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Short Sale Listings: Appliances are no longer included!!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Metro Life Homes RS-78439 / BRE #01708344

I had an episode on a short sale listing where my seller got a phone call from the bank while we were in escrow on this short sale listing.

The foreclosure sale was on suspension, as it usually is, while we were progressing towards the closing date.

Well, instead of contacting me so that I can explain how it all works, the seller freaked out and had a neighbor go over to the vacant property and pull out all of the appliances.  He then sold them.

I did not find out about it until a little over a week later when I went into the property.

Unfortunately, the appliances were written into the deal which has now caused a huge headache.  I have taken care of the situation (unfortunately on my dime), but that has lead me to create a policy that appliances are NOT included in any of my short sale listings.

Buyer and seller can agree to a puchase price for this personal property outside of escrow!!

Comments(5)

Terry McCarley
Coastal Real Estate - Cape Coral FL - Cape Coral, FL
REALTOR, SRES, CDPE - Cape Coral, FL

Interesting post!  When I list a short sale I require the seller to agree in writing to leave the appliances.  I explain they will get a better price with the appliances still in place which will help us with getting the banks approval.  So far this has worked out for me with no problems but your post does give me food for thought.

Feb 26, 2010 02:07 AM
Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

It is an interesting dilemma...We have so many FHA loans out here that require appliances to be included..especially a stove that it would create even more headaches....I like Terry's approach of getting the sellers to sign off that they will leave the appliances.  

 

Feb 26, 2010 02:15 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

The sellers sound like they must have been totally stressed out.  Here, the custom is they stay unless they are written out. 

Feb 26, 2010 02:59 AM
Bob Willis
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Orange, CA
Orange County & L.A. County Real Estate Agent

I agree with Terry McCarley that it is better to get the sellers to agree to leave the appliances.  If you are using the standard CAR RPA, then all built-ins would have to stay, unless you specifically exclude them in the contract.

Feb 26, 2010 05:14 AM
Robert L. Brown
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic

Things change when they affect your pocketbook. Hopefully you can recoup some money when this finally closes.

Feb 26, 2010 06:27 AM