Contracts commonly used in Texas home sales state that the house, fixtures, improvements, and accessories are part of the sale. Here are examples of what stays and goes.
WHAT STAYS WITH THE PROPERTY:
television wall mounts • chandeliers • window shutters • smoke detectors • window air conditioning units • stoves • garage door openers • ceiling fans • blinds & window shades • shrubbery and landscaping wall-to-wall carpeting • curtains/drapes & rods
GOES WITH THE SELLER:
beds • couches • hammocks • lawn mowers • paintings and decor • tables • potted plants • televisions • area rugs • patio grills* • bookcases* • washers and dryers* • table & floor lamps
BUYERS:
You can request items that aren’t included in the contract stay behind. Do you want the patio furniture? Your REALTOR® will use a different form, Non-Realty Items Addendum, to put your request in writing.
SELLERS:
If you want to exclude items from the sale—a dining room chandelier, for example—the contract includes a place for that. Have your Texas REALTOR® help you properly document your intent.
*THERE MAY BE EXCEPTIONS:
Certain items stay or go depending on whether they’re permanently installed and built-in. Freestanding clothes washers and dryers go with the seller, but built-in units would likely stay. A grill on wheels on the patio leaves, but one that’s encased in stone as part of outdoor kitchen stays put.
3 FACTORS DETERMINE IF SOMETHING IS PERMANENTLY INSTALLED & BUILT-IN:
• How is the item attached? Will the property be damaged by its removal?
• Is the item customized or standard for the property?
• Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary?
Information for this piece sourced from Texas REALTORS® Association. If you’re uncertain about whether an item in a property conveys with the house, consult your REALTOR®.
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