Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The buyer can ASK for anything.
We made an offer on a house from an estate sale many years ago. We offered the asking price, then just for grins I asked that the classic car be left in the garage. The sellers said no, which I honestly expected, but it was worth a try. Ultimately, we did not buy that place, but the vehicle had nothing to do with us walking away. I discovered the electrical system had never been upgraded!
When we bought our current house, I asked for the lawn tractor. The seller said it would cost an extra $400. I agreed, and the tractor was written up on a separate bill of sale. The Realtor said it would be simpler that way, the tractor would not be included on the mortgage!
There are about 4-5 pieces in my house that I would decline to sell for any price. Family stuff.
The rest, whatever, as long as there was enough money on the table, I could walk away.
Demanding personal property after contract may be a bit crummy, but I have see people swap stuff in lieu of repairs, too.
I agree with Rakin. Be careful of upsetting an underwriter, or of engaging in mortgage fraud.
When I sold my house last December, the buyers wanted my new couch, and the TV and barstools in the basement. I was surprised - but not insulted. I let them take the TV and barstools. I didn't want the TV (too big; too hard to sell) or the barstools anyway. The buyers felt like they got a deal.
When we bought this house, it came with the contents, but nobody had lived in the house for twenty seven years except termites so there wasn't much to salvage.
Buying a house is like any other deal between two people, you negotiate different things. One person can ask for the furniture or even the pet cat and the others can always say 'no' or 'yes' depending on their own desires. I think folks have gotten too used to retail where you go in and buy things without any negotiating.
Around here, houses are frequently sold with the appliances. A water heater is sort of part of the house so those are almost always left in place. Stoves and refrigerators are frequently left, too. Microwaves usually travel with their people, though. Horses and cats are occasionally sold to the new owners, dogs not as often. I'd suspect each deal is different and it doesn't hurt the buyers to ask if it's done nicely and not trying to take advantage, IMHO.
When we bought this house, it came with the contents, but nobody had lived in the house for twenty seven years except termites so there wasn't much to salvage.
Buying a house is like any other deal between two people, you negotiate different things. One person can ask for the furniture or even the pet cat and the others can always say 'no' or 'yes' depending on their own desires. I think folks have gotten too used to retail where you go in and buy things without any negotiating.
Around here, houses are frequently sold with the appliances. A water heater is sort of part of the house so those are almost always left in place. Stoves and refrigerators are frequently left, too. Microwaves usually travel with their people, though. Horses and cats are occasionally sold to the new owners, dogs not as often. I'd suspect each deal is different and it doesn't hurt the buyers to ask if it's done nicely and not trying to take advantage, IMHO.
appliances can be location specific. Where I've lived, a stove and an installed over the range micro are included, although a countertop microwave might not be. Furnace and hot water heater always convey. Fridge and washer and dryer are generally more seller discretion. When I sold at the end of 2014, the listing said that the fridge was conveyed, the washer and dryer did not. But during the negotiations, the buyer increased the price but asked that I leave the washer and dryer. Since the amount they increased the offer was more the w/d had cost originally, of course it made no sense to risk the deal by saying no.
Furnishings are at the discretion of the parties, although need to be outside of the house contract as they are not part of the house. 2 houses ago, I was moving out of state, and left a somewhat beat up kitchen table and chairs, figuring that people viewing the place might want a chance to sit down and a surface to write at if the wanted to take notes or write up an offer. There was a dumpster onsite (condo) so the new owner could easily dispose of it when they needed to. But otherwise, everything was cleared out and the place was shown empty. For my last sale, the buyer didn't ask for any furniture and I didn't offer it, although I had a couple of pieces I would have let them keep if they had wanted.
A lender will not allow furniture or other personal property to be in the contract (usually). If there is a deal to be made, it should be done on the side.
They are loaning money on Real Estate, not personal property.
I probably wouldn't let a deal fall through over it, but it is reasonable to ask for some compensation for the furniture in a separate contract.
Assuming this is after the initial offer and they walk because of it, I assume they would forfeit their earnest money?
I see you are in NC. IF they make the request during the Due Diligence Period, they could walk away and successfully claim their earnest money back.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
