Foreclosed homes are common in the United States. Those looking to benefit from buying and selling these homes, though, would be wise to call on a house clean-out service.
The Need for House Clean-Out Services
Foreclosure rates are on the rise in the United States, with the first quarter of 2022 ending with 78,271 properties with a foreclosure filing. And while a lot of investors and house flippers look to capitalize on these foreclosed homes, the issue of cleaning out what’s left remains.
Foreclosed houses come with a wealth of problems, as owners who have been forced out of their homes typically leave such properties in a sorry state. Cleaning out the entire home can take time, not to mention money and manpower. And even just the stress of what is essentially an overhaul of a home can turn off many buyers.
Here are the most common issues with foreclosed homes and how a professional house clean-out service can help address them.
1. Vandalized Surfaces
As the owners of foreclosed homes don’t usually choose to leave out of their own free will, buyers can expect some surfaces to be vandalized. They might have spray-painted the walls, kitchen cabinets, and doors. There could be holes punched out in the walls and shattered glass windows. Because previous owners feel angry that their home was taken from them, they often take out this anger on the home itself, intentionally making it difficult for the new owner.
2. Dirty and Unsanitary Spaces
When a home is in foreclosure, owners typically react by making a mess of the home. They do this by smearing dirt everywhere and even relieving themselves on various surfaces. Food may be left in the fridge or pantry for long periods of time, thereby going rancid. Mold can also grow and fester in dark places. This creates an overall dirty and unsanitary environment for the new owners of the home.
Foreclosure cleaning can clean these dirty spaces, get rid of spoiled food, and treat mold at the source. Additionally, professionals can sanitize and disinfect the home so that the new owners won’t need to worry about their health.
3. Roof Damage
Damages to roofs are also common among foreclosed homes. This usually happens as a result of long-time abandonment, though previous owners can also directly inflict damage. The roof may come with missing shingles, holes in the roof, and damaged gutters. This can all lead to problems with leaks and water damage.
4. Water Damage
In addition to leaky roofs, water damage can be caused by damaged pipes and failures in the sump pump. The house may also come with water stains and a water-soaked carpet. These are not only displeasing to look at, but they can invite mold growth and other bacteria.
5. Fire Damage
Some disgruntled former owners can take it one step further and start a fire in an attempt to destroy the home. This will obviously lead to a lot of fire damage and may even compromise the structural integrity of the house. Smoke can also cause damage and is generally difficult to remove after it has stained various surfaces.
6. Safety Hazards
Due to abandonment or the actions of a former owner, foreclosed homes can also come with safety hazards. These include broken steps, hanging gutters, drooping ceilings, trip hazards, and exposed wires or gas lines. When not properly addressed, these can cause great damage and jeopardize the safety of people inside.
Most people don’t know how to deal with these safety issues, though. As such, it’s best to hire a professional.
7. Abandoned Belongings
It might be strange to think that previous owners would leave their personal belongings behind, but it happens more often than you think. During the process of clean-out home foreclosure, it is normal to encounter abandoned personal items such as kitchenware, furniture, and clothes. Some even leave their electronics and appliances running or intentionally broken.
8. Theft
Finally, a common problem with many foreclosed homes is stolen items. Theft can occur as a result of leaving the home abandoned for so long. But, the former owners may also have done it themselves. Stolen items can include but are not limited to stolen copper plumbing supply lines, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, and any other component that one may deem valuable.
With these items missing, the home may not be habitable. In fact, it can pose certain safety hazards as well. A professional house clean-out service, though, can replace these things and ensure that the home is up to code.
DIY vs Professional House Clearing Services
Due to the perceived cost of hiring a company to clean out house foreclosures, many opt to take a DIY approach to the situation. What these people don’t know is that cleaning out a foreclosed home yourself — or, at least, attempting to — can end up costing more money in the long run.
A professional clean-out house service is the best choice for this job because of a few reasons:
- Professionals conduct a thorough inspection of the house to identify what needs addressing.
- Cleaning out a foreclosed home takes time, and doing it yourself probably means cleaning out the home only on weekends if you have a full-time job. On the other hand, professionals can allocate 100% of their work hours to the project.
- Professionals can clean out a home more efficiently and effectively thanks to years of experience and training.
- Professionals have access to the right tools, equipment, and resources needed to carry out the job.
- A house clean-out company has enough manpower, whereas doing it yourself means having to do it alone or asking friends for help.
A Clear Choice for Foreclosed Homes
As you can see, hiring a house clean-out service is the obvious solution to a time-consuming and often-expensive problem. Not only can professionals accomplish the job in an effective and efficient manner, but it can also end up costing the new owner much less money compared to a DIY approach.
If you need foreclosure clean-out services, you’ve come to the right place. Call Maintenance Specialists Inc. today at 704.405.6000 or contact us online to request a free estimate.
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