Should I be worried about buying a filthy unit?

Question

I'm considering making an offer on a condo that I just saw. It's in a good area and seems to be recently upgraded so I'm looking at is as turnkey. But I'm getting hung up on how dirty the place is. I'm pretty sure a renter is living there, so I understand if they didn't care to tidy up, but I'm surprised the owner didn't clean before showings started. There's a layer of dirt everywhere, it reeks of smoke, and when I opened the stove (a nice, stainless steel and relatively new stove), my hand was sticky!.

Maybe I'm making too big a deal about the filth? Should I just plan on a few hundred bucks for a deep clean once I close? Appreciate any thoughts!

Maybe I'm making too big a deal about the filth? Should I just plan on a few hundred bucks for a deep clean once I close? Appreciate any thoughts!

Greg M. · Answer

A sticky oven handle? Walk away from the deal.

All pros know, there are 3 reasons never to buy a place:

1) Title is not clear and a title insurance company will not cover you.

2) Foundation issues that require a jacking of the house and pouring a new foundation.

3) Sticky oven handles.

Adam Martin · Answer

To me this sounds like a great situation.  This is just cosmetic and can be fixed but is a huge turnoff to buyers.  Same with ugly paint, discusting carpet, and outdated fixtures.  A lot of people will look at this and say no way, me I look at this as a way to get a bargain with lower competition.  This is the ideal type of ugly house since it seems like an easy remedy and the hardest thing will be the smoke, or depending on the asset class just rent to a smoker.  My wife once tried to tell me we weren't buying a house due to 2 ugly rooms, 1 with blue carpet, one that was decorated with duck wallpaper.  I hate wallpaper with a passion, tearing it off is the worst but we got it for a great deal.   Bought for 190 last year, appraised for 200, and now could easily get 225 conservatively, almost certainly more.  To quote Buffet, be greedy when others are fearful and fearful when others are greedy.

Julie Hartman · Answer

As long as there isn't any damage, dirt and grime can be cleaned. Don't let that stand in the way of a good deal!

Matt M. · Answer

@Scott Townsend

It’s dirt.. hire someone to clean it. The dirtiest smelliest houses are how I’ve done well in real estate. Don’t be afraid of a little stink or grease.

Charles Carillo · Answer

@Scott Townsend

Have your offer contingent on the place being professionally cleaned before closing or just deduct $500 off your offer.

Should I be worried about buying a filthy unit?

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