Buying a house is a huge feat for anyone, and there’s usually a mix of excitement and anxiety. You want to get the best deal with as little stress as possible, and getting furniture with the house might help. So do you think you can ask for furniture when buying a house?
When purchasing your home, you can ask for furniture, but it matters when and how you go about it. With your lawyer’s or agent’s help, you will know whether to include it in the house contract. Disputes can happen over the littlest details, so you should tread carefully.
This article describes what does and doesn’t come with a house when you buy it. I also explore whether you can ask for furniture when purchasing a house. In conclusion, I discuss when you should buy furniture: before or after moving in.
What Does and Doesn’t Come with the House When You Buy It?
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While everything in a home sale contract is negotiable, you cannot assume everything you want gets into the agreement. Understanding what they include when you buy a home simplifies the process.
Fixtures are the only items that must come with a house on purchase. An item is a fixture if you cannot remove it from the property without damaging the property. Usually, items the owner customizes to the property are also fixtures.
Examples of fixtures are:
- Built-ins: Everything built into the home comes with it when you buy. They include built-in cabinets, ranges, bookshelves, and window seats. Even outdoor equipment like an oven, a kitchen area, or a grill attached to the property comes with your purchase.
- Landscaping: Shrubbery, trees, and other things planted in the ground come with the house.
- Light fixtures, pendants, and chandeliers: All affixed to the house come with it. If they are costly, the seller may work the extra price into the home’s cost.
- Garage doors openers and access devices: The seller leaves all codes and access devices with you, including gate openers and other security devices.
- HVAC units: They are part of the home and come with it.
- All installed hardware: Doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, mirrors fixed to the wall, etc.
Smoke detectors, mailboxes, ceiling fans, storm shutters and panels, drapery rods, and window treatments also come with the home.
You may purchase some items separately because they don’t come in the home sale contract. They include:
- Furniture and décor: Indoor and outdoor furniture doesn’t come with the house except the seller adds them to the sale.
- TVs and home theatre systems: Even those attached to wall-mounted brackets rarely come with your purchase.
- Appliances and electronics: Refrigerators, wine fridges, washers, and dryers are usually personal property.
- Free-standing hot tubs and swimming pools: The seller can easily disconnect and remove them, except you indicate interest.
- Fish in a pond: While the water feature or pond is non-removable, the fish doesn’t stay.
Always negotiate with the seller for what they add to or remove from the contract. Don’t be shy to ask because you may lose what you want if you hesitate. Having a seasoned realtor who can get you what you want is crucial.
Can You Ask for Furniture When Buying a House?
House hunting can be a thrilling or tiring adventure. As you explore the house options that feel right in your bones, you notice certain things. One of which is how much difference the interior setup makes.
Professional staging is a part of the real estate business because home sellers want their homes to look good. Even if the furniture belongs to the homeowner, some pieces catch your eye, and you wonder if you can have them.
Well, you can ask for furniture and receive it. There are a few ways to go about this, primarily depending on the seller’s preference. You should know that the furniture does not automatically come with the sale of the house.
If you ask for them, the seller can add furniture and other personal belonging to the home sale contract. These contracts can include many clauses and provisions, so ask your solicitor for guidance. When opting for this, ensure you get a proper inventory of every piece included.
Alternatively, the seller may choose to exclude the furniture from the contract and sell them separately. They can list all the items with prices and give you the first option to buy. It is like a garage sale, and it removes some complications, including:
Unnecessary delays in negotiation
Adding furniture to the home sale contract can affect the negotiations. You might offer more for the house, but the seller might feel unsatisfied with your offer. There is a personal element in real estate, particularly in furnishings and furniture.
What is simply a chair to you is a wealth of memories for the owner, and sometimes your offer is never enough. While the seller tries to come to terms with letting go of the furniture and memories, your negotiation drags on.
Hence, it is best to avoid asking for furniture with the house. If you must, do so after executing the home sale contract.
Changes to your mortgage loan
When buying a house with a mortgage loan, adding furniture to the contract is risky. Many lenders don’t consider the value of furniture when approving a home loan. The home sale contract usually states that the furniture is added at no additional cost or warranty.
Additionally, the relative values of the furniture must be identified for the mortgage, appraisal purposes, recording, and tax. Again, this adds to the stress of negotiations, and you can skip it.
You may indeed be doing the seller a favor by taking unwanted pieces off their hands. It is also dreary to move into an empty house or find abandoned furniture you dislike. However, I think the fragility of the process makes it a bad idea.
Should You Buy Furniture Before or after You Move In?
It is natural to want all-new furniture as you move into your new home. When moving into a bigger house, you especially need new items, so buying is not a choice. What you get to decide is when you do the shopping.
Your choice will affect your move and settling-in period. You can buy furniture before you move in or after you do so. Here are the pros and cons to consider before deciding:
Pros of buying before moving
- You will have everything you need from the get-go, and your space will be comfortable and functional.
- You will settle smaller items that usually sit in or inside your furniture immediately and decorate easily.
Cons of buying before moving
- Without a good grasp of your space, you cannot buy furniture that will be practical for the home’s layout.
- Packing and moving heavy pieces will take a lot of time and effort.
Overall, it’s better to buy furniture after moving in because you will better feel your space and know the exact furniture to buy. Moreover, you can order for pieces before moving and receive your delivery after settling in.
You don’t need to rush yourself if you have the basics like a bed, sofa, and dining table. You can get by as you take your time to shop after moving in, and this is the more financial and practical option.
