Buying the Seller’s Furniture and Extras With Your Home

When you tour a home, you might fall for more than the floor plan. Maybe it is the sectional that fits the living room perfectly, the outdoor grill or the custom shelving in the garage. The good news is that many sellers are open to leaving things behind. The key is handling it the right way so it does not cause headaches at closing.

Why Sellers Often Say Yes

People who are moving frequently own items that will not work in their next place. A large dining set may not fit a smaller condo, and specialty items like a hot tub, pool table or workout equipment can be expensive and awkward to move. Hauling things away, storing them or selling them separately takes time and money. Offering to take those items off the seller’s hands can be a relief for them, and sometimes the price is very reasonable.

Common extras buyers ask about include:

• Furniture sized for the home, such as sectionals or bedroom sets
• Washers, dryers and extra refrigerators
• Patio furniture, grills and outdoor decor
• Exercise equipment, game tables and garage storage systems
• Window treatments or rugs the seller planned to take

Put It in Writing

Verbal promises can be forgotten in the rush of moving day. Anything you are counting on should be spelled out in the purchase contract or a written addendum. Describe each item clearly enough that there is no confusion later, and note the agreed price if money is changing hands. Your real estate agent can help you word this so everyone understands exactly what stays with the house.

It also helps to understand the difference between fixtures and personal property. Items attached to the home, like ceiling fans or built-in shelving, usually convey with the sale unless the contract says otherwise. Freestanding items, like furniture, generally do not convey unless you negotiate for them.

How Extras Affect Your Mortgage

Your home loan is meant to finance the real estate, not the contents. In most cases, personal property is not something a lender will include in the loan amount or the appraised value, so plan to pay for these items separately with your own funds. Some buyers handle it as a side agreement paid directly to the seller. Others keep everything in the contract for clarity.

Either way, let your loan officer know early. Large side payments or items listed in the contract with a value attached can raise questions during underwriting, and it is much easier to address them upfront. Talking it through also helps you keep enough cash on hand for your down payment and closing costs, which you can estimate with our mortgage calculator.

Thinking about making an offer and want to know how extras might fit into your plans? Contact FLO Mortgage and we will help you keep your financing on track.

This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.