The Issue? of Electric Fireplaces

Janice I agree with Dan IF it is not included in the sale.  IMO not including it, if it's a good feature, is a big mistake.  These units are usually not very expensive and it could be really misleading to potential buyers to have to negotiate this item as an extra in the sale.  Penny wise but foolish.   

Good insight ...  Have three of them in our home - and they serve function and enhance each room.  Advice to sellers - If you want it - take it now,  if you think it will help sell the house ... leave it! ... But a home stager may suggest - It may look better over there!            - Len

The agent should specifically mention whether it's an inclusion or exclusion to avoid any confusion. Usually people do intend to leave them though.

I agree that they needed to be mentioned in the listing, or it can be confusing.  I left one when I sold my house because it really fit where it was and I thought it belonged in the room.  If I took it, I felt it would be unfair to the buyer.

Janice - It is best to list as an inclusion or exclusion in the contract.

Janice,

This is another good example of a problem or issue in the chattel fixture debate. I'm going to add this one to my list.

I'm running out of examples, so I'm coming to the end of the series. If you can think of any other good examples, please blog about them.

Brian

Hi Janice, have you thought about using one for staging as part of your inventory? I am playing with it...

Janice- listen to the Realtors.. if the seller plans on taking it with them, then remove it before it is shown.  However if it enhances the room, why not leave it and buy one for the new home. 

Barbara (#11) good question about using one for staging.  How do the Realtors feel about this?  Because they can appear so real and built in, does it cause the same kind of problem it would for the seller?? I don't know the answer, just asking. 

Agree with all above.  I had a really beautiful antique lamp I had installed in my 1902 Foursquare house. When we listed, we removed it, and installed in the next house, an 1885 Victorian.  It  matched the leaded glass windows perfectly, so when we listed that house, it stayed...no confusion.

Hi Janice,

Electric fireplaces add a lot of beauty and ambiance to a room. I had two when I sold my house in Fergus and people just fell in love with the rooms.

If the sellers want to take them with them, then they should be listed as an exclusion, especially if they are the mantel models.

If buyers want them as part of the deal then they should go in with a great offer and ask for them.

Electric fireplaces should be considered as appliances - those too can be negotiated, and we don't ask the sellers to take them out!

Hi Janice,

Included can be stated in the description to attract buyers - it's a matter of choice - but definitely the items that are "attached", but the seller wants to take has to be listed as excluded.

Now appliances (as long as they are not built in) and electric fireplaces are not attached; therefore, don't have to be listed because they are chattels (not fastened to the wall or floor), but it's always wise to list as excluded if the seller absolutely wants to take them with them.

That just makes things clearer.

That's a perfect example of and item that needs to be clearly stated in the listing. If it enhances the room, but the seller plans to take it--label it "personal property, will not remain in house."

Janice - added value, looks, include, exclude all things to discuss with the team that is preparing and marketing the home before any one sees it.