Anything that is Bolted or Mounted to the House!

One thing that makes a real estate transaction so confusing is the issue of what stays with the house and what goes with the seller once they move out of the property. Also, there has been confusion with regard to outdoor items.

So, what stays with the house and what goes with you when you move? 

Appliances

One of the most common questions in appliances are do the Refrigerator in the kitchen and out in the garage stay or can I take them? Also, what about my washer and dryer? The good news is, it’s your choice to take them or leave them. If you want to take them make sure to always let your Real Estate Agent know and make sure that it is in writing (ask your Agent to show you where they have excluded it). You can take one item, or you can take all this is completely your choice. **Important to remember, the buyer may come in and ask for them even though they have been excluded. That is okay, you can change your mind to leave them or have your Agent counter back excluding those items. 

Lighting Fixtures

An example of this is that impressive chandelier in your dining room or any appealing light fixture the buyer has already seen as part of your home. As a seller, it’s important to know that buyers expect that what they saw in your home at the time they viewed the house will go with it. So, it’s important to make it clear what will be part of the house and what will not. A couple of options with light fixtures that you want to keep would be to exclude when you list your property OR change it out for something else something that would still look nice, that way there is no confusion to be had. 

Window Treatments and Coverings

Believe it or not, window coverings are another issue that arises during a sale. Rods and blinds, even expensive custom blinds, are considered part of the property and should go to the new owner since they are usually attached. Curtains, on the other hand, are almost always considered as personal property since you can easily slide them off. If you want the existing drapes and coverings, exclude them from the sale and specify them in writing. 

Hardware in the Kitchen and Bathroom

While this should be a case of “common sense,” still, it's not uncommon to hear stories of buyers who have complained about missing doorknobs, toilet paper holders, kitchen cabinet pulls and handles bath fixtures, and well, the horror stories go on. The rule is that any hardware should stay and transfer to the new homeowner since they are attached to the property. 

Plants, Trees and Any Landscaping

If you have a particular plant or tree that you truly want to take with you make sure to exclude it. Since any landscaping is a great part of your curb appeal and a lot of times that is what will help sell your house, the right thing to do as a seller is to request to take it with you. Otherwise, you can’t take the plants and leave a patch of dirt that can displease any buyer.

Above-ground spa and/or swimming pool

Anything that is built-in or cemented into the ground stays with the house. So, you can take your above-ground spa or swimming pool with you once you leave. A free-standing spa can be considered personal property and is likely to be easily removed. However, if you don't want to take these features with you and the buyer doesn’t want it either, you may still need to remove it. The buyer can specify if they want it or want it gone by closing.