Things Seller's should not do after under contract.

So true. Just because it is written in the contract, it still needs to be explained in detail to the sellers. I always at listing  have a mantra of if you want it to go with you, take it down and replace it. PERIOD! Oh and when representing the buyers we like to be the last one in the house prior to the closing , then go directly and sign. Just keeps honest folks honest!

Wow. People are really amazing. Nothing surprises me anymore. I can't believe that theyw ere cutting down trees to get the moving truck in instead of making the movers carry household items out to where the truck could fit.

This is a good idea. I may do a rendition of this for Southern Maryland. I have had several dishwashers removed.

Wow, it's bad enough that we have to put up with this in bank-owned properties. Our locals have been known to strip appliances, light fixtures, furnaces, A/Cs, water heaters, basically anything of value. I have often wondered why the banks don't file police reports. But at least it doesn't come as a surprise on the final walk-through.

William ~ I actually had one of the agents under my Broker's License go into a house right "after" settlement and take down the draperies in the MBR which were clearly spelled out in the Agreement and matched the bedspread, etc. which had been included.  Fortunately, I was still in the office when the call came in from the Buyer's Agent.

I got her on her cell and she admitted she had just left the house, had the draperies in her car and was taking them to the Sellers!  Needless to say, she turned that car around, took them back and had a "come to Tish" meeting the next morning; by that afternoon she had a new Broker.  Unbelievable!!!

It's amazing what people will do. I don't know if they don't understand or if they do understand and do those things anyhow. I know I would be mad if someone cut down the trees before they left.

This seems to be one of those things that can rear it's head just when you see the finish line; even though I have had what I think is a clear discussion with my sellers about what is considered a fixture, what stays, etc. I go through each room at an lengthy appointment and try and ask "what about those sconces?"....It seems to unfold differently in this market when sellers are convincing themselves they are "giving the house away." Even though we have a piece of paper that documents specific exclusions, something happens along the way and something else gets excluded. It's psychological and the sellers feel justified because of "lower net proceeds"...I don't think I am setting unrealistic expectations in this market, but no one is getting the number they really want at the closing table; thus the sellers feel entitled to take more stuff out of the home.

Bill ~ great post.  I think I've seen it all, but something in the future will surprise me.

Hi Bill~  It just goes to show you that we can never assume that the seller knows!  We have to be so explicit or else they sometimes will play dumb!

When there are exceptions in the PA then the seller can take the items.  I had a purchaser do a walkthru four days before closing.  I advised against it.  The seller took all the victorian lights in the house and the purchaser wanted me to pay for them!  I had the purchaser sign a letter that I had advised against the final walk-thru that early and was protected.  But I have never heard of someone removing a retaining wall.

Bill congrats on the star...well deserved! You have been passed over to many times!

Those are kinda funny stories. Kinda being the operative word. People do crazy things. It's up to us, and maybe a little common sense of their own, to keep things the way they're supposed to be.

Almost comical, but I bet it has happened a few times.  Would be interested in knowing how the buyers responded.

Yes, it does happen.  some people will do things like this.  Thanks for the post and the reminder! 

It's amazing the things some people consider okay.  On the other hand, I had a seller who was moving cross country and a first time buyer.  The seller offered to leave all the potted plants and much of the furniture for the first time buyer after we had a signed contract.

Good points, thanks.