What happens to the furniture when a house is sold?

Furniture is not automatically included in the sale of a house - the seller must specifically negotiate the inclusion of furniture in the sale.

Appraisers do not typically factor in the value of furniture when determining the home's appraised value.

The furniture is considered personal property.

Legally, anything that is not explicitly mentioned in the sales contract belongs to the seller after the closing.

This includes freestanding furniture, appliances, and decor.

Built-in furniture like bookcases, shelves, and window seats are generally considered part of the home's structure and do convey with the property.

Sellers can choose to sell the furniture separately from the home, either through a private sale or by holding an estate sale.

The value of the furniture is usually negotiated as part of the overall home sale price.

Buyers may offer a lump sum for the home and furniture together.

Sellers can have an appraiser or dealer assess the value of high-end or antique furniture to help determine a fair price.

Homeowners often leave behind unwanted furniture, appliances, and other items, which become the responsibility of the new owner after closing.

In some cases, the sales contract may stipulate that certain furniture or items must be removed by the seller prior to closing.

Leaving behind unwanted furniture can be an effective way for sellers to avoid the hassle and cost of disposing of it themselves.

Buyers should carefully inventory any furniture or items left behind and confirm ownership in the sales contract to avoid disputes later.

Some sellers may offer to sell or donate unwanted furniture to the buyer as an incentive or negotiation tactic.

The type and condition of the furniture can impact a home's perceived value and the buyer's willingness to purchase it along with the property.

Local laws and customs can vary on the treatment of personal property left behind after a home sale closes.

Professional home stagers may recommend that sellers strategically leave behind certain furniture to enhance the home's appeal to buyers.

Buyers should factor in the cost of removing or replacing unwanted furniture when budgeting for the overall home purchase.

Sellers may offer a "furniture package" deal to simplify the transaction and avoid the hassle of moving items out.

In some cases, the sales contract may specify that certain high-value items like artwork or antiques are excluded from the sale.

Negotiating the inclusion of furniture can be an effective way for buyers to personalize a home and make it "move-in ready".

Sellers should thoroughly document any furniture or personal property they intend to leave behind to avoid misunderstandings with the buyer.