Moving out? Not so fast! Many sellers make a big mistake by taking things that should stay with the house. The process can hit a roadblock when buyers discover fixtures are missing. To help minimize the stress of selling, make sure you know in advance what you can’t pack up when selling a house.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Quick Points on What to Leave Behind When Selling
- Light fixtures (including extra light bulbs) and ceiling fans must stay put
- Kitchen appliances like built-in dishwashers can’t come with you
- Bathroom fixtures and bathroom vanities need to stay behind
- Outdoor stuff that’s in the ground (plants, swing sets) stays with the property
- The purchase agreement has the final say on what stays or goes
Fixtures and Built-In Features Stay Put
The general rule when selling your home is that certain things must stay behind. Fixtures like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and smoke detectors need to stay right where they are. Taking these would actually break your sales contract and upset potential buyers.
What makes something a “fixture”? It’s simple—if it’s attached to the house, it probably needs to stay. This includes both bathroom fixtures like sinks, tubs, and toilets and kitchen appliances that are built-in.
Think about those built-in bookshelves or the home theatre you installed. They’re part of the house now, not your personal belongings.
Window treatments that are mounted or installed, like blinds or shutters, also need to stay. The new homeowner expects them to be there when the sale closes.
Your Yard Stuff Stays Put Too
That beautiful landscaping you’ve worked on for curb appeal? It’s staying with the house. Trees, shrubs, and plants in the ground are part of the property now.
The same goes for anything fixed in your yard:
- Storage sheds
- Swing sets anchored to the ground
- Gazebos
- In-ground fire pits
- Basketball hoops cemented into the ground
Your underground sprinkler system? That stays too. The new owners bought your yard along with your house.
Flower beds, garden bulbs, and other landscaping features can’t be dug up unless your contract specifically says you can take them. Even leftover paint that matches the exterior should stay behind—it’s a thoughtful gesture that buyers appreciate.
What Appliances Do You Leave When Selling a House?
Kitchen appliances can cause confusion when selling a house. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If it’s built-in, it stays. This includes dishwashers, ovens, and cooktops. A mounted microwave stays; a countertop one goes. Refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers can usually go with you—unless your purchase agreement says otherwise.
New appliances that you recently bought might be something you want to take, but buyers often expect them to stay, so be clear about this early in the selling process.
Don’t forget to leave behind all the warranty papers and appliance manuals for home appliances that stay. The new owners will need these when they move in.
Smart home devices like thermostats or security systems? These typically stay with the house too, along with any control hubs or remotes. This is what makes smart tech a high-ROI improvement. If they don’t stay? No ROI.
Window Treatments—More Than Just Curtains
Did you install special blinds or shutters? These need to stay with the windows they’re attached to. Window screens and storm windows? Yep, those stay as well.
The curtain rods, brackets, and hardware mounted to walls or window frames stay behind too, even if you take the actual curtains.
Many sellers make the mistake of taking down custom window treatments before showing the house. This can actually make your home less appealing to buyers. Leave them up—they add value.
The Purchase Agreement Has the Final Say
Your purchase agreement trumps all other rules in the selling process. If it says the washing machines and dryer stay, then they stay—even though they’re not built-in. Offering to leave some appliances or other extras when you don’t have to is a trick to selling in a slower market.
Work with your agent to clearly list any items you want to take that might be considered fixtures. This prevents headaches later when buyers expect certain appliances to be there.
Buyers can request that specific items be included in the home sale. If you agree to leave your patio furniture or dining room chandelier, it becomes part of the deal, specifically listed in the contract.
Read the purchase agreement CAREFULLY before signing. This small step can save you from expensive disputes later when the sale closes.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
When in Doubt About What to Take, Ask First
Not sure if you can take something when selling a house? Ask your real estate agent before unhooking or unbolting anything from your property.
Taking fixtures without permission can delay closing or even lead to legal problems between sellers and buyers. The best approach is to clarify everything early in the home sale process.
Remember, you’re not just selling property—you’re passing along a house that will become someone’s new home. Having the moving truck arrive to find all fixtures and appliances in place helps the new homeowner enjoy their space from day one.
