Agents and others in the know: Yard maintenance prior to closing (sales, HOA)

[Idlewile]

I'm curious what, if any, stipulations are included in a standard contract in these parts for maintaining yards (front, back, gardens, etc) in the time between a seller accepting an offer and closing.

I seem to remember when we sold our home in CO that we had to agree that we'd continue to water - use our sprinkler system at least once a day, actually - mow, etc. during that time in between but I don't recall if it was just understood, so to speak, in one of the many documents we signed or if it was something more specific.

Doesn't matter as much for a crappy yard but for those few 'yard of the month club' worthy homes, I imagine most buyers care a great deal. (Water restrictions aside, of course.)

How does it work here?

[tazbigdog]

Depends on what the HOA says. Typically w/o a HOA, you would still need to maintain the yard until it is sold. In addition, the HOA may require the "owner" of the property to maintain it in a certain condition until sold, and then new owners must maintain.

If in doubt, speak to your realtor.

[FalconheadWest]

There is nothing in the sales contract that talks about maintaining landscaping. There is something in there about the seller delivering the property in the condition that the buyers agreed to buy it in, which stipulates they need to continue to maintain.

[Idlewile]

Great, makes sense on both accounts. Falconhead, too early to rep you again so soon CD says -- thanks though.