What Conveys When Purchasing a Richmond VA Home?

So you have decided to get off the fence and enter the Richmond VA real estate market. Congrats! No doubt you are going over your finances and wondering what ALL of the costs are to buying. One thing you need to consider is what conveys when purchasing a Richmond VA home. No worries, we have some answers for you!

Built-in Appliances

Here in Central Virginia it is customary for built-in appliances to convey. This includes items such as a dishwasher, oven/range/stove, microwave, etc. Typically the refrigerator, washer, & dryer are negotiable and do not automatically stay unless specified in the listing. To be safe I, as your Richmond VA Realtor, typically write in ALL the appliances you would like to ask for, including the items that are built-in just so there is no ambiguity. In addition, it is a good idea to write in the date so there is no "switch-a-roo" of appliances. It can be a simple as, "All appliances, as seen on January 1, 2016, are to convey, including: Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Oven/Range/Stove, Microwave, and Dishwasher."

Personal Property Fixtures

There are many personal property fixtures that convey as spelled out in the CVRMLS purchase agreement. These items include:

"shades, plantation shutters, blinds, curtain and drapery RODS (not the curtains!), screens and screen doors, storm windows and doors, light fixtures (not ones with a cord!), wall to wall carpeting (I know, this seems crazy but if it is written in here it is likely there have been disputes in the past), garbage disposal, built-in range, built-in oven, built-in dishwasher, laundry tubs, attic fan, smoke and heat detectors, awnings, electrical wiring connections for appliances, ceiling fan(s), garage door opener(s) and remotes, mailbox and post, outbuildings and sheds, gas logs, fireplace inserts and all other items  attached to the real estate and being part of thereof, including all shrubbery and plantings (yep, including the prize rose bush!) on the property."

What is Considered a Fixture?

Sometimes a dispute will arise in our business and what is considered a fixture is a hot topic. A good rule of thumb, in my opinion, is HOW the item is attached. If it is attached by a nail, it is likely NOT TO CONVEY. However, if it is attached by a screw, it is likely to stay. For example, a picture of Fido that is attached with a nail is the personal property of the seller and is theirs to take. In contrast, a mirror attached with a screw or glue should be viewed as a fixture to convey. Of course, there are exceptions to everything such as if the seller negotiated to take a fixture with them. Another exception is a television mount. While a television mount is attached with a screw, it is part of the television which is personal property of the seller, therefore it is NOT to convey.

Confused? Yeah, even we professionals have questions on this from time to time. When in doubt, get it in writing! If you are a buyer, have your agent write into the contract the items you want to convey. (I don't mean EVERYTHING, just the items that are questionable.) If you are a seller, the BEST advice I can give you is to take them item down before your house hits the market as a buyer can't want what they don't know exists!

Richmond VA Real Estate Agent

Want to make sure you know exactly what conveys with a Richmond VA home? Hire a professional Richmond VA real estate agent! Contact Shannon Milligan at the RVA Home Team, with Keller Williams Realty, to discuss your next move!

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Originally oublished at: http://www.rvahometeam.com/richmondvanews/richmond-va-buyers/what-conveys-when-purchasing-a-richmond-va-home/