Foreclosure cleanouts — sometimes called REO (real-estate-owned) cleanouts — sit somewhere between estate cleanouts and crime-scene work. The property is often abandoned with contents, sometimes biohazards, sometimes squatter damage. Here's how we handle them in the KC metro.
Step 1: Pre-entry assessment
We do a walk-through (often with a realtor or property preservation contact) before quoting. We're looking for biohazard concerns, structural damage, hidden hazards, and whether the property has been secured.
Step 2: Document and inventory
Some banks require an inventory of contents before disposal. Others just want it gone. We default to taking before-photos of every room and noting any items of obvious value (we don't make value judgments — we flag them for the asset manager).
Step 3: Cleanout in passes
Foreclosure properties often need to be cleared in passes — first pass for obvious household goods, second pass for any items behind walls or in attics that get uncovered. Multi-day work is common for 3-bedroom-plus properties.
Biohazards
If we encounter biohazards (animal remains, hoarder-condition contamination, suspected drug residue), we stop work and refer you to a licensed biohazard remediation contractor. We don't do that work ourselves — it requires specialty PPE and disposal routing.
Step 4: Final clean and donation routing
Once the property is cleared, we sweep, route donations where appropriate (with a receipt within 14 days), and provide before-and-after photo documentation. Banks and asset managers can use this for compliance.
Billing and insurance
We invoice net-15 to property preservation companies, asset managers, and bank-owned-property managers. We provide COI to any holder within an hour. We carry $1M general liability.
This guide is general information for the Kansas City area, accurate to the best of our knowledge as of its last update. Facility hours, fees, accepted items, and city programs change — confirm details with the facility or your city before you go. Nothing here is legal or professional advice. See our Terms.