Real estate agents selling foreclosed homes emphasize the importance of keeping them clean, and some hire people or use neighborhood volunteers to clean up yards and remove debris. They also say it is important to winterize the property, ensuring that the lights and heat are on to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. “It makes a major difference when you’re showing,” confirms Coldwell Banker broker Jan Phillips. “If [potential buyers are] cold, they’re in a hurry to get out of there.” Realtors generally spend $3,000 to $4,000 maintaining foreclosures before they sell, and the preservation costs generally are paid by the bank or the seller. | Read More