleared out, the next step is to inspect the property’s electrical and plumbing fixtures, remove graffiti, and repair any damages. Again, a professional company can help with this, as they usually offer repair services in addition to foreclosure cleaning.
Beyond everything else, a foreclosed property is still an investment. As the new owner of that property, you naturally want to earn the most returns. To increase the value of the property, it needs proper care, cleaning, and maintenance.
What Does Foreclosure Cleaning Include?
The foreclosure cleaning process generally involves a thorough inspection of the property to determine the scope of the job. This inspection will also allow the professionals to prepare the right tools and equipment. After that, the planning phase will begin. This phase involves carefully laying out the work that needs to be done per room as well as planning out strategies for waste disposal.
Then comes the cleaning out proper. At this point, professionals will clean out the foreclosed property according to the plan previously set. Usually, large and bulky items are the first to go, followed by general junk and other trash. If at all necessary, the cleanout service will also involve removing old materials such as flooring, carpets, walls, doors, windows, and other fixtures.
After that, any minor damages will be fixed and interior cleaning will take place. This entails vacuuming, dusting, and mopping, as the removal of debris will likely produce a lot of dirt and dust. Following interior cleaning, exterior cleaning and yard work will then occur. If included in the services, fixing structures such as roofs, decks, sidings, and fences will happen last. Keep in mind that the exact services will depend on the company you hire to clean out your vacant property.
Foreclosure cleanouts are comprehensive and involve the removal of a variety of items, including but not limited to the following:
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Mattresses and other upholstery
- Trash
- Yard waste
- Construction waste
- Hazardous waste
- Any other items or debris
Foreclosure Cleanout FAQs
How much does a foreclosure cleanout cost?
There is no universal dollar amount that answers this question. Every company or professional service charges differently, and it really depends on the services included. Some companies offer packages, while others use an a la carte setup.
Another factor that can affect the cost of the foreclosure cleanout service is the size of the job. If the foreclosed property is rather large and there are many items to remove, expect the price to be higher. The same goes for if there are a lot of damages to repair. On average, though, a foreclosure or vacant house cleanout can cost you anywhere between $110 to $650 for basic services.
How long does cleaning foreclosed homes take?
There are a couple of factors that can affect the duration of foreclosure cleanout services. For instance, if the foreclosed property is rather big, then it will naturally take longer.
The number and nature of the items that need removal can also influence how long the cleaning will take. If there are more items, the job will obviously take longer. Some items are also too large to fit into regular door frames and will need to be disassembled or removed in a different way.
Generally, you should expect the foreclosure cleanout to take a few days, especially for larger properties. On the other hand, for smaller properties or units such as apartments and condominiums, it may only take a few hours, depending on the job itself.
What happens to the junk removed during foreclosure cleanouts?
The foreclosure cleaning process churns out a lot of items and junk. While some of these go to landfills, others are recycled or transported to recycling centers. Some items even go through repairs and then either donated or reused. Though, it really depends on the company you hire.
Call on the Professionals
Foreclosed properties can be a great investment, whether you want to spruce it up and sell it for a profit or use the property for yourself. But, while they are more affordable, they also entail a lot more work. For most people, going through the cleaning and repair process is just too much to handle. Thankfully, a professional foreclosure cleanout service can help you with this.
Maintenance Specialists Inc. provides foreclosure cleaning services in addition to other types of cleaning, maintenance, and repair services. Call us today at 704.405.6000 or contact us online to learn more information.
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