When touring houses, Buyers look at the decor inside and assume large wall hangings, chandeliers, drapes, appliances, etc. Once the house closes, Buyers realize what was personal property and what was considered a fixture in the home because the Seller has taken it with them to their new house.
Here is a quick guide as to what stays and what goes with the Seller.
1. Appliances - Remember, each marketplace is different in regards to what is termed a fixture. In Arizona, the refrigerator and washer/dryer are personal property and go with the Seller unless stated otherwise in the contract. Keep that in mind when you fall in love with a highly upgraded kitchen which includes a huge, side-by-side stainless fridge.
2. Window Coverings - Any window covering, drapes, blinds, etc. are fixtures and stay with the property regardless of who bought them, made them, or what furniture they match, they stay. This is often times a large sticking point and can result in a nasty exchange between Buyer and Seller after close of escrow. Make sure to include them in the contract if you want them, that way everybody is on the same page.
3. Flat Screen TV's - If they are mounted with wiring running through the walls, the TV could be up for debate however, TV's have long been considered personal property and move with the Seller.
4. Kitchen & Bath Hardware - Hardware meaning doorknobs, cabinet pulls or knobs, bathroom fixtures - towel racks, lights, drawer pulls, etc. stay with the house. These are fixtures of the property. Being permanently attached to the cabinetry or wall, they stay.
5. Lights & Fans - Ceiling fans are often removed and taken with Sellers in the marketplace, especially during a distressed sale. They should be left as they are a fixture of the property and belong with the house, not the person.
Tips for Sellers:
If there are any "fixtures" that you love or are family heirlooms, remove and store them before you put the property on the market and replace them with something that can be left with the house. If you can't take them out of the property before you list, make sure your agent notes that the Chandelier for example, does not convey.
Tips for Buyers:
Be as detailed as possible in regards to what specifically you want left with the house. Note the make, model and color of the appliances to be left and make special note of the chandeliers, drapes, curtains, fans, etc. to make sure you are getting what you had originally agreed to in the offer.
Here is a quick guide as to what stays and what goes with the Seller.
1. Appliances - Remember, each marketplace is different in regards to what is termed a fixture. In Arizona, the refrigerator and washer/dryer are personal property and go with the Seller unless stated otherwise in the contract. Keep that in mind when you fall in love with a highly upgraded kitchen which includes a huge, side-by-side stainless fridge.
2. Window Coverings - Any window covering, drapes, blinds, etc. are fixtures and stay with the property regardless of who bought them, made them, or what furniture they match, they stay. This is often times a large sticking point and can result in a nasty exchange between Buyer and Seller after close of escrow. Make sure to include them in the contract if you want them, that way everybody is on the same page.
3. Flat Screen TV's - If they are mounted with wiring running through the walls, the TV could be up for debate however, TV's have long been considered personal property and move with the Seller.
4. Kitchen & Bath Hardware - Hardware meaning doorknobs, cabinet pulls or knobs, bathroom fixtures - towel racks, lights, drawer pulls, etc. stay with the house. These are fixtures of the property. Being permanently attached to the cabinetry or wall, they stay.
5. Lights & Fans - Ceiling fans are often removed and taken with Sellers in the marketplace, especially during a distressed sale. They should be left as they are a fixture of the property and belong with the house, not the person.
Tips for Sellers:
If there are any "fixtures" that you love or are family heirlooms, remove and store them before you put the property on the market and replace them with something that can be left with the house. If you can't take them out of the property before you list, make sure your agent notes that the Chandelier for example, does not convey.
Tips for Buyers:
Be as detailed as possible in regards to what specifically you want left with the house. Note the make, model and color of the appliances to be left and make special note of the chandeliers, drapes, curtains, fans, etc. to make sure you are getting what you had originally agreed to in the offer.
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