Buying

What Are Fixtures in a Real Estate Transaction?

When you’re buying a home for sale in Bryn Mawr, Lower Merion, Tredyffrin or Easttown – or any other Main Line real estate, for that matter – you know that some of the things in the home are considered fixtures and some will leave with the seller before you close.

But what are fixtures in a real estate transaction, and which ones do you get to keep?

What Are Fixtures in a Real Estate Transaction?

Fixtures are things that are permanently attached to the home, like:

  • Appliances (but only some; check with your Realtor® for specifics)
  • Built-ins
  • Hardware
  • Landscaping
  • Light fixtures
  • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Typically, if you’d have to hire someone to remove it, it comes with the home. As a general rule, things that the architect or builder created specifically for that home will be yours. This isn’t always true, though, so be sure to check with your Realtor to make sure things that you definitely want are actually part of the home.

Appliances

Some kitchen appliances are standard leave-behinds for sellers, like the range. However, refrigerators and other appliances (not counting the garbage disposal, which is permanently installed) may not be part of the deal.

Built-Ins

Major custom pieces like cabinets, bookshelves, window seats and other things that are attached to the home are probably yours to keep. Things like specialty shutters or blinds could go either way, so talk to your agent if these are in your dream home.

Hardware

All the drawer pulls, handles and doorknobs are part of the home. Sometimes sellers swap them out for cheaper pieces, particularly if they want to use the old ones in their new home, so do a double-check during your final walk-through on closing day.

Landscaping

All the outdoor plants stay with the home unless they were in pots; things that are rooted to the ground usually stay there.

Light Fixtures

Some sellers take the light fixtures and replace them with different ones (like when they’re specially purchased antiques). However, you should expect to have light fixtures in the home when you take possession of it if there were light fixtures when you agreed to the deal.

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Usually, sellers are required to leave smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

Can You Negotiate for Other Things?

If something you want doesn’t come with the home, like patio furniture or easily removed custom pieces that are just the perfect fit, talk to your agent to see if he or she can make an offer for them for you. You can also ask your agent to check with the sellers to find out if they’re willing to leave anything with the home.

Are You Buying a Home for Sale in Bryn Mawr or Another Main Line Community?

Call us at 610-608-3119 or get in touch with us online to talk about what you need – we’ll help you find it.

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