When you sell your home, there are plenty of rules you need to follow in order for the sale to be valid – and to even avoid a potential lawsuit. This even includes rules about what you can and can’t remove from your property when you move out. Here’s some insight from cash house buyers in Dallas (we can sell your house fast – in just 24 hours).
What Can’t You Take With?
Fixtures
Anything that is nailed down, bolted, mounted or otherwise attached to the physical structure of the property needs to stay. This includes stuff like built in furniture and shelving, fences, window air conditioning units, lights, built in cabinets, garden sheds, water features and even wall TV mounts. The general rule is if you need a screwdriver to remove it, it’s a fixture.
The reality is that there is a lot of confusion about whether something is a fixture or not, so when you are selling, be sure to clarify certain items with your real estate agent and buyer rather than assuming all parties are on the same page.
There’s also some room for negotiation, so it’s a good idea to talk it out. For example, the buyer can list items they want to include in their purchase, but if you have an antique light fitting in your bedroom that you love, then you can explain to them why you want to take it with, how you will replace it, so they have a working light, and work it out together.
Landscaping
All landscaping items other than containers (with or without the plants) belong to the buyer. You can’t dig up any plants and take them with you unless you have the buyer’s permission to do so. The same applies to outdoor features that are fixed into the ground, like cemented-in basketball hoops, swing sets and gazebos.
What Can You Take With?
Appliances
Appliances, including your washer, dryer, wine fridge, refrigerator and stoves, are often included in a sale – but they don’t have to be. As a seller, you are within your legal rights to take your appliances with you when you move. Again, you can negotiate with the buyer if they want to include these items in the sale.
Window Treatments
If you have blinds or window treatments that are physically attached to the house, then they are considered fixtures and you have to leave them behind. But your drapes and curtains that you can unhook or slide off the rod are yours to take to your new home.
Above Ground Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
You might think your hot tub is a fixture, but it’s not! If it is freestanding and located in the yard and not the house, then you can easily disconnect it and remove it. Keep in mind, however, that these features can actually help sell your home – and get you a better price – so you may want to consider including them in the sale and leaving them to the new owners.
Home Entertainment Systems
Both indoor and outdoor entertainment systems are considered personal property that can be removed by the seller, including the speakers. The mounts, which are fixed into the walls or ceilings, are fixtures that cannot be removed without permission.
In all cases, it’s best to talk with the real estate agent and buyer about any items you want to take with you when you move that may be considered fixtures or even great features of your property. In many cases, sellers are prepared to sweeten the deal if they can keep certain items, while a sale may fall through entirely if a seller removes key fixtures from the property.
Want an Easy Sale? Choose Cash House Buyers in Dallas to Sell Your House Fast
Looking for the fastest way to sell your house? Buyer backed out at the last moment? Don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on repairs? Simply sell your property directly to cash house buyers in Dallas!
If you want to want to sell your house quickly, our cash for houses Dallas team is happy to buy it for a market-related price – sight unseen and no upgrades needed. It’s completely COVID-safe because we don’t need to visit your house for viewings, and you can sell your house in 24 hours. Here’s how our process works:
- You enter your information on our website
- We’ll contact you directly to discuss an offer for your property (you can also get a free property evaluation from our website)
- You can accept or reject the offer
- You can also call us directly on 469-858-0088
You can also download our FREE eBook for more information on how to sell your house in 24 hours.
Our team is compassionate and highly-motivated to offer you the best possible market-related price for your house, so you can sell your house in 24 hours. Not only does this cash go straight into your bank account as soon as the sale goes through, you also pay zero real estate agent commission. It’s all about making selling your house as fast and as rewarding as possible!
At Shiny Key Properties, our trained consultants have years of experience in helping homeowners to sell quickly. To find out more about our cash for houses Dallas service or to speak to our cash house buyers directly to sell your house fast, please contact us today and speak to one of our friendly team members.