I Sell Masthope REAL ESTATE, Not Furniture!

Recently at an open house, a buyer inquired: "Is the furniture included?"

I'm learning this can be a dangerous question, and requires more probing before giving an answer. I need to ask "Are you looking to purchase a furnished property?" or something. Instead, I said, with energy and enthusiasm:

"The furniture is negotiable, I know the sellers are willing to leave furniture for the new buyers."

The buyer was visibly disturbed.

"Well," he said, "this is REALLY not to my taste." Then to add insult to injury, he said "I'm sure it wouldn't be many others' taste either."

Well! I guess he told me!

I backpedaled, now that I knew he was AFRAID the furniture was included, rather than HOPEFUL. "You can certainly ask the seller to remove all the furniture by closing, if you would like to purchase the home without furniture."

Now the fact is, whether it's a little chalet in The Hideout or a brand-new, professionally staged new construction home in Masthope, my business is in negotiating real estate - not personal property.

Furnishings can be a motivator or a deterrent to purchasing a home - and many a deal has fallen apart over the furniture. If it's dated, stained, and ugly and you don't want it, chances are the new buyers won't want it either...and if it's absolutely adorable and irresistable, chances are the sellers may want to keep it...keep that in mind.

Furniture can not be included as a contingency on the agreement of sale when you are obtaining a mortgage; banks won't lend money for sofas and coffee tables. It must be a seperate deal, with a bill of sale... a supplement to the agreement of sale for the home...and really, it is silly to make furniture a deal breaker.

I know that it is sometimes difficult for sellers to get rid of the furniture from their vacation home. I have a network of folks who can help get rid of the unwanted furniture; sometimes for free; sometimes for a fee if the dump is the final destination. But rest assured, I will never let unwanted furniture kill a deal - it's just one of the services I provide for my clients.