Real vs. Personal Property left
At closing time, the last thing you want is a dispute over what goes with the house and what doesnt. But it isnt all that unusual for a buyer to think a particular item is included in the sales price, while the seller never had any intention of including the same item! Classic examples include window coverings, lighting fixtures and chandeliers. But just about anything which might be construed by a buyer as being part of the house has the potential for misunderstanding and disagreement.  

Generally, the law says that anything which is part of the land or attached to the house and is immovable, or can't be removed without damage, or anything which is incidental or appurtenant to the land is real property. Personal property is basically everything else the possessions you take with you when you move.  

The law recognizes the intent and manner with which an item is attached in determining whether an article or fixture is real or personal property.  Built-in appliances are usually considered real property, while free standing ones are usually personal property. If removing the item requires pulling nails, its probably real property. If it can be unscrewed and removed without leaving any damage, it might be an item ready to cause sous disagreement!  

To avoid problems, both buyers and sellers should make detailed lists of any items to be included in the sale before closing.  As a seller, give your list of items to be included to the closing agent. If there is sousthing you want to take with you, and it requires removing a screw or nail, put it in the contract.  

Remember, as with everything else in real estate, its all negotiable. If there is a unique item you want included in your purchase, you may be able to get it included at a reasonable price.  Especially if the item wont fit in with the new hous the seller is moving to.     


Ben & Marie Lane, REMAX/Oceanside, 2561 Moody Blvd. Flagler Beach Fl. 32136
Ben (386-931-8531) Marie (386-931-5727)
ben@twolanes.com  marie@twolanes.com

Knowledge is Power. More Flagler Beach/ Flagler Beach Real Estate/Area Resources. 

Why Title Insurance? | Why Get An Inspection? | Title Information | Results for You | Contact Ben & Marie | Curb Appeal List | Setting the Sales Price | Tax Closing Costs | Loan-Related Closing Costs | Getting the Highest Price | Selling your own home | Free Market Analysis | Your FICO Score | How Escrow Works | Customer Testimonials | Who Are We? | Flagler Beach | Sellers | Knowledge is Power | Market Pulse | Welcome To Flagler | Buyers | Palm Coast | Getting You There | Time to Sell? Time to Buy? | Why TwoLanes | Closing Costs | First Time Buyers | Get Pre-qualified | Inspection Tips | Home Buyer Checklist | Looking to Buy? | Tell a Friend | Real Estate Glossary | Our Homes | Looking to Sell? | Featured Properties | Home | Applying for a Loan | Loan Application Checklist | Mortgage Saving Tips | Your Downpayment | Document Your Assets | Your Buying Power | Writing the Offer | Locking in Rates | Lender Types | Staying Approved | Neighborhood Prices | Staging Your Home | Staging Checklist | Area Properties | 9 Steps to Owning | ARM Calc | APR Calc | 15 vs 30 Year Mtg Calc | ARM vs Fixed Rate Calc | Maximum Mortgage Calc | Rent vs Buy Calc | Mortgage Calculators | Interest Only Calc | Reasons Homes Don't Sell | Be Accessible! | Buying Foreclosures/REO's | Contingencies in Contracts | The Back Yard | What's Earnest Money? | Plumbing and Fixtures | Real vs. Personal Property | Earning Your Trust | Improvements That Pay

Copyright © 2010 Ben & Marie Lane, RE/MAX Oceanside
Portions Copyright © 2010 a la mode, inc.
Another XSite by a la mode, inc. | Admin LoginTerms of UseSite Map
All rate, payment, and area information are estimates and approximations only.