When selling a house, the furniture within it can be approached in a few different ways. Often, the seller will come up with a starting figure for the furniture, and the buyer can negotiate from there. This is a common practice, as secondhand furniture typically does not fetch a high resale value. If the seller wants to include the furniture in the sale of the house, it can be included in the contract as an addendum. This way, the furniture is part of the deal, even though it has no value to lenders or appraisers.
On the other hand, if the seller wants to take the furniture with them, they should specify this in the contract. Some items, such as those anchored in the ground, like outdoor basketball hoops, should be left behind. Other backyard items, like sheds or potted plants, can also cause misunderstandings between buyers and sellers. It's essential to be clear about what is and isn't included in the sale of the house to avoid any conflicts. Additionally, built-in shelves, doors, door knobs, and other items that are permanently attached to the house are typically considered fixtures and will stay with the house, even if the seller takes the furniture.