What Are Fixtures in Real Estate (and When Can You Keep Stuff)?
When you’re selling your home, there are a few things that stay with the house and a few things that go with the seller. What falls into which category can be confusing, but this guide clears things up; it discusses what fixtures are and when you can keep them. We’ll also discuss what goes with the seller and what goes with the house.
What Are Fixtures in Real Estate (and When Can You Keep Stuff)?
Fixtures are generally items that are attached to the home. A chandelier in the entryway, built-in shelving in the living room and a stove in the kitchen all usually count as fixtures. These items stay with the home when you move out; when you sell, the buyer takes ownership of them.
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What to Do if You (the Seller) Want to Keep a Fixture
If you want to keep something that would ordinarily be considered a fixture, your best bet is to remove it from the home before your real estate agent takes photographs and lists it for sale. That way, there’s no confusion about what remains in the home. (Naturally, if you’re taking down a chandelier because you want to keep it, you have to replace it with something else.)
Your real estate agent will most likely talk to you about fixtures and what has to stay with the house at your initial listing appointment. Be sure to bring up anything that you want to keep at that time.
Related: 7 awesome plants to use in home staging
What to Do if You (the Buyer) Want Something the Seller Plans to Take
If you’re buying a home and there’s something that you want that the seller plans to take, your best bet is to try to negotiate for it. Often, sellers are willing to leave certain things behind if it means selling their home faster or for a higher price.
It’s not uncommon for buyers to try to negotiate for things like appliances, decor and even certain pieces of furniture. If there’s something that you really want, talk to your real estate agent about it; they may be able to help you get it.
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