One question a real estate agent is often asked when an owner has sold and is preparing to move out is, “how should I leave the property?”
They’re not asking just about whether it should be left empty.
Instead, clients are wondering whether they need to clean it or do anything else. Or, is it okay to bail out?
In local real estate, most owners are polite and considerate, and so there’s always an anxiety to want to do the right thing.
Certainly, you don’t want any drama after the deal, such as the new owner demanding removal of items that you neglected to deal with.
Unless the new owner has a negotiated arrangement, nothing should be left behind.
While you should take your pot plants away, you should never dig up the garden to remove prized roses or other valuable plants. These definitely come with ownership. It would be like removing kitchen cabinets. Don’t even think about it! There are also contractual obligations, such as the inclusion of appliances.
Below, we’ve put together six suggestions for giving the new owners of your home a warm welcome.
Local information
An information pack providing details of essential services, such as the local hospital and police station, is a great start. You might include a local bus timetable, and some flyers from your favourite restaurants. If you’ve used good tradesmen locally, their details will be gratefully received.
Keys and Access
You’re obligated to provide all the keys for the property, including the window keys and any keys to bathroom and bedroom doors. If there are any locks with numbered rolling mechanisms, you should provide those details, too.
Remote controls
If your home has a remote control for fans and air-conditioning systems, it’s essential these are supplied.
Appliance Booklets
If you still have them, it’s a nice idea to put aside booklets and information for the appliances, such as the cooker, extractor fan, air-conditioning unit and heating system. Try to highlight items that are still under warranty, especially hot water service.
Paint colours
If you’ve kept a record of the paints you have used either internally or externally, you should share these with the new owner just in case they ever need to do repair work.
Quick clean
Unless the new owner has negotiated something specific, don’t feel obligated to give the home a top-to-bottom clean. A decent sweep or vacuum will be sufficient. If wires for internet services are hanging loosely, it’s a nicest idea to make them tidy.