Consider What Items Will Remain In The Home Before You List
by Connie Williamson
Let’s talk about any furnishing items that pose a potential conflict in the negotiation of the sale of your home. If it’s absolutely essential that you retain window coverings that match bedspreads, a shower curtain that matches your favorite towels, a special light fixture, an appliance that was a gift - make sure you communicate your wishes to your Realtor early on. Nothing is more troublesome in a negotiation than to introduce these issues after an Offer is already in for your consideration.
Many people find the distraction between ‘fixtures’ (items which must remain as part of the home) and ‘chattels’ (personal items you would take with you) a confusing one. The time to clarify such questions is now.
- Appliances are often the subject for concern.Keep a record of the make/model and color of included appliances so that there is no potential for claims of substitution after the sale is completed.
- What about closet organizers?Are you planning to take them with you or meaning to leave them behind?
- Do you have an aboveground pool or hot tub?What about pool equipment, garden sheds, or children’s outdoor play structures?
- Consider the heating oil in the tank.Will you want compensation for what you leave behind?
- If a woodstove is included,is there a safety permit required in your area and can you produce a copy of the necessary certification?
Please take the time to consider these issues in the present – when you’re ‘cool, calm and collective’. It may be much easier to think it through now than it will be when you are caught up in the emotion of dealing with an Offer.
About The Author
For more information on home staging please visit Serenity Redesign at http://www.serenityredesign.com, or contact Serenity's home staging expert, Connie Williamson at (780) 417-9521 or connie@serenityredesign.com.
