Lighting is a major factor in how potenital buyers feel when they enter a room. Before showing a property, agents usually turn on most of the lights throughout the home to make each room more inviting. However, sellers should note: Any light fixtures they want to keep must be taken down before the potential buyers' arrival. By contract, a buyer has rights to anything that is permanently attached to the home (including lighting). Often sellers make the mistake of leaving up an expensive lighted wall sconce or chandelier. Buyers will assume those objects come with the home. The easiest way for sellers to prvent this is to take down anything that they want to keep before putting their home on the market. Objects such as lighting fixtures can be easily and inexpensively replaced at the sellers' local home store. Sellers can also consult with the their listing agent and note in writing which items stay with the house. Be sure to list those items that you want to take (or leave) in writing before the contract is signed. Some other commonly overlooked objects are: curtains and shades; built-in-pieces of furniture (like a couch or banquette in the kitchen); a garden swing that's attached to the roof of the home or enclosed back porch; and a grill that's attached to a gas line.
Remember, if you love it, take it down, because the buyer just may love it too!
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