Whether a seller is downsizing, moving across the country to a "no basement" area and having to decide what stays and what goes from the rec room....it's important that the list of what stays and what goes or the "Inclusions and Exclusions" list be carefully examined by both the listing agent and the sellers before it is published in MLS.
Every experienced agent has had the very unpleasant experience of buying the ________because they forgot, the seller forgot...neither remembered...You may want to add to this list for things unique to your part of the country...here's a start for both sellers and agents...make that list and check it twice...or the agent may have to buy it, and that won't be nice !
Most Common things we find:
- Kitchen appliances/Wet Bar - stove, refrigerator, microwave, garbage disposal, trash compactor, wine refrigerator, ice maker
- Mounting Accessories for Plasma TV's
- Fountains, Outdoor lighting, Lawn Ornaments (pink flamingos included ?)
- Bookcases, desks, shelving. china cabinets that may appear to be built in and may be removed
- Water Softener, Water Filter, Iron Filter - rented or owned
- Garage Door Openers - Number of remotes
- Alarm Systems
- Lawn/Snow Equipment/Tools
- Work Benches - garage and lower level
- Chandeliers
- Fireplace Screens and Tools
- Window Treatments - differentiate between custom blinds that will be left and the valances that match the bedspread
- Satellite Dishes
- Speakers and sound systems
- Mirrors and medicine cabinets/shelves
- Shower heads (really !)
- Outdoor/Patio Furniture
- Pool Accessories/Movable Shed or storage container
- Washer/Dryer
- Window air conditioners/Portable heaters
- Pets - (A lady did write in the cat...and got it !)
- Dog houses and invisible fencing
- Piers and Waterfront Accessories
- Gazebos/Screen Houses
- Outdoor Grill
- Garage Contents/Hoses and Sprinklers
- Patio accessories and Garden Containers/Planters
- Fencing
- Birdbaths/Houses
Great point! Sometimes we get busy and are not as thourough as we should be, and that could be a diservice to our clients. Thanks for the post.
Hi Sally & David. Thanks for the great list. Yes, sometimes we do seem to get too busy, and forget to add something, that may cost us later. thanks for sharing!
Wonderful point and reminders Sally and David. As you say, Blog on!
She got the cat? What a scream! Excellent point. At listing go over ALL this so there is no misunderstandings, and then again with the contract. I like your check list!
Amazing what some folks think should be included...beter safe than sorry with a checklist so no one buys anything they should not.
Hi Sally & David:
One thing I always make sure on are the wall & window A/C units.
As much as you think they are included, it's always safe to write them in the contract.
Good thought...that is why we have them on the list...don't need to buy one ...thanks for coming by !
Our listing contract (MLS) is different and for the most part is pretty clear....about what is being listed, real estate. We don't have a place in MLS to include personal property other than the remarks. Our purchase contract spells out what is a fixture and we have to write in personal property. Then we get to wrestle over speakers (seller says they are not permanently installed, buyer says they are permanently installed and thus a fixture.) Flat screen TVs terrify me.
Lucky you Maureen...here nothing is clear until the agent and seller make it that way.
Sally and David, in the past I found the easiest fix was for the seller to remove all the items they wanted to keep or specifically mark items, if they are permanently attached. Marked items can be a problem sometimes because you can bet that washer and dryer, or plasma TV may become a negotiable item in the offer. Good list and thanks for the reminder.
That doesn't always work for things like...the water softener, iron filter...etc. that may be a rental and have to rely on outside contractors to pick up before closing...permanently attached is a question as well...light fixures can be substituted for the antique chandelier...etc., etc.
I was having a great evening until you mentioned pink flamingo yard ornaments, the dreaded plastic pink flamingo. Aaaaackkk! Gotta leave you with a real one (use the mouseover):
Ah Russel...but the really good ones are nylon and the windsock structure gives them a whole new shape !
Quite an extensive list there. Luckily i haven't had to purchase appliances in my tenure.
Appliances are not such an issue...at least not here..it's always the water softener, iron filter, water filtration system that may be rented but if not listed as rented...buyers assume is included....and you didn't write it..you buy it !