Non-realty related items are probably the most argued about in real estate sales. Worst case, leading to litigation. But we are here to shed some light on our contracts here in Texas and what it means for you so that you can be prepared when we ultimately list your house for sale. Keep in mind, this is only for the state of Texas. Let’s dive in!

First off, it’s important to know and understand what the One to Four Family Residential Contract says must stay with the house, unless otherwise noted in the exclusion section. Typically, it’s anything that is attached to the wall or house but I will include exactly what it says for you to read:

As you can see, there is quite a bit that was covered. If there are any items that stood out to you that you want to keep, you need to let your agent know, whether it’s our team or someone else, before you list your house on the market. Otherwise, it must convey with the house to the buyer.

If you are wanting to keep something like a fancy chandelier, it is sometimes best to remove these items and replace with something else prior to taking pictures and listing online. If not, it is something that still needs to be noted so that potential buyers are aware before making an offer on the house.

So, what are some typical exclusions we normally see from our sellers? It all depends on what they want to keep or what the house has, but I will name a few.

Typical Exclusions:

• TV Wall Mounts
• Projectors & Projector Screens
• Curtains & Curtain Rods
• Refrigerators
• Washer & Dryer
• Smart Thermostats (like Nest)
• Keyless Entry
• Doorbell Cameras
• Chandeliers & other custom light fixtures

Yes, you can keep the items you wish as long as the buyers are aware and it is listed in the exclusions section of the contract. But keep this in mind, some of those features may have been what attracted the buyer to make an offer in the first place. Removing these items could make the buyer walk. So just weigh your options and see what you are comfortable with leaving behind.

If the buyer wants any of these items, you could use them as leverage when it comes to price, repairs, or any sellers closing costs contributions they may be asking for. It’s hard to say what you should do exactly, because every situation is different and unique in their own way. So it’s important to have a conversation with your agent about it, and make the best decisions for yourself when it comes to negotiating with a buyer.

If you have any questions or are ready to get your house listed for sale, contact us or click here to schedule an appointment with us and we can get started as soon as you are ready!

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