Buying or selling a home is a lot like trying to herd cats in a thunderstorm – there’s a lot happening all at once, and some details are bound to slip through the cracks. One of the most often-overlooked details is figuring out exactly what comes with the house. Let’s be real: nobody wants to show up with a moving truck only to realize the previous owner took the chandelier that you thought made the place feel like Buckingham Palace (minus the corgis).
So, here’s the scoop on what’s coming along for the ride, and what’s getting packed up faster than you can say "This wasn’t in the Zillow listing." Spoiler alert: communication is key, and contracts should be treated like relationship boundaries – very clear.
What Comes with the house? Fixtures – The Un-Moveable Objects
Fixtures are like those stubborn family members at a reunion – they aren’t going anywhere. If it’s attached, it’s staying. This means built-in shelving, lighting fixtures, and even window treatments. Yes, even those curtains that look like they came straight out of the 70s – you’re stuck with them unless you negotiate otherwise. The rule of thumb is, if you’d need a wrench to remove it, it’s probably part of the deal. So, if you had your heart set on that fabulous stained-glass sconce, you better double-check.
Appliances – To Stay or Not to Stay?
Ah, appliances – the most controversial thing since pineapple on pizza. When it comes to built-in appliances, they’re like a clinger in a rom-com; they’re not leaving. That built-in microwave and dishwasher are typically part of the sale. But, those stand-alone appliances? The washer, dryer, and fridge? Well, they’re more like your college roommate’s beanbag chair – cool if they stay, but also fair game to go. And let’s be honest, nobody likes having to figure out how to fit a fridge through a front door when you’ve already signed a mountain of papers and just want to relax.
Personal Property – Is That Yours or Mine?
Personal property might just be the trickiest of all. You’d think everyone would know that the giant velvet Elvis painting is coming with the seller, but hey, sometimes there’s confusion. Furniture usually goes, but what about that portable AC unit in the back bedroom? You know, the one that’s been there for years and has more loyalty to the house than the sellers’ cousin Terry? If you want it, make sure it's in the contract, because verbal agreements don't hold up – especially not in real estate.
Outdoor Items – The Great Backyard Mystery
Outdoor items are where things can get dicey. The BBQ grill, that cute little garden gnome, the shed that’s probably hiding a shovel or two – none of these are guaranteed unless specified in the contract. Want that swing set to stay so you can avoid assembling another one from a Swedish store with confusing instructions? Put it in writing. It’s like ordering fries with your burger; you can't just hope they throw them in for free.
Negotiation 101 – Avoiding The Drama
It’s natural to focus on the big-ticket items in real estate: price, loans, down payments, and how much you can get the seller to throw in for closing costs. But, a lot of heartache can be avoided if you think through the "little things" – you know, like whether you’re getting the backyard fire pit or if you need to start searching Facebook Marketplace. The best advice is to imagine moving day and think, "What do I expect to be here?" If it’s anything more than the walls and flooring, it’s worth a discussion. Because let’s face it, no one likes surprises on moving day – unless it’s a pizza delivery.
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