Buyer's Ask...Is This Staying When We Buy The Long Island House?

You see, in different parts of the country, standard items that stay with the house are not the same. Real estate varies widely based on what is acceptable in a particular market and local custom.

For instance, here on Long Island, the appliances stay. Refrigerator, washer and dryer, wall unit air conditioners stay. However, we were told that in many other states, any appliance that is plugged in is usually taken out.

As an example, the refrigerator isn’t attached to a house. You just unplug it and move it away. However, in our Long Island market, it’s unusual for a refrigerator not to stay, whereas in other parts of the country it is typically taken to the sellers next location. Same thing with washer and dryers. Here on Long Island, it would be unusal for them not to be part of the sale, even the new front load designs.

So how do you know what stays with the house and what goes with the seller?

Generally, the house will have ownership transferred to you with everything that’s attached to the house and could not be removed without causing damage.

On a few occasions, we have had negotiations about keeping the chandlier as part of the deal when the sellers decided they wanted it for sentimental value.

Negotiating with a seller about what’s included in the sale is an important part of the deal. Price isn’t the only thing you can bargain with.

We suggest to our seller clients that the easiest way around the question of what stays and what goes is to take all the “attached” items you want and replace them with something equally attractive and doesn’t have any special meaning to you. Do this before showing your home and what the buyer sees the buyer will get, and both buyer and seller will be happy. Out of a buyer's sight, out of buyer's mind and so there are no misunderstandings.

Check with your Realtor before signing any contract, and make sure everything that will be included in the sale.

And if you or anyone you know is looking for a home on The North Shore Of Long Island, please call LARRY AND SHEILA, Realtors with Charles Rutenberg Realty at 631-805-4400..