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Sellers left a what?

By
Real Estate Agent with Atlanta Communities 303302

 Interestingly, sometimes Sellers leave behind things that they think the buyer might want, or is just too difficult to get rid of. For example, I have often seen paint cans left for the new buyers. In theory, this helps the new buyers identify what the colors are in the home if they need to repaint. For sellers, paint is notoriously hard to dispose of so in a perfect world, this works for both sides. 

The problem is that often the paint is years old, moldy, and/or dried up. A paper list of paint color information works much better. The buyer ends up trying to find a way to get rid of all the old paint.

I also have seen grills, porch furniture, swing sets, and many other items left at the home as they leave. Luckily, the new 2019 contracts specifically state that not only does the home need to be "Broom Swept", but it specifically states that the seller cannot leave anything behind that has not already been agreed to be left behind in the contract. It also says that objects in the home cannot be removed without being replaced with substantially the same thing. 

In order to stay out of contract difficulties, make sure you have a professional Real Estate agent at your side.

 

Posted by

Peter den Boer, Associate Broker, Realtor

Atlanta Communities Real estate Brokerage

 

Ph. 770.713.1545

www.denboerhomes.com

 

I write about daily life as a Realtor in the Towne Lake Community in Woodstock Georgia.

Comments(4)

Mike Baltierra
Rise Realty - Eastvale, CA
Full Service at Your Service Realtor-Eastvale CA

Paint is almost 100% left behind. 

Jan 08, 2019 09:37 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good afternoon Peter. This is terrific and really important too. Well done.

Jan 08, 2019 10:25 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

This is a great post. Making sure sellers know they can't leave it "just because", is important. And also, making sure they understand if they do leave things behind if it is trash, that they could be fined. Forwarned as it were. 

Jan 08, 2019 10:46 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Peter, I stay on top of my sellers before they vacate a home and fortunately have not had a complaint in ages. As for the buyer side of my business... I probably call listing agents after 50% of my walk-throughs to say clean out the garage before we close tomorrow.

Jan 08, 2019 01:19 PM