How to Include Personal Property in the Sale of a Home: A Comprehensive Guide
When selling a home, it is essential to consider including personal property in the sale to maximize its value and attract potential buyers. This guide aims to provide a step-by-step approach to help you navigate the process of including personal property in the sale of your home, ensuring a smooth transaction and a successful outcome.
I. Understanding the Importance of Including Personal Property:
- Enhances the overall appeal of the home
- Increases the perceived value for potential buyers
- Minimizes negotiation hurdles
- Provides a competitive edge in the real estate market
II. Preparing Your Personal Property for Inclusion:
- Create an Inventory Checklist:
- List all personal property items you intend to include in the sale
- Take photographs or videos of each item for documentation
- Determine the Value:
- Research the market value of each item to provide a fair assessment
- Consider professional appraisals for high-value items
- Assess the Condition:
- Ensure all items are in good working condition
- Repair or replace any damaged items, if necessary
III. Identifying Negotiable and Non-Negotiable Items:
- Categorize Personal Property:
- Identify items that will be
Personal property may not be included as additional security for any mortgage on a one-unit property unless otherwise specified by Fannie Mae. For example, certain personal property is pledged when the Multistate Rider and Addenda ( Form 3170) is used.
What are considered personal items in a real estate transaction?
Personal property refers to the items that people own such as furniture, appliances, or electronics. In short, these items differ from real property because they are movable. Personal property can be intangible, as in the case of stocks and bonds, or tangible, such as clothes or artwork.
Are light fixtures included in the sale of a house?
These features are real property and (unless excluded in the agreement) must be included in the sale. Pertinent examples would include hanging light fixtures, door and cabinet hardware, and window treatments.
Are security cameras considered fixtures?
Other smart devices, such as smart switches, smart thermostats, smart doorbells, and security cameras, may be hardwired, which would firmly place them into the “fixtures” category.
What is a mortgage that includes personal property?
A chattel mortgage is a loan for a manufactured home or other movable piece of personal property, such as machinery or a vehicle. The movable property, called “chattel,” also acts as collateral for the loan.
What happens if I leave stuff at the house I sold?
Additionally, it might be wise for the language to state that all items left at the house at the time closing shall become the property of Buyers and Buyers may dispose of the property as they see fit, including but not limited to selling the property and retaining any and all monies derived from the sale of the items.