Purchasing a house isn’t as simple as finding a property online and making an offer. Buyers need to research different properties and neighborhoods. Many of them also need to budget properly so that they can afford the kind of home that they desire.
Questions often arise about what items are included when a home is sold. Some things remain with the property and others are taken by the sellers when they leave. You can always address these concerns with the seller as the purchase agreement is drafted so that there is no confusion or misunderstanding.
Buying a home in Florida can take time. Even if you have a motivated seller, the entire process may not be completed for several weeks or months. There are certain actions that must be taken and different parties that become involved at various stages. You could even encounter unexpected delays or other problems. Patience, determination and a solid plan of action can help you achieve your goal
1. The land that the home rests on.
Home purchases include the land that the house was built on. You may have a lot that encompasses a few square feet or a few acres. The amount of land that comes with the home should be listed in the listing and/or purchase agreement.
2. Anything that’s built in.
Cabinets, bookshelves and other items that are built into the home’s interior will usually remain behind after the sale. Most of these things can be difficult to remove or relocate. They should also be specified in the sale contract so that you fully understand what you’ll get.
3. Items that are permanently affixed to the ground.
Trees, outdoor playground equipment, fire pits and other things that are permanently attached to the ground will be yours to do with as you wish. Most sellers don’t have a good reason to move those items, so they leave them as is. They can be featured as key selling points and can help the property to stand out above other similar homes in the area.
4. Ovens, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers.
If the washer and dryer, dishwasher, range or oven is built into the house, it will most likely be included in the sale. Some sellers choose to take these things with them, while others prefer to purchase new appliances when they move to their new home.
5. Light fixtures.
Recessed lights, chandeliers, pendants and other similar lighting fixtures often remain with the home. They can be rather cumbersome and complicated to remove. Some of them can be replaced, but not without considerable time or expense.
6. Mailboxes.
Most mailboxes are either mounted on an exterior wall or attached to a post just outside or near the front door. Unless it’s a fancy or custom mailbox, it will typically be left behind by the seller. Mailboxes are relatively simple to replace and maintain.
7. Window treatments.
Blinds, shades, curtains and other kinds of window treatments are often attached to different windows in the home. That’s why they generally remain in the house once the transaction has been finalized. You can decide if you want to keep them or replace them with more stylish, modern components.
8. Heating and cooling units.
Central cooling and heating systems are attached to the house and almost always stay there until they’re in need of repair or upgrades. You should receive an owner’s manual for each system along with the contact information for the individual or organization who installed those systems. This information can come in handy if one or both of these units breaks down or experiences other issues.
9. Above ground pools and pool equipment.
Most above-ground pools and hot tubs are permanently attached to the ground or walkways outside a home. They’re not easy to move or dismantle. You may find that they come in handy when planning a get-together to celebrate birthdays and other special events.
10. Any hardware that was installed in the house.
Bathroom fixtures, cabinets and doorknobs are common examples of hardware. They were installed in the home at different times and are frequently left behind after the sale. You can always replace them if they are in poor condition or if you just want a fresh new look.
11. Grills and other outdoor cooking equipment that’s built in.
Smokers, grills and other outdoor cooking items or areas are often attached to the property. Sellers may take some or all of those items if they’re portable and easy to move. However, many heavy duty outdoor kitchen sections, ovens and grills can easily weigh several hundred pounds. Moving them would be a hassle for many homeowners, especially if they need to relocate in a hurry.
12. Smoke detectors.
Smoke detectors should remain in a home. There are certain rules and regulations as to where and how many smoke detectors should be located in a home. Be sure to check their batteries and replace them as needed.
13. Ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans are typically attached to walls or roofs in different rooms. They are attached to the building and can be quite difficult to move. It’s often easier to leave them behind than for sellers to attempt to take them out.
14. Garage door openers.
Access devices such as garage door openers should also remain with the home. They are typically wired or programmed for that specific entry point and may not work at another location. Other security devices such as gate openers should also remain in the house after the sale has been completed.
Most televisions, television brackets and furniture are taken by the seller before the sale, unless those items are permanently attached to the ground, wall or floor. You can negotiate with the seller before the sale contract has been reviewed and signed. Read the agreement carefully and ask any questions as you see fit.
Once the contract has been read and signed, it won’t be long until you’ll become a homeowner! At closing, all paperwork will be processed. The seller will receive their net proceeds for the transaction, and you’ll be given the keys to your new house! You can move in whenever you wish. It’s time to look forward to spending the vast majority of your waking hours in a wonderful place that you’ll be very proud to call home.
Have Questions? Ask Rene!
