What Conveys in a Sale

When it comes to buying a home, the fine print in the stacks and stacks of paperwork can be overwhelming and confusing. As a buyer, it’s super easy to start to gloss over and tune everything out when you’ve reached your 8,000th signature. Since purchasing a home is likely one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, it’s important to know what you’re getting into… even when it comes to the relatively simple task of knowing what appliances convey and which ones don’t. 

It might feel mighty frustrating to leave your closing appointment, keys in hand, and walk into a kitchen that has no fridge. Don’t they come with the house? Not always! Here’s a handy way of knowing what big ticket items stay in the purchase of your home. 

 If It’s Not Nailed Down… 

Each state has its own rules about what conveys, beyond whatever agreement buyers and sellers make on their own. Generally speaking, if the item is fixed in place, it stays. A “fixture” can mean a lot of different things but usually describes things physically attached to the house. Think: ceiling fans, built-in appliances, blinds, and mailboxes. 

Generally speaking, if you need tools to remove something, it will likely stay put. 

Adaptability is another notion that bears consideration. If an item was purchased and then specifically adapted to fit the use of this particular home, that item will probably convey. For example, a pool cover cut to a certain size, remote controls for things like garage door openers, and sometimes even custom furniture. If the seller had a custom piece of furniture made to fit a specific nook or cranny of the home, they might consider it a selling feature. Technically it’s not nailed down, but it was adapted for the home. It’s all about intention! 

Of course, we all know what assuming does, so if any situation is unclear, ask questions. Contracts exist for a reason and if you want it- in writing- what stays in the home after purchase, it’s perfectly reasonable to include each and every item. It’s called a purchase agreement for a reason!