If you have been browsing the Columbus real estate market in order to find a suitable residential home for your family to move into, chances are you have seen some decorative items or home furnishings that you have fallen in love with.
If you are currently looking for homes in the Columbus, OH area and notice some furnishings that you would like have included in the sale, be sure to speak up before the final papers are signed. Sellers may be interested in including these pieces or they may be keen on keeping it for themselves. Either way, it is important that you understand what exactly is included with your home purchase before the sale has completed. Here are a few tips that will help you do just that:
Understand that Every Market is Different
What may be considered normal for one market is not normal for another. That is why it is always a good idea to go with a local real estate agent who knows about the ins and outs of the local industry. Most buyers would think that it is normal for a seller to include all major kitchen appliances with a home sale, but in some areas that is not the case.
A good way to ensure that the appliances you see during the home showing are what you will receive is to first find out if it is customary to include kitchen appliances with a home sale in the area. If so, have it put into writing that all existing appliances will be included with the home purchase. You may want to go a step further and include the exact names of each product such as a Kenmore Refrigerator or Bosch Dishwasher.
Household Items to be Watchful Of
- Appliances — Every market is different. It’s best to consult an agent about these items and have them specifically listed in the contract.
- Window Coverings — Typically, if window coverings are present during the sale, they should transfer to the new owner. However, decorative drapes often become a hotly disputed item as to who it goes to. Again, have it written in the contract to clarify.
- Personal Property — Some homeowners may have a special piece of art that fits into a space around the house or a perfect piece of furniture that a buyer could not imagine the seller taking — but do. Always assume personal property will leave with the seller.
- Flat Screen TVs & Mounting Materials — Though some flat screen TVs may be mounted on the wall (with wires running through the walls), they are often still be considered personal property. If you want them to stay, have it put down in the contract.
- Kitchen or Bath Hardware — Doorknobs, cabinet pulls, bed and bath fixtures should always transfer to the new owner. They are permanently attached to the room, so they will stay with the property. The only reason these items became an issue was during the “Foreclosure drama” after the real estate collapse, many owners would take these things with them to make a quick sale.
Always Assume that Personal Property Will Not Transfer
Sometimes items in a home, such as a large antique area rug, framed art on the wall, or a vintage style mirror, can appear to be permanent. But any realtor will tell you that interested buyers are constantly getting let down because they want a certain piece of furniture, only to find out that the item was considered to be personal property and taken with the sellers. No matter how obvious it may seem to the buyer that a piece should stay, the sellers may not have any intention of letting the item go. Like the beds and most of the furnishings — most items will not transfer to the new owner.
Some Items Can Be Sold Separately
In some cases, the previous owners may be willing to part with a particular item if the buyer truly wants it, but they will not consider doing so for free. It is very common in most markets for a buyer to make an offer in order to purchase some of the seller’s personal items. If you see something that you simply can’t live without, make an offer to the seller before it is too late.
The main thing to remember when hoping to get extra items when buying a home is that you should always be as detailed as possible with your requests from the very beginning. If you happen to see something that you like during an open house, you should mention it to the listing agent at that time. If they tell you that it will be included with the home, be sure to get it in writing. This will help there to be less confusion and disappointment after all the paperwork has been signed.
