Maybe.

That 52-inch flat screen TV might come with the home.

The question really is, “What is considered to be part of the home – like a door – and what is considered to be part of the personal property of the seller – like a chair – which is not part of the home being purchased?”

An old rule of thumb that kinda works says that if the item is attached to the home (for example, with a nail or a screw) then the item is more likely to be consider to be part of the house.

So a picture hanging on a wall is the personal property of the seller (it’s hanging on a nail but it’s not nailed to the wall) but a 52-inch flat screen TV bolted to the wall is part of the home. If that same TV, however, were sitting on a piece of furniture, it would be considered to be the seller’s personal property just like the furniture.

Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer

The refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer (if still in the house) are considered to be the seller’s personal property and will NOT convey with the home unless the contract specifically states that those items are indeed included in the sale. If you want the refrigerator, washer and dryer, be sure and include them in your offer (although the seller may not agree to include them).

On the other hand, that 52-inch wall-mounted TV is likely considered to be part of the house and would likely convey with the house unless the contract (to which the buyer and seller previously agreed) specifically stated that it is not included in the sale.

Items Considered to be Part of the Home

Here are a list of items that ARE included in the sale of a home (unless the contract specifically states otherwise).

  • Free-standing range/oven
  • Built-in appliances
  • Light fixtures
  • Ceiling fans
  • Towel, curtain and drapery rods
  • Draperies and other window coverings

This list applies to those using the ” Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract” from the Arizona Association of Realtors. A longer list of example items is included within this “Purchase Contract” form.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions about what does and doesn’t convey with the property, it can get real tricky.

If you are a client of mine, feel free to call me if you would like to get a sample copy of the “Purchase Contract” so you can see the full list of the items that come with the home.

I want to be your Realtor!