Does That Come With The House?

When you walk through a beautifully staged home, it’s hard not to fall in love with everything you see—from the strategic layout to the sleek furnishings. But remember, not all that glitters (or sits comfortably) comes with the property. Identifying what items are included in the sale and which ones aren't can save you from disappointment and confusion when finalizing your purchase.

Understanding Property Inclusions

Built-In Appliances and Fixtures

While touring potential homes, you might notice high-quality appliances or elegant fixtures that catch your eye. Generally, built-in appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, and fixtures like ceiling fans and built-in bookcases are included in the sale. These items are considered a part of the property because they are permanently attached.

Freestanding Items

Contrary to built-in units, freestanding items like refrigerators and countertop microwaves are often not included in the sale. These appliances are easily movable, which means they’re frequently retained by the sellers.

Window Treatments

Another area that might lead to assumptions is window treatments. Items like curtain rods are typically considered fixtures and stay with the house, but the curtains themselves may not. This distinction is crucial and should be clarified during negotiations.

Outdoor and Garden Features

The boundaries of what’s included can get even blurrier outdoors. From sheds and outdoor furniture to specific garden features like koi ponds or fountains, it’s vital to explicitly list these items in your contract if you expect them to remain with the property.

Smart Home Systems

With the popularity of smart home technology, items like sensors and wireless systems complicate things further. These are often not included in the sale, as the seller might want to take these pricey technologies with them.

Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent

To avoid any surprises, here are several questions you can ask your real estate agent when preparing your offer:

1. What appliances are included in the sale? Specifically, ask about any freestanding items that you might assume are included.
2. Which built-in fixtures will remain? Clarify if things like light fixtures, ceiling fans, and built-in bookcases are part of the deal.
3. Are window treatments included? Determine whether items like blinds and curtains, along with their respective hardware, will stay.
4. What about outdoor items? Specify which, if any, outdoor furniture, sheds, or garden features are included.
5. How is landscaping handled? Find out if there are any potted plants or special landscaping features that are excluded from the sale.
6. What about security and smart home systems? Understand which components might be removed before you move in.
7. Have there been any additions to the list of exclusions? Keep yourself updated on any changes to the included or excluded items.
8. Can we specify certain items to be included in our offer? Learn how to ensure that desirable items, such as an outdoor kitchen setup, are part of the purchase.

Final Thoughts

To ensure there are no misunderstandings, it’s advisable for buyers to clearly list items they believe are essential in their offer. This clarity allows both parties to discuss and negotiate what will and will not transfer with the property, aligning expectations with reality and smoothing the transition into your new home!