What Stays and What Goes in a Home Sale

A potentially frustrating occurrence can arise when discussing “fixtures” in a home – items that are considered part of the house and therefore part of the sale. When a seller removes something that the buyer expected to get with the house, it can create significant tension and lead to resentment, and maybe even legal proceedings.

If You Want It

If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or other fixtures with you, remove them now, BEFORE photos are taken of the home and showings are scheduled. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If you love your range, remove it now and replace it with something that is not special to you. How about those curtains that match your table cloth and dishes? Remove them now, before a buyer ever sees them.

If A Buyer Never Sees it, they Won’t Want It

Once you tell a buyer they can’t have an item, they will covet it, and it could ruin a deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

Not Sure What is a Fixture & What is Not? Ask Your Realtor

A fixture is legally considered something like decorations, equipment or appliances that have been attached to the house. Fixtures are regarded as part of the property, and it is a given that they will go to the buyer. This can be confusing; say for example you have a basketball hoop in the backyard. Ask yourself, is it portable or is it installed with concrete? If it’s portable it’s yours, if it’s fixed to the ground it stays. The same goes for swing sets. A bookcase that looks like a built-in but is actually not, this is something to note as excluded. Remember, ask your realtor.

At Crooked River Realty we are here to help you every step of the way.