What Goes With You in a Move?

When you are getting ready to sell your home, you will need to determine what you want to keep and what will stay behind. Certain items are negotiable in the transaction like large appliances and window treatments.

If you know where you will be moving to next, then you are in a good position to make those determinations. Your old stove might not fit in the new space. The windows may be completely different. It can be trickier to decide what is worth moving or putting in storage and what is worth offering to the buyers of your home.

Home Appliances

Appliances are often an area where the buyer and seller can negotiate. In some cases, the buyer may actually prefer that the seller remove appliances because they have their own. Other times, the seller may be ready to take the appliances but could use them as an incentive to get the buyer to pay the list price because the buyer won’t have to pay for new appliances. If you are absolutely certain that you want to take the appliances with you make sure your agent notes that. If you are willing to negotiate let your agent know that too. Most appliances are moveable items that the seller would normally be allowed to remove from the home. Moveable items are considered personal items or possessions of the seller.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are another area that can be negotiated. Often window treatments were bought to fit the specific size and shape of the windows. The seller may not be interested in taking them to a new home. If you are planning to leave the window treatments behind be sure to let your agent know so that it can be added to the listing. This is often a great selling point to use because it means the person can move in and not have to worry about privacy.

Unattached Items

Generally, things that are not attached go with the seller. If there are things you are absolutely certain you want to take with you that are attached, make sure you tell your Realtor so that they are included in the listing and you don’t have any disagreements.

Some people may choose to include the furniture as part of the package. This can be tricky because the furniture will not factor into an appraisal value so if it adds significant numbers to the sale price then the sale may need to be done separately. These items can also be included as a value add for the potential buyer.

Lighting Fixtures

In general, things that are attached to the home such as lighting fixtures are generally considered to be part of the home. Examples could include a fixture like a crystal chandelier. Not everyone wants one. Whether or not the lighting fixtures stay should be noted in any contracts. Fixtures are to remain in the home unless the seller explicitly states the item is not to be included in the sale. The seller also needs to ensure that the item can be removed without damage to the home. Lamps are moveable items and are considered personal items that can be claimed by the seller when they vacate the home.

Landscaping

Plants, shrubs, and trees are items that are affixed to the property and will remain with the home however if you have container gardens or perhaps flower-filled urns on the front porch those can be negotiable. Backyard equipment, such as lawn chairs, tables, swings, and grills, are all considered personal items. The swing set may get a bit tricky because it can be claimed that it is attached to the ground in some cases. The seller may often be very willing to sell all of the backyard items for a price.