We Wanted to Take the Chandelier

If there is one thing that will derail a closing date, it’s the final walk through. What a buyer thinks they are getting and what a seller leaves behind when moving out have been the source of much last minute scrambling by everyone involved in a sale to keep it together and make everyone at least sort of happy.

Curtains and rods, blinds, mirrors and grandma’s chandelier have all caused a problem.

What does the Louisiana purchase agreement say?

...including all buildings, structures, component parts, and all installed, built-in, permanently attached improvements, together with all fences, security systems, all installed speakers or installed sound systems, all landscaping, all outside TV antennas, all satellite dishes, all installed and/or built-in appliances, all ceiling fans, all air conditioning or heating systems including window units, all bathroom mirrors, all window coverings included but not limited to blinds, drapes, curtains, window shades, window coverings, all associated window covering hardware, all shutters, all flooring, all carpeting, all cabinet tops, all cabinet knobs or handles, all doors, all door knobs or handles, all doorbells, all windows, all roofing, all electrical systems, all installed security systems, installed generators, attached television mounts, gas logs, and all installed lighting fixtures, chandeliers and associated hardware, other constructions permanently attached to the ground. If owned by the SELLER prior to date of this Agreement, standing timber, unharvested crops and ungathered fruits of trees on the property shall be conveyed to the BUYER. The following movable items here remain with the property, but are not to be considered as part of the Sale Price are transferred without any warranty and have no value...

Clearly, unless they are excluded, the window treatments, mirrors and lighting fixtures are all included in the sale.

How to protect your interests

If you are the buyer, these items are already outlined in the contract. If you have any question whatsoever about an appliance or particular item that you believe should be included, it should be specifically mentioned in your offer. Don’t assume that the seller plans to leave the refrigerator, washer or dryer since those are all movables. Put it in writing.

If you are the seller and plan to keep grandma’s chandelier? Replace it before putting your house on the market. It’s human nature to want what you cannot have, so there’s no reason to even suggest to a buyer that they are not getting everything they think they are paying for when buying your home. If your custom drapes that match your furniture will not stay, have your agent be very clear about what is excluded that would normally be a part of the contract.