Does That Item Stay? What If The Buyer Doesn't Want It?

Great clarifications Barbara-Jo. The sellers can't just leave their unwanted items in the home for the new buyer to take care of. 

I think in this area, there is a lot of just leaving the items for the sellers convenience and thus, so many charity thrift shops and consignment store!

I see that more often than not, the seller fails to get rid of it or drags their heels in calling the charity...

This is a very good post! Many times the sellers don't believe us when we tell them "this must go, you can't just leave it for someone else to take care of!"

Items left behind should certainly be addressed.  I closed a transaction a couple of years ago that was a lovely upscale home which had beautiful furnishings.  The seller played parts on some of the daytime soap operas.  She and her husband had been able to move most all their lovely stuff from the home prior to close of escrow.  However, when we did our walk-thru just hours before closing, the luxurious dining room set, and entertainment center, plus several other items were still there.  When I questioned the listing agent, she told me the seller's schedule had been busy, and they simply ran out of time before needing to get back to L.A.  She said the buyer could have them if they chose.  My buyers were ecstatic, so an agreement to that effect was written.

Hi Barbara-Jo, a touch issue if not defined with some people. I have had as much trouble with things left behind that a buyer did not want as with items taken that the buyer thought they were getting with the property. Great subject.

Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional 

There are always issues that arise when things are not clearly spelled out it is wisdom to put it all in the contract. 

Good morning Barbara-Jo. You have taken on an important topic, one that has caused issues and as you said can cause delays in a closing. Florida is one of those states that I see this happen more often than other states.

Very true, Barbara-Jo.  We have on occasion closed by escrowing money that would take care of the removal of these items and giving the seller a limited amount of time to take care of the issue or the escrowed money goes to the buyer to clear the home.

Stating the facts to sellers sometimes fall on deaf ears.  They think they are doing the buyer a favor by giving them a bonus.  They buyer may have other plans or taste.

That is where the contract should be clearly written.  If they are both in agreement, great!

In my area I ask for it in the contract even if its listed as sometimes there are mistakes. If something is left behind I have a pickup and will keep the peace!

Good morning Barbara-Jo. This is an important topic to discuss with all sellers up front.

Hi, Barbara-Jo. We see a lot of freezers and hot tubs being included in the sale in my market. Buyers usually want these things. 

Barabara Jo ,

 Just stopped by to say hello and hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Barbara Jo, These issues should be cleared up as soon as posible but some sellers realize they just do not want to mess with moving wnatever they don't want. i can see this could dekay a closing. In worst case the seller might be able to haul it to the local lanf fill if the landfill will take the item. 

I see contracts where it states that the seller is not to leave anything other than the items on the contract. In other words the seller needs to clear out the house.

 If the buyer doesn't want it, the seller must remove it. Never had it happen where the seller left anyting the buyer didn't want...but you never know.

Barbara-Jo, I have had sellers say --- well it was here when we moved in.   Still needs to go!