Sellers: Itemize What You’re Taking With You

Believe it or not, after months of searching countless homes, finding the perfect home, negotiating price and finally agreeing to a deal, a sale can fall apart over a disagreement about curtains.

When striking a deal to sell a home, it’s important that you are perfectly clear about what you are taking with you and what you are leaving behind. The general rule is that if something is attached to the structure or the ground, it is real property and stays with the house.

If removing the item would ruin or disfigure the walls, the item generally stays. If you need a tool to remove it, it stays.

Legally, these are called fixtures, which include everything permanently attached to the property such as a fence, built-in appliances, ceiling fans, flowerbeds and shrubs.

Conversely, if you can disconnect, unhook or detach an item from the home with bare hands, it’s free to leave when you do. This is known as personal property and should never be assumed to be part of the sale.

Items that fall into this category are furniture, potted plants, free-standing appliances and an outdoor grill.

A good rule of thumb is to not show your home with any fixtures you are planning to take. Replacing them is the better option.

Every real estate agent has a story about a deal falling through because of an argument about what a buyer thought was staying. For this reason, you should walk in each room with your agent and make a list of things that you will be taking with you.

If you decide to leave the curtains, chandeliers or are open to giving up some of the outdoor furniture, it may just help with a sale. People appreciate the notion of getting something for free, and a savvy agent will hint to a prospective buyer that fixtures and furnishing may be negotiable. Unless the items are really important to you, let them go with the home. Use them to get the price you want and then replace the items in your new home.

By itemizing and discussing all the things that stay and go at the outset, there will be no miscommunication on closing day.

Team 54 Realty– Greater Tampa Bay Area Real Estate Advisors

We are members of theGreater Tampa Association of Realtors, Central Pasco Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors, as well as the Mid-Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service.

These relationships ensure that our Buyers will have access to the thousands of homes available for sale in Hillsborough County, Pasco County,  and Pinellas County Florida while also providing our Sellers with internet exposure to capture these buyers, looking to purchase a home.

As your Greater Tampa Bay Area Real Estate Trusted Advisors, we are not only committed to helping you buy or sell your home, but also serve as your Navigator, Negotiator, and Consultant. We have a fiduciary responsibility to you and intend to guide you with knowledge and integrity. We pride ourselves on our client service and dedication to assist you with all of your Greater Tampa Bay real estate  needs.

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Please call, text, email or fill out the online contact form today, to discuss how we can best assist you with your Greater Tampa Bay Area Real Estate needs.

With Team 54 Realty it’s about more than just real estate!

Rose LoCicero, Real Estate Advisor, CNHCS (Certified New Home Construction Specialist)
Joe LoCicero, Real Estate Advisor, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

TEAM 54 REALTY
813.435.5411 Office
813.298.5065 Rose’s cell
813.841.8220 Joe’s cell
888-557-7133 Fax
Team54Realty@gmail.com Email
IMSD –Internet Marketing Specialist Designation

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