Nov. 16, 2017
What's Included in the Sale of a House?
We've all been there -- You've found the perfect place! You're going to make an offer. In discussing the offer with your Buyer's Agent, you explain that the refrigerator matches the other appliances, the patio furniture looks like it was made for that patio, you've been wanting a pair of those beautiful, new front loading washer and dryer and the lawn wouldn't look the same without that yard art --- surely the Seller intended for them to stay with the house! So --- what is actually included in the Sale of a House? See the Texas Association of Realtors explanation:
Buyers: Just because it isn't "attached" or the Seller didn't intend for something to stay doesn't mean you can't ask the Seller to sell items to you or include them in the purchase price of the home (be sure you take that concession into consideration when you're making your offer). But keep in mind, there will be items that may have been a gift, have sentimental value or the Sellers may have recently purchased and aren't willing to part with. Let your Agent ask where the Sellers obtained the item(s) and perhaps you can duplicate it or find something similar. Remember -- they are selling a home, not their belongings!
Sellers: Just because something is considered "attached" or is considered an accessory or improvement, doesn't mean you have to let it go with the house --you can exclude it! If the rose bush in the back yard came from Grandma's house, the chandelier in the dining room was inherited from your family homestead or the custom drapes in the master suite match your custom bedspread --- you can exclude these items. It's best if you've discussed this at the time you list your property so the Listing Agent can notate these exclusions in MLS. Better yet, go ahead and dig up Grandma's rose bush and put it in a pot, pack the chandelier for moving and replace it with a different fixture before photos and take the drapes down and just leave the blinds or sheers - problem solved!