It’s a familiar story that happens more often than you think. Buyers and sellers don’t always see eye-to-eye about what stays and what goes during move out. Watch to find out what home sellers can take with them when they go.
My name is Rachel Ain, and I serve the amazing people of Your Foothill Community.
Today, we’re talking all about what stays and what goes during move out.
My sellers are almost always very courteous and worried about leaving paint cans, extra tiles and maybe other extra flooring materials from the house in the garage. They think it looks messy but that’s actually something you should definitely leave for the buyers! Moving is tough and they will ding the walls in a few places, so they will appreciate that extra paint to do touch ups! Same goes for tile, wood floor pieces, any building material extras you still have lying around.
Buying or selling a home can be stressful. And it’s even more stressful when buyers and sellers are unclear about who gets to keep the TV, drapes, or the $10,000 water feature in the front yard.
Here’s a rule of thumb, so you have more clarity during the buying or selling process:
Legally, anything bolted, nailed, wired, cemented, or permanently glued to the property becomes a fixture – And fixtures stay behind when the seller leaves.
But anything that’s mobile is considered personal property, which leaves with the seller. So basically, anything that can be removed without causing damage to the property, goes.
Let me give you a few examples of how this plays out during a sale…
1 – Appliances
A washing machine is considered personal property, because it can easily be unplumbed and unplugged, so the sellers are entitled to take it with them .
A stove or refrigerator is less mobile, but can still, technically, be moved, so the seller has a right to take it with them – this is why most contracts are written to specifically include ovens, stoves, and refrigerators.
2 – Window Dressings
Drapes can easily be unhooked, so they remain the seller’s personal property. But the drapery rods and cornices are bolted to the wall, so they must be left behind.
But most drapes are purchased to fit the design of the home and rarely look good in the seller’s new home – which is why most sellers leave their drapes behind, even though they’re entitled to take them.
3 – Flooring
A rug lying on the floor will go with the seller, but any flooring that is tacked, nailed, fitted, or glued down stays.
4 – Hardware + Fixtures
Generally, all door knobs, mailboxes, light switches, hardware, swag lights, and water features transfer to the new owner.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, so be sure to speak with a good real estate agent before you write your contract.
5 – TV’s
Technically, mounted TV’s aren’t fixed to the home, they’re fixed to the mount, which is fixed to the home. So the general rule of thumb is that the TV goes and the mount stays.
But again, don’t assume anything you see on the property comes with the house.
Always speak to your Realtor® for clarity and always have your Realtor® write everything you want into the contract. Because, everything is negotiable!
At this point, you may be convinced that you need more guidance to write a contract clearly so there’s no dispute around what stays and what goes. But you may also be thinking that you have no idea where to start.
If you’re thinking about making a move, I can help you through the process. Just send me a message or text me at 909-833-1631. No pressure, no sales tactics, just the help and guidance that you need!
