Selling Your House and Keeping Furniture: A Comprehensive Guide
Buying or selling a house often involves complex negotiations, especially when it comes to the inclusion of furniture and personal belongings. Many people assume that when selling a house, all furniture must be sold with it, but this is not always the case. In fact, you can sell your house and keep the furniture inside it by carefully managing the listing process and negotiations.
Understanding the Typical Sale Process
Generally, the sale of a house involves the sale of the real estate itself. However, the furniture and other personal items are often negotiable. Traditionally, certain items, such as kitchen units and built-in bookshelves, are included in the sale because they are permanently attached to the structure. But when it comes to movable furniture, it is entirely up to the seller to decide what stays and what goes. The key to a successful sale without sacrificing your furniture is clear communication and precise documentation.
Excluding Furniture from the Sale
You can choose to exclude the furniture from the sale by clearly stating this in both the listing and the contract. This means that you can put up a for sale sign and specify that the furniture is not included. By doing so, potential buyers will understand that they will have to purchase or arrange for the furniture separately. This approach is straightforward and avoids any potential misunderstandings, allowing you to keep your valuable items.
Negotiating with the Buyer
If you want to sell your house and keep the furniture, you can negotiate with the buyer to include it in the sale for an additional price. This is a win-win situation—buyers can get a well-furnished home, and you can retain valuable possessions. Another approach is to sell the furniture separately or include it in the sale for an add-on cost. This method can make your listing more attractive to buyers who are looking for a completed home.
Real Estate Experience in Action
My wife and I recently faced a similar situation. We had a winter home in Arizona that we wanted to sell. Traveling back and forth between our homes became increasingly difficult, so we decided to list the house fully furnished. The listing included everything—the cookware, flatware, paintings, decorative pieces, appliances, and all furniture, down to an imported dining table. We even added extras like a garage/workshop with a freezer, a workbench, and cabinets and a bench vice from our side of the deal.
The listing was straightforward, and the furniture was clearly stated as a negotiable item. When the couple who had just sold their motorhome saw our listing, they were interested in the fully furnished home. Thanks to this clear communication, we could close the deal quickly and efficiently. The home was a typical Southwest-style property with a cactus garden, bougainvillea plants, and a giant Saguaro cactus outside. We ended up selling the house for a good price, and it was exactly what the buyers were looking for.
Perhaps the best part of this sale was the relationship that formed. We became good friends with the buyers and still maintain a friendly connection to this day. This experience underscores the importance of clear communication and careful negotiation in the sale process.
Remember, the key to successfully selling your house while keeping the furniture is in the details. Ensure that your listing is clear and precise, and be open to negotiations. By doing so, you can have the best of both worlds—an attractive sale price and valuable furnishings.