I'm in the middle of a transaction right now where the seller wants to switch out the stove after we already had the offer accepted.  That's not fair and as far as I'm concerned not going to happen.  If the seller discloses that they want to take the stove in the beginning that would be a different story.  However, to show your house with a brand new stove then switch it out before the buyer moves in is a bit shady.  Always make sure that you pay attention to the appliances.  Make sure when you and your Realtor do you final walk through that you make sure the same appliances are still there as when you made your offer.  The same hold true for any other fixtures like lighting, ceiling fans, sconces, and even chandeliers and fire place mantels.  If the seller doesn't exclude them on the MLS listing sheet then it belongs to YOU!!

 

  

 

 

9 Comments on Make Sure The Seller Doesn't Steal YOUR Appliances!!

APR
13
2008
257,179 Points Outside Blog
Greg, It is a good idea to write the model and serial number down of each appliance. 
11:53pm • #1

Very good reminder...the contract is a CONTRACT!  Very important to do walk throughs a day before closing to make sure everything is intact according to the contract.
11:54pm • #2
272,065 Points 3 Featured Posts Hit Router
I believe that exclusions on the CONTRACT are the only ones that really matter.  Exclusions on the MLS can be there or not, but if it isn't in the contract, then there are not exclusions.
11:55pm • #3
APR
14
2008

Was the stove in the offer when you made the offer?

In order to protect my buyer clients I make sure to put in any appliances and fixtures they want to stay.  I don't know about the laws in MA, but here in CA if it is not affixed (chandeliers and ceiling fans are the odd contention), it is not part of the property.  Therefore Stoves (except built-in/countertop), refrigerators, washers, dryers are not part of Real Property and are negotiable.

If it was in the agreement at the time of acceptance, you certainly have a case.
12:04am • #4
110,394 Points 1 Featured Post

I've seen cases where sellers have switched out appliances.  They were made to return what was in the house when the contracts was agreed upon.
12:14am • #5
135,448 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Wow!  You are right, that is stealing.  We have laws against that buddy!  However, just to safeguard I will mention this in my offers.  Thanks for the post!
12:21am • #6
I remember reading a about a case awhile back that actually went to court over this issue.  If the contract does not specify Which Stove and Which Fridge, the judge supposedly ruled in favor of the people who took the appliances.  Very petty.  What Roberta said is true - write down the model & serial number and make sure you do a final walk through before closing! 
5:32am • #7
1 Featured Post

When my sister bought a house, the seller switched out the fridge.  We had the final walkthrough the day before closing and the fridge looked fine.  They must have switched it out after that.  I now try to do all my walkthroughs an hour or so before the closing.  

5:44am • #8
Thank you everyone for your input.  I will definitely right down the serial numbers of the appliances or at least take pictures while I am there should my buyers be interested in making an offer.
10:54pm • #9


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Greg DiGiorgio

Arlington, MA

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RE/MAX Leading Edge

Address: 319 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474

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