Don’t let a fixture kill your deal.
So the chandelier over your dining room table was a gift from your parents. You want to sell the house but not the chandelier. What should you do?
TAKE IT DOWN WHEN YOU LIST THE HOUSE! Don’t wait for a buyer to make an offer. Yes, you will tell your REALTOR® when you list the house that you plan to take that chandelier, but that will not prevent the buyer from saying, “That chandelier is perfect there. I want it.” However, if you remove it, store it and replace it with something else, you prevent that possibility.
I am always amazed to see real estate transactions from a quarter of a million dollars and up fall apart over a $200 dollar chandelier or some other fixture. The same is true of personal property if you’re selling the house or condo furnished. The one item in the condo that has sentimental value to you will often be the same item that the buyer fell in love with.
I just spent hours back and forth with a buyer and seller over “Mom’s buffet.” Wouldn’t you know this piece of furniture that according to most lenders, “has no value” is the most priceless item to the sellers and the piece the buyer thinks will destroy the ambiance if removed.
On the other hand, if the seller had removed it when we listed the condo, the buyer would never have seen it and fallen in love with it and the deal would have moved ahead much more easily.
So just what is a fixture? If it is built in or attached it is probably a fixture. If it is in the ground, like a basketball goal or mailbox or even a bush, it’s a fixture. Ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds, mirrors attached to the wall, window and door screens…Get the idea? If in doubt, ask your REALTOR®.
Don’t let a fixture kill the deal!
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