In real estate transactions, personal property is something of a gray area: when walking through a house, people may fall in love with the stainless steel appliances only to have them disappear at moving day. ?What can be taken by the seller? ?What is expected to stay for the buyer? ?These questions are complicated, but can be dealt with when making or accepting offers, drawing up contracts, or closing on a home. ?The following items fall into that gray area, so be sure to make absolutely certain they’re yours before expecting to see them in your new home:
1. ?Appliances: In certain markets around the country, including appliances in a transaction is not the norm. ?Check with local real estate agents or see if the seller is willing to offer concessions from those holes in the kitchen.
2. ?Window coverings: When coverings aren’t attached to the window, buyers may take them with them. ?Make sure to stipulate which window coverings you want before finalizing a sale.
3. ?Personal Property: Things like furniture and fixtures may make or break the room. ?If you fall in love with a room as it is, try to see if the seller is willing to include those things with the sale.
4. ?Flat Screen TVs and Mounting Materials: More and more often in today’s transactions, wall-mounted flat screen TVs are being left behind for convenience. ?Still, don’t assume that your seller will leave it behind.
5. ?Kitchen or Bathroom Hardware: ?It seems obvious that hardware should be transferred to the new owner, but foreclosed homes often come with these items missing. ?If buying a foreclosed home, be aware that the home comes “as is.”