Is Your Home Broom Clean? 

When you're buying or selling a home in Maryland, one term that often comes up as closing approaches is “broom clean.” But what does that actually mean, and why is it important?

In this post, we’ll explain what "broom clean" means in the context of a real estate transaction in Maryland, what sellers are responsible for, and some common issues that can arise before settlement.

What Does “Broom Clean” Mean?

In Maryland, most standard real estate contracts require the property to be delivered in “broom clean condition” at closing. This doesn’t mean the home must be professionally cleaned or spotless — but it does mean that:

• The home should be free of personal belongings (unless otherwise agreed),

• All trash and debris must be removed from the interior and exterior,

• Floors and surfaces should be swept or vacuumed at a basic level.

Think of it as the level of cleanliness you'd expect if you were moving into the home yourself — not necessarily sparkling, but empty and tidy.

What’s Not Required?

It’s important to note that “broom clean” is not the same as a deep clean or a professional move-out cleaning. Unless the contract explicitly requires it, sellers are not obligated to: shampoo carpets, scrub bathrooms or kitchens, wash windows or repaint walls or touch up scuffs. So while some sellers do go the extra mile out of courtesy (or to avoid disputes), it’s not a contractual requirement unless otherwise stated.

Common Issues That Arise

Despite sounding simple, delivering a home in broom clean condition can still lead to hiccups at closing. Here are some of the most common issues that occur in Maryland real estate transactions:

• Left-Behind Item: One of the biggest sources of frustration is when sellers leave behind furniture, junk in the garage, paint cans, or other items the buyer wasn’t expecting. Unless specifically agreed upon, anything left behind can delay closing or trigger repair or removal costs for the seller.
• Trash and Debris: Sellers sometimes underestimate how much trash they’ll generate during their move. Dumpsters overflow, trash day doesn’t align with closing, or items are left curbside. This can lead to a messy walk-through or even post-closing disputes.
• Cleanliness Expectation: What one party considers “broom clean,” the other may see as dirty or neglected. For example, a buyer may expect the fridge to be wiped out and the floors mopped — but unless it’s spelled out in the contract, the seller may not be required to go that far.
• Tenant-Occupied Properties: If the property is tenant-occupied, sellers can run into issues if the tenant hasn’t vacated or hasn’t cleaned up properly. This can be particularly complex if the buyer expects vacant possession at closing.
• Personal Property Confusion: Sometimes, buyers and sellers have different understandings of what stays and what goes. If a seller removes appliances or fixtures that were supposed to remain, or leaves behind things the buyer doesn’t want, it can quickly turn into a dispute.

How to Avoid These Issues

For Sellers:

• Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to clear out the property. Let us know if you need recommendations for movers, junk haulers, cleaners.. We are here to help!

• Communicate clearly. Confirm with your agent what needs to be removed or left.

• Check the contract. If buyers expect a professional clean, it should be negotiated up front.

• Do a final walk-through yourself to ensure everything is gone and the home is in good shape.
  
  

For Buyers:

• Be specific in your offer. If you want the home cleaned to a certain standard, include it in writing.

• Do a pre-settlement walk-through. This is your chance to flag any issues before closing.

• Stay flexible — not every smudge or missed dust bunny is worth delaying settlement over, but major violations should be addressed.
  
  

“Broom clean” in Maryland real estate is meant to ensure a basic level of tidiness and removal of personal property, but it doesn’t guarantee a sparkling clean home. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding this term — and managing expectations around it — can help avoid unnecessary stress at the finish line.