A Lively Source of Real Estate & Community News
January/February 2002
Don’t Like Closing-Day Surprises? Be specific about chattels in your Offer
E
verything about the house you just toured is perfect. The location is great, the layout is ideal and the square footage is more than adequate. There's a builtin hot tub on the back deck and a charming weathervane on the roof. You're ready to race back to RE/MAX to type up an offer. Whoa! Slow down... Walk through the house again but this time make a list with your realtor of items you feel should be part of the purchase price. If the hand-crafted barn-board shelves above the bar catch your eye, point them out so they can be included. Just because you regard an item as a permanent fixture doesn’t necessarily mean the Seller does. Take Nothing for Granted Never assume that the Seller plans to leave any item behind. The weathervane could be a sentimental gift. And though it may seem odd that a Seller would go to the trouble and expense of removing a built-in hot tub, I've seen it happen. If the property is listed with a professional real estate company, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sheet should include items that are included with the house. That's a starting point for your list. The most common large items usually included with the sale of a home are the dishwasher, fridge, stove and sometimes the washer and dryer. Keep in mind that if something isn’t listed as a chattel (an item the Seller is including with the house) then you risk offending the Seller if you ask for too much. Sweat the Small Stuff But how about the large mirror you saw above the fireplace mantel—or even the mantel itself? I had a listing last year where there was a fake but very real-looking fireplace in the living room. It was listed on the MLS as
an exclusion but it was still written into the first offer we received. Needless to say the fireplace was removed from the offer and was shipped east with the Seller’s belongings when she closed her deal. Other items to consider adding to the offer: Outdoor storage buildings Window treatments (be specific—there’s a difference between blinds and curtains!) Garage door openers Portable air conditioning units Chandeliers and other light fixtures Ceiling fans You might also list items you want to make sure the Seller removes, such as an unused oil storage tank, a stack of tires or an old brokendown car. You are basing your offer on the house as it sits with these items. If you discover that any item will not remain you may wish to reconsider the price. Where to Put It There may be space for your list within the offer of purchase. If not, make the list on a separate sheet of paper and attach it as a Schedule to the offer, where it must be signed by all parties. Check It Out Before Closing Take your list along for a final walk-through just before closing. If an item is missing, you'll have more clout to get it back or negotiate a price reduction if you bring it to everyone's attention before the papers are signed. Though most Sellers are honest, you should never rely on an oral agreement regarding any aspect of a real estate transaction. The Offer of Purchase and Sale should state clearly what stays and what goes. No one likes closing day surprises—especially your Realtor! ~Bruce
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ruce has the technology! If you or your friends are house hunting and have e-mail, you can benefit from this powerful locating tool—free! Just e-mail or call Bruce today and ask to try:
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Compiled for happy clients by:
Bruce Johnson Sales Representative
Mary Johnson Assistant RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc.
1263 Mosley St., Box 490 Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0 email: brucejohnson@remax.net
www.thehomehunt.com Tel: 705-429-4500 Fax: 705-429-4019