Home Buying: Make notes of what is in the home

Was there a dishwasher, refrigerator, washer or dryer, window coverings, light fixtures such as a chandelier, shed, workbench, or any other personal property?

To keep track of what’s inside each home, write down which appliances are in the house, or any items of personal property that may be staying with the house.  You will need to refer to this list later on when you write your offer to purchase.  The MLS data sheet should list the personal property items that are (and are not) included in the purchase, but it is not always accurate.  So it’s best to do your own visual checklist.

What do you want included?  The dishwasher or the micro-hood?  What about the hot tub in the back yard, or the workbench in the garage?  Do not automatically assume they are staying with the house.  The clothes washer and dryer always seem to be a point of contention, so even if you ask for them in your offer, do not expect the seller to agree to leave them.

For example, you admire the beautiful blinds and the drapes and valance in the dining room that were custom-made for this house.  You assume the sellers are leaving them behind, but the seller takes them and you are surprised after you purchase your new house and they are missing.  Your REALTOR® will help you put everything in writing in your offer, even the little things.

On the other hand, what do you NOT want included in the purchase?  For example, you may want an old rusty shed taken down, or a large satellite dish removed, or debris hauled away.  Make a note so you can include this in your offer, too.

Read more in our book, "Buy Your First Home", http://tinyurl.com/nrvmgc7.

Image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
California DRE # 00983670
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Text copyright © 2011 R.P. Brown, All Rights Reserved