It may sound crazy, but some sellers will try to remove real estate fixtures from their property after they’ve sold it to you.
Stories of new owners arriving at their dream home to find light fittings missing or roses pulled from the flowerbeds are becoming increasingly common. Some sellers seem to have developed strong attachments to certain elements of their homes, leading to unexpected situations.
This might sound amusing, but it’s far from funny if you’re the one moving in to find kitchen cabinet doors missing or that the built-in barbecue in the outdoor entertainment area has disappeared.
As an experienced agent in our neighborhood, I have some advice to help prevent you from becoming a victim of this bizarre trend:
If it’s permanent, it stays
Anything that is permanently fixed to the house, such as the garage door or the oven, is considered part of the property and cannot be taken.
Talk it through
Don’t be afraid to ask the seller if there are any features of the home that they want to take with them. Early transparency avoids problems later. If you are concerned, or you’re particularly keen on a certain fixture (say, a chandelier), then we can get this written into the contract.
Put it in writing
Once a contract has been agreed and you’ve paid earnest money, the sellers are under an obligation to leave all fixtures with the property. As your agent, I’d be emphasizing this when you sign.
By being proactive and aware, you can ensure that your new home includes all the fixtures you expected when you made your purchase. If you have any concerns or questions about this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your real estate professional for guidance.