Most people assume that they have to pack up and take everything with them when they sell their home, but that’s not always the case! There are some things that must stay with the property. Removing these items could cause issues with the buyer and land you in a legal battle.
It can be confusing to know what stays and what goes when you’re selling your house; by knowing ahead of time what stays and what goes, you can be better prepared.
Here are a few key items that stay with the house after it’s sold.
Items that Must Stay after Closing
Light Fixtures:
Light fixtures are often one of the first things that buyers notice when they walk into a home. They can also be one of the most expensive items to replace. For these reasons, light fixtures typically stay with the house.
Window Treatments:
Like light fixtures, window treatments can be costly to replace and are often one of the first things that buyers notice. Window treatments usually stay with the property, but be sure to check with your real estate agent to see if there are any exceptions.
Appliances:
Appliances are another big-ticket item that can be costly to replace, but they could also be considered personal property. Generally, appliances that are built into the kitchen in any way or customized for the home stay with the house, but stand-alone appliances are typically considered personal property.
Built-ins:
These items are all considered to be part of the house and must stay with it after it’s sold. They are not only expensive to replace but can also be difficult to remove without damaging the property.
Alarm Systems:
Alarm systems are often a key selling point for a home. They can be expensive to install and even more expensive to replace. For this reason, alarm systems usually stay with the property when it’s sold.
Mirrors:
Like light fixtures, mirrors are often one of the first things that buyers notice. They can also be difficult to remove without damaging the property. For these reasons, mirrors typically stay with the house.
Home Features and Structural Parts:
Those hardwood floors that you spent thousands on or the custom bathtub you had installed stay with the property. Any features or structural parts of the house that are connected to the home must stay.
Outside Features:
Outdoor landscaping such as plants, shrubs, and trees that are planted in the ground must remain with the property. Any in-ground sprinkler systems or outdoor lighting also stay with the house. Items such as patio furniture, lawn chairs, tables, portable fire pits, swings, and grills are considered the seller’s personal property. Swing sets can be conveyed, but it’s not guaranteed, so the buyer should be upfront if they want it to stay.
What if I Want to Keep Some of These Items?
The best course of action would be to replace the items before putting the home on the market. For example, if you have a chandelier that’s a family heirloom, you could replace it with a more modern light fixture. This way, you can take your time finding the perfect replacement and avoid any legal issues down the road.
The Bottom Line:
While there are some things that must stay with a property when it’s sold, most everything else is fair game. Be sure to consult your real estate agent to get a better understanding of what stays and what goes in your specific situation. By knowing what stays ahead of time, you can avoid any potential issues down the road.
