Can Buyers Ask The Seller To Include All Their Furniture In The Sale?

Cindy, adding furniture to a home sale just seems to complicate things, but some people just love the way the home looks with the furniture the way it is... a matter of preference. Thanks for the blog.

Hi Cindy, as a lender I can speak firsthand about the topic: the issue is that the investors want to lend money for the purchase of a home, not furniture.  While appliances and the occasional big screen TV in a media room will be allowed, you run into trouble when you add other items that are truly incentives to purchase.  (As you know).  That said, I have had the occasional random item get included with zero value.  For example, we recently did one with a golf cart that was included because the home was Lake House with a nearby golf course.  This "makes sense" because the golf cart was considered part of the house, kind of like the appliances, since it’s normal and customary for the area.  I know that's odd.  Per all the other posts, a separate bill of sale is best for furniture.

 

Hi Cindy, anything that is attached such as dishwashers, disposal, ovens, etc. can be included in the purchase and even a refrigerator.  Must it must be listed as included at no extra charge.  Anything else I would go with an arrangement outside of closing.

Proves to me too many folks have no imagination.  Sometimes there is a single room that is perfect as it is and a buyer might ask to purchase that room as it is.  In Utah we don't typically put personal property on the sales contract - in my mind it's a contract outside and unrelated to the real estate deal.  If they want to include them in the purchase price a lender has every right to say no - why would they finance a couch and some dining room chairs for more than twice their life expectancy? 

Some people just want it all wrapped up in a neat well presented package. If that's the case, they should just hire a decorator to furnish their new home and skip buying the used existing furniture.

Cindy - This is oh so true.  I sold a vacation home in Sonoma County CA in 2006 and sold it with the furniture.  It brought up some challenges and misunderstandings during the transaction.  Unless you are prepared to inventory a list that clearly spells out each item you may be in for a headache.  Great subject to blog about!

Cindy, I always prefer to take that outside the main transaction - between both parties. And if anything goes wrong, I am NOT the one who would like to get involved.

Many times a seller has "just the right stuff" for the home-but it's still best to deal with outside of escrow.

Cindy,

We're always encouraged by the lenders and Title Companies to keep all the personal items off the real estate contract of sale. I recently had to write an addendum for a lender who was concerned that a refrigerator was a personal item, even though it's customary here in Maryland for them to convey.

Rich

We have a new form, Bill of Sale, to cover the sale of personal belongings. We have the title company fill it out to relieve us of any legal liability if there is something left off the list.

Cindy - Great to see you!

I haven't run into any buyers wanting to include the seller's furniture with the deal, but when it happens, now I'll know of some of the potential issues.

Thanks!

Cindy, you mkae some great points here about the lenders potentially killing the idea, but in a buyers market I think this is a fun creative idea for first time home buyers, and if the home has enough equity that appraisal won't be a problem, and if the seller thinks you have made a strong enough offer that they are left with enough to replace the furniture, then this is a cool novel idea.  Like you mentioned I've seen a piece or two included, and appliances in our market are almost expected, but what a fun negotiating tactic.

 

Cindy:  Items such as these can be asked for.  They can be included.  But clients should understand that any Lender involved will most likely raise questions as a result.  As Kathy , Nevin, and Mark pointed out .. they should be prepared for their actions to open a can of worms.  To move the transaction more smoothly and quickly, it might be best to buy the items outside the actual real estate transaction and contract.  You raise a great point, especially for those that live in vacation or more popular 2nd home/retirement locales ...

Gene

Buyers can "ask" for anything. Getting it is another issue.

Cindy Westfall is the professional to see in Tualatin OR - contact her at (503) 670-9000. Keep up the good work! Have a nice day.

Cindy, I deal with this CONSTANTLY with vacation homes! It can be such a sticking point, and makes extra work for us. You've prompted me to decide that this will be my latest article in the Vernonia's Voice. Thank you for the gentle nudge to pick this topic and I'm proud of you for getting this much-deserved feature!

 

 

I have sold homes with the furniture included. This is a lot easier when the financing is all CASH. I have a seller right now who would be willing to leave the house furnished and it would be a great buy for the new owners.