Real Estate Community Forum

I am planning to put my house on the market this year. My real estate agent explained to me that I should seriously consider what stays with the house and what goes with me before I start letting people look at the house. At first I thought she was joking, but she was serious. She actually wants me to make a detailed list of items such as whether the curtains or lawn furniture will be going with me. Apparently, she explained to me that she has encountered several instances where the buyer and seller had arguments over what goes with the house and what doesn't. Is this really true or is my agent being too cautious?

It sounds as if your agent is airing on the side of caution, which isn't a bad thing.

Although most buyers and their Realtors understand that unless an item is a fixture of the home or shown as included with the listing details, then it will not convey.

Florida Real Estate law defines a fixture as an "item of personal property converted to real property by attaching it to the real property with the intention that it become permanently a part thereof." These items can include the bathtub, light fixtures, or ceiling fans. Some items, such a drapes, rugs, chandeliers, are more difficult to classify and that is likely why your agent would like a list.

Disputes over what is or is not included with the home occur everyday in real estate transactions. That is why it is important to have a Realtor, whether you are the buyer or the seller, working for you as they will make sure that any relevant information is provided in a real estate sales contract.