What appliances stay and which ones go?
We are buying a home to find that the property is missing the appliances
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – July 7, 2017 – Question: We are in the process of buying a home and did the day-before-closing walk-through, only to find that the property is missing the appliances. The fridge, stove, washer, dryer and dishwasher are gone. We do not want to buy the house this way. Is there anything we can do? – Ali
Answer: I can understand your surprise. Most home sales include the appliances and fixtures. Your first step is to check your contract to see if any of the missing items are specifically mentioned. Most standard contracts have a section that speaks to what items are included.
The general rule is that anything permanently attached to the house when you went under contract – light fixtures, doors, stoves – should be included in the sale. And the item must be the exact one that was in the home when the contract was signed.
Most arguments I see on this subject involve washing machines and automatic pool cleaners. Some contracts don’t include the washer and dryer, and buyers always should take note of any exclusions.
Sellers should be sure to specifically exclude any fixtures they want to take with them, such as an heirloom chandelier hanging in the foyer.
In your case, you may need to postpone the closing. If the missing items weren’t excluded in the sales contract, the (seller) must replace them or provide a credit at closing.
About the writer: Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Send him questions online at www.sunsentinel.com/askpro or follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.
Source: Florida Realtors
-
New$459,000
Coconut Point
Courtesy of Amerivest Realty
2 BEDS2 BATHS1380 SQFTShare this Property -
New$10,250,000
Olde Naples
Courtesy of McQuaid & Company LLC
5 BEDS7 BATHS4693 SQFTShare this Property -
New$490,000
Esplanade
Courtesy of John R Wood Properties
2 BEDS2 BATHS1528 SQFTShare this Property -
New$335,000
Vanderbilt Country Club
Courtesy of REMAX Affinity Mercato
2 BEDS2 BATHS1282 SQFTShare this Property -
New$445,000
Naples Heritage
Courtesy of BHHS Florida Realty
2 BEDS2 BATHS1333 SQFTShare this Property -
New$3,000,000
Olde Naples
Courtesy of William Raveis Real Estate
3 BEDS4 BATHS2365 SQFTShare this Property -
New$550,000
Cranbrook Harbor
Courtesy of Canvas Real Estate
3 BEDS3 BATHS2052 SQFTShare this Property -
New$559,999
Es03 - Estero
Courtesy of John R. Wood Properties
3 BEDS3 BATHS1852 SQFTShare this Property -
New$699,000
Artesia
Courtesy of Achieve Realty LLC
2 BEDS2 BATHS1908 SQFTShare this Property -
New$558,260
Es03 - Estero
Courtesy of Pulte Realty Inc
3 BEDS2 BATHS2056 SQFTShare this Property -
New$674,900
Es03 - Estero
Courtesy of Realty World J. PAVICH R.E.
4 BEDS3 BATHS2222 SQFTShare this Property -
New$3,500,000
Isles Of Collier Preserve
Courtesy of John R Wood Properties
4 BEDS4 BATHS3324 SQFTShare this Property