It really depends what the seller wants for it. I've found that just giving it a little touchup paint, mow the lawn, haul the garbage to the dump, etc. will get more money.

       I'm putting an ex-rental house on the market July 1.   We are going to do the yard work, paint the front door and front shutters, general clean-up.  But we won't spend the money on the needed HVAC replacement or window upgrades.  It will be listed "As is, subject to inspections".

You never know ... a buyer might decide to keep the house, update and repair it, to live in.

I would clean the house to make it presentable.  It should be a small investment.

I think it is always better to have any home show in it's best light - even if it is going to be a flip.  Might determine what the buyer offers.

It really does depend.

Not only on the house.  

The market.  The goals of the seller.  The buyer pool. Timing. Motivation. Ability.  Costs involved.  Other factors.  

I'm sure the answer can be found for each individual situation by asking the right questions and lots of careful listening.  

Good luck with your new listing.     

How much fixing up would depend on what you want to list it for. I think it should be clean, that is just common courtesy. I would not appreciate having bought a place and then cleaning up the tenants junk or having my face in a dirty toilet as I am trying to remove it.

I always think that good curb appeal gets top dollar.

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, First impression always dictates offer.

I think that communication about this would be important and if everyone is OK with the decision that would be best.

Depends on the time factor.

Low price - little effort - fast sale.

High price - more effort - longer sale time.

What is the objective?

AND, if the buyer and seller have not already met and stated intention, the situation is hypothetical. 

How do you know when you put it on the market who the buyer will be?  

It's just putting lipstick on a pig right? I wouldn't bother if flippers are your target buyer.

My initial instinct is that appearance still will provide a few additional dollars for the investment to make something presentable without going over the top in expenditures, Paul.

Does the seller want to just get rid of it and isn't too worried about price? Is he in a hurry? Does he have time to wait and wants more money? I think it depends on the specific situation.

Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, why not? Always the best foot forward!

Do you already have a buyer, is that why  you know their intent?

Ask the buyer.

Is there already a buyer or is this a decision for pre-marketing?  How bad of shape is it?  Is there any chance it won't be "flipped"?  Can the seller get more money if it is cleaned up and shows better?  I would think cleaning it up and doing what the seller can with very little spending would help. -Kasey

I think it should be at least broom clean. I know I don't want to show nasty properties and sure buyers would prefer walking through properties that are halfway clean.

I think Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor® has given you sound advice!

He need not spend too much.

There are probably some things that will make it appeal to more people.

Is there trash at the house? CAn you get it clean?

It doesn't cost much to clean the carpet if it looks really bad. Clean up the yard, clean the blinds, dust everything.  Whole house paint could also get your offer price up higher. 

My first thought is 'yes', though it depends on what you mean by 'clean up' Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®,.  I don't think a professional cleaning crew to spruce up and shine the rental is in order.  I do think trash, furniture, garbage, and any other item that does not fall within those categories should be removed, even if that means every room gets to be emptied into a dumpster.  Seems only right, even if the rental is purchased by a flipper.  My only caveat is if the home is sold for a mere pittance, then maybe you could leave it trashed - I can't see it?!   

Paul,

I think that Joe Pryor has the answer I would have given. A

I hate saying it depends but it should be at worst broom clean. It does affect price even if a tear down. I would not go scrubbing toilets though

Yes, I think the seller should clean it up.  Buyers really don't like to pay to haul away someone's garbage.

Depends on a few things - if the seller knows because the buyers agent told them of the demo then leave it alone - if it's in the contract - it better be clean

In my area, cleanliness is not guarantted or part of the contract

I would advise against it if the contract is a done deal.  Otherwise, I'd have it ready for market.

Follow the terms of the agreement.

Should still be clean up unless the price is really reduce.

if it's a tear-down, the seller should sell as is.... if not, the home should be broom clean.....

I rarely see sellers clean their homes since the Great Depreciation, I ask them too, but I'm often left with the state of the house when the last load was removed. If I liked the buyers, I may occasionally have my crew clean for them, depends on the escrow  we had and as you said the plans of the buyer. It would be a waste on a demo job.

Doing minimal things at a low cost could bring a higher return for the seller. 

Does not cost a lot to clean so answer is yes

Depends on the contract

Too many variables to answer this questions. The home should at least be broom swept.

I have been on both sides of investment property. It depends. 

We recently had a similar situation Paul S. Henderson, CRS, REALTOR®, . We looked at the property 2 ways and gave the Seller the option, Sold as is...the price is $X.  Then we had our contractors come in and give us bids on what we determined to be necesary to get a better price...The Seller elected to do the "fix up" which took a few weeks...and BINGO...first day on the market, multiple offers over asking...She is part of our loyal fan club now !

That would be between the buyer and seller

Was involved in buying homes to tear down for new construction. I told sellers, take what you want & leave what you want. 

Something they should negotiate with the buyer.

What's in the contract is what needs to be done... 

Depends on how bad it is.  Still good to have photos, but if the photos are awful.....