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 for the asset manager).
Step 3: Cleanout in pass-throughs
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 14-day receipt), 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.