Uncategorized August 27, 2025

What’s Included In The Sale Of A House?

What’s Included In The Sale Of A House?

Contracts commonly used in Texas home sales state that the house, fixtures, improvements, and accessories are part of the sale. Here are examples of what stays and goes.

WHAT STAYS WITH THE PROPERTY:
television wall mounts • chandeliers • window shutters • smoke detectors • window air conditioning units • stoves • garage door openers • ceiling fans • blinds & window shades • shrubbery and landscaping wall-to-wall carpeting • curtains/drapes & rods

GOES WITH THE SELLER:
beds • couches • hammocks • lawn mowers • paintings and decor • tables • potted plants • televisions • area rugs • patio grills* • bookcases* • washers and dryers* • table & floor lamps

BUYERS:
You can request items that aren’t included in the contract stay behind. Do you want the patio furniture? Your REALTOR® will use a different form, Non-Realty Items Addendum, to put your request in writing.

SELLERS:
If you want to exclude items from the sale—a dining room chandelier, for example—the contract includes a place for that. Have your Texas REALTOR® help you properly document your intent.

*THERE MAY BE EXCEPTIONS:
Certain items stay or go depending on whether they’re permanently installed and built-in. Freestanding clothes washers and dryers go with the seller, but built-in units would likely stay. A grill on wheels on the patio leaves, but one that’s encased in stone as part of outdoor kitchen stays put.

3 FACTORS DETERMINE IF SOMETHING IS PERMANENTLY INSTALLED & BUILT-IN:
• How is the item attached? Will the property be damaged by its removal?
• Is the item customized or standard for the property?
• Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary?

Information for this piece sourced from Texas REALTORS® Association. If you’re uncertain about whether an item in a property conveys with the house, consult your REALTOR®.

Uncategorized January 16, 2025

Pricing your home correctly

Pricing your home correctly is crucial when you’re ready to sell, but it’s not always easy to determine the right asking price. While you want to maximize your return, overpricing can lead to a stagnant listing and potentially less money in your pocket.

As a homeowner, it’s important to recognize the signs that your property might be priced too high for the current market. Let’s explore several key indicators that suggest your home may be overpriced, helping you make informed decisions and adjust your strategy if necessary.

By understanding these signs, you can ensure your home is competitively priced to attract potential buyers and secure a timely sale.

  • The home is priced significantly higher than comparable properties in the neighborhood.
  • The home’s upgrades or unique features don’t justify the price difference from comparable properties.
  • There have been few or no showings despite being listed for several weeks.
  • Open houses have very low attendance or no visitors at all.
  • There’s little to no online traffic or inquiries about the property.
  • The property has been on the market much longer than the local average days on market.
  • The home hasn’t received any offers after being on the market for a month or more.
  • The seller has only received low-ball offers well below the asking price.
  • Similar homes in the area are selling quickly while this one remains unsold.
  • Feedback from showings consistently indicate the home is overpriced.
  • The property has expired and been relisted without a significant price adjustment.
  • Appraisals for potential buyers have come in well below the asking price.

Recognizing these signs of overpricing is crucial for a successful home sale. If you’ve noticed several of these indicators applying to your property, it may be time to reassess your pricing strategy.

Remember, the goal is to find the sweet spot where your home is competitively priced yet still reflects its true value. Consulting with an experienced real estate professional can provide valuable insights into current market conditions and help you adjust your price effectively.

By addressing overpricing promptly, you can reinvigorate interest in your property, potentially leading to more showings, offers, and ultimately, a successful sale. Keep in mind that a well-priced home not only sells faster but often results in a better overall outcome for the seller.

Don’t let an inflated price tag hold your property back … be proactive, stay informed, and be willing to adapt to the market realities for the best possible results in your home-selling journey.

If you haven’t decided to sell yet but would like some information, contact me for a pre-listing preparation consultation.