Homebuyers have a lot of work to do. They need to research different houses and neighborhoods that they would consider living in. Many buyers are often determining how much home they can afford while packing up their belongings and preparing to move from their current location.
Some people ask if certain appliances are included when a house is bought. Each situation is different. Some appliances may stay and others may be taken by the seller. There are different reasons in every transaction why certain appliances remain and others don’t.
Buying a home in California can take time. Even if you have a highly motivated seller, the entire process may not be completed for several weeks or months. There are certain actions that must be taken, and different people will become involved at various stages. You could even encounter inconvenient delays or other issues. Patience, persistence, and a solid plan of action can help you achieve your goal.
Here are a few things that you can do if you’re wondering about appliances that are in the house that you’ve made an offer on:
1. Get things in writing.
The listing should tell you in advance which items will and won’t be included with the home. Most built-in appliances, such as dishwashers, stoves, ranges and other similar items are typically left in the house. Read the listing carefully and ask questions or voice concerns when necessary.
Appliances that remain on the property should also be specified in the purchase agreement. You can ask that certain items be left behind if you want, but be prepared to provide your reasoning or receive some resistance at times from the seller. This may seem like a hassle at times, but it’s much simpler than trying to prove verbal agreements, especially in a court of law.
2. Decide what you want.
Spend some time thinking about what appliances you want the most. Are the appliances at your current residence sufficient? Do they work well, or are they in need of repair or replacement? Can these appliances be moved after the closing has been completed?
Answering these and other important questions makes it easier to determine your needs. Some of the built-in appliances in the house may be ideal. Others may be upgraded from the similar appliances that you have right now, and a few could even be upgraded with newer, more energy-efficient models.
3. Negotiate when necessary.
It’s very common for sellers and buyers to negotiate before the sale contract is signed and finalized. People can ask for certain contingencies and clauses. If those conditions are not met, one or both parties can legally walk away from the arrangement without fear of legal repercussions.
You can negotiate for certain appliances if you want. Being able to retain those items can save you money that may be otherwise spent on closing and moving costs. Just be realistic and reasonable with your requests. If the seller really wants certain appliances, you may have to let them go if you really want the home.
4. Budget. Buying a house can be very expensive.
Charges seem to add up beyond the down payment and your monthly mortgage and utility bills. You may need to replace or repair air filters, window screens, oven heating elements and other items.
Once you know what appliances will remain with the house, you can budget properly for the things that you’ll need. Take some time to examine your current income and expenses. Cut out any unnecessary or redundant costs. You may have to save for a while until after you’ve moved in, but the efforts will be very well worth it because you’ll have everything that you desire in the home that you’ve set your eyes on.
5. Don’t turn down appliance offers from the seller.
If the seller decides to throw in the washer and dryer or asks if you want the refrigerator, don’t be quick to say no. Even if those things aren’t quite what you wanted, they may be serviceable until you can find suitable replacements.
You could even save significantly by accepting those appliances. After all, if they work well, why get rid of them right away? You could sell or donate them later on if you want.
6. Get a home warranty
Home warranties are usually good for a full year. They cover stoves, dishwashers, ceiling fans, hot water heaters, toilets and many other appliances. They’re very affordable and there are different types of coverage that you can pick from.
Buying a home warranty can take much of the stress, anxiety and worry out of owning a home. If the stove, air conditioner or other items stop working suddenly, you can breathe easily. You’re covered, and those items can easily be repaired by trained professionals.
Conclusion
Pay close attention to the language used in the sale listing. Realtors may use wording that can either be specific or ambiguous. Talk to the realtor or your agent if you’re very interested in particular appliances that were shown in the marketing materials or that you noticed at an open house showing. You may be able to obtain those items in exchange for certain tradeoffs, such as increasing your offer amount or paying some closing costs for the seller, for example.
You may want to make a list of appliances that are included in the home and the appliances that you’ll need to buy. This will make it easier to plan for those purchases. Keep a file folder to put the instruction manuals for each appliance that will remain with the house. You can ask the seller if there have been any problems with any appliances and if so, who they contacted to resolve them.
Knowing which appliances will be in your new house will make planning easier. You may even start thinking about planning parties or other special get-togethers with neighbors, family and friends. It won’t be long until you’re making valuable memories with loved ones in a place that you’ll be proud to call home.
š Have Questions? Ask The Chris Eckert Real Estate Team
Give The Chris Eckert Real Estate Team a call today at 650.627.3799 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
