Do You Adjust Condition When Dirty?

[Jim Bearden]

I appraised this house a while back and it was in average condition but it was dirty. I didn't adjust for this since a maid for a day would solve the problem.

 

[CANative]

My assumption is that all personal property, both inside and outside, will be removed and the interior of the house has been "broom cleaned" and then I go from there.

 

[Otis Key]

You're appraising the real estate. NOT the house keeping. You can make comments but I'd also reflect that I did not appraise the housekeeping because should this property be placed on the market for sale, it would typically be in a "market ready" condition, or something similar.

Safe, Sanitary & sound. If it's not causing a problem with the structural integrity, sanitation or soundness and safety of the house, move on.

 

[Farm Gal]

OK are we talking personal property clutter and mess or are we talking DIRTY.

IF I can't clearly see that the top layer of scum can be wiped or steamed off... then it does (potentially) create a value issue.

Some of those stains can be permenant... and if the dirt on the walls is to the point it is ginna take paint... well it is considered in value.

Having cleaned up after renters before... and rented homes and apartments and sanitized em before moving in ... I know darn well that some stains don't CLEAN up, and that the previous occupants' clutter does.... even if it takes a wheelbarrow and 1/2 dumpster to get er done!

Would it have adverse effect on your typical buyer? IF so then consider it!

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

Ditto Lee Ann

 

[Richard Carlsen]

You girls are just too picky. It is obvious that we men just have a higher tolerance for dirt.

My guideline is that if one day of cleaning by a hired service for under $500 will solve the problem, then it does not effect value. If the walls need paint or the carpet replaced, that is a different matter.

 

[CANative]

Ditto Richard.

There's no emoticon for sticking my tongue out at you bratty girls.

 

[MS Rebel]

Originally posted by Greg Boyd@Jul 12 2005, 08:43 PM

There's no emoticon for sticking my tongue out at you bratty girls.

Lee Ann is correct! If you have never scrubbed walls that will not come clean, paint is needed and it does influence a typical buyer. If stained, carpet would have to be replaced.

I sold houses long enough to know that! Women make the home buying decisions most of the time. (don't get upset men, but it's true. You'll buy whatever house your wife keeps nagging you about and you know it!!!)

All ladies overlook a little mess (a LITTLE MESS) but an appraiser should recognize if the condition is average for that market area. In my area, stains and permanent dirt would certainly bring the market value down.

RB

 

[Steve Owen]

My guideline is that if one day of cleaning by a hired service for under $500 will solve the problem, then it does not effect value. If the walls need paint or the carpet replaced, that is a different matter.

Ditto.

One of the things an appraiser has to do is determine the difference between "housekeeping" and "condition." If the house is in poor condition, that should be adjusted. If the house is just dirty and could be cleaned up, it should not. Similarly, you typically would not adjust for personal property, regardless of how much they have laying around. On the other hand, if the amount of personal property has caused the carpet to be worn out where they walk, you would adjust for that.

Dirty clothes laying in the kid's bedroom floor do not get an adjustment. Dirty walls that need re-painted do.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

You mean Dirty? or DIRTY?