Home Buying: Make notes of what is in the home

Have to be detailed regarding this sort of thing during the transaction!  Many sellers don't even think about being detailed regarding what they are taking until it's time to pack up.

The appliances are checked on the contract Regina P. Brown .  Rather than detailing the model, color etc, we take a photo and video of the property.  We DID have an event where the fridge miraculously changed colors from white to 1970s green!  It WAS an old fridge and the buyer planned to get a new one anyway, but we all laughed about that!

Regina,

Excellent point. Some times I believe honest people do not ever stop and think that other people are dishonest.

In Northern Virginia the only items we really need to keep track of are movable 'personal property' item which are always included in the offer to purchase/contract. Anything considered permanently attached (lighting fixtures, flat screen TV brackets, etc.) are to convey with the property.

Good advice. I agree with Dan Dee McGinnis, DTM, NADOTA - when you're honest you don't always stop to think that some other people are not. 

It's difficult to keep track of the characteristics of each home.  I take notes, along with my clients!

We take notes together and compare.  Additionally, I ask them to write down all of their upgrades to the house and dates that work was completed.

In my book for sellers I tell them if it is attached or permanent in nature remove it before you put it on the market if you want to keep.  I also point out the custom made window treatments might not really work with their new house anyway.  Great points on getting that contract ready.

When seeing a lot of houses I like to give my buyers a printout of each property.  When we get back in the car I have them write down something specific about the property so they remember it.  If they didn't like it at all I have them put a big "X" through it.

Sounds like your clients will really appreciate how organized you are and how you simplify the search process for them. 

In California, all built-ins are fixtures such as a built-in dishwasher or a built-in microwave or a chandelier hard-wired to the ceiling. But that doesn't mean some unscrupulous sellers might not try to remove fixtures. When in doubt, always include it in the RPA.

Regina - You make a great point. Even though according to our purchase contract, all fixtures remain with the home, there are many other items (personal property) that can be negotiated. If someone buys a home that includes blinds and shades, a washer, dryer, and refrigerator, that could save them thousands of dollars vs buying a home that doesn't include any of these items.

Excellent post and advice. Sellers should remove and replace any item prior to listing to eliminate any misunderstandings at COE.

Dear Regina,

This process is usually best done during the narrowing down or second look period, but some buyers are super organized all along the way.

Great advice for buyers, Regina. Also, listing agents need to REMIND their sellers what is written in the purchase agreement!

Regina, even though window treatments, rods, bathroom mirrors, etc., are in the contract as conveying, sometimes they are AWOL at the walkthrough. It is good to clarify all the above at contract and good for you for pointing out to buyers what they might not think about, especially first time buyers.

Around here we have to write in the contract all personal property that we want to stay. I learned the hard way. I had to buy a window air conditioner once.

Regina P. Brown 
The situation Bruce Hicks mentions is one that may not be funny to everyone. We always ask our Clients to remove anything they plan to take with them and put the items into storage BEFORE we take the photos. Avoid any issues ...

I like the Sandy Padula and Norm Padula, JD, GRI idea of listing model and serial numbers! So thorough - who gets down and pulls out the machines and who takes the notes? LOL

Have a happy day -
Lynn