What is the cleanliness standard required of a property at the time of possession by the buyer?

The cleanliness standard required of a property at the time of possession by the buyer is typically defined as "broom clean." This standard indicates that the property should be free of debris, dirt, and clutter, allowing for a basic level of cleanliness that is manageable for the new homeowner.

Being "broom clean" means that surfaces have been swept and major trash has been removed, making it suitable for the buyer to start their own cleaning or moving in without the burden of dealing with significant mess. It is a standard widely recognized in real estate transactions and is often included in purchase agreements, ensuring that the buyer receives the property in a reasonable condition upon taking possession.

Standards like "spotless" or requiring the property to be "deep cleaned" represent a higher level of cleanliness than is typically required, which might not be feasible or practical for sellers to maintain before a sale, especially considering the various conditions under which homes are sold.