The items included in the sale of the house could result in a problem between the seller and the buyer. As the seller for the "for sale by owner" home, it will be your responsibility to mediate when a dispute arises.
As a rule anything attached, built-in or connected with a gas line is considered to be part of the house. Appliances normally included in the sale would be the stove, dishwasher, and gas grill, even if it is an outdoor model. The appliances not normally included are the refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer. Sellers will sometimes ask a higher price if they include appliances not usually included in the sale.
Chandeliers, wall clocks, kitchen cabinets and window treatments are also considered part of the property. If you have a chandelier or a grandfather clock you wish to keep because they are a family heirloom or a cherished item, take them down before showing the house and replace them with something else. This way there will not be a dispute over something you take out of the house the buyer considers part of the property. If you are unable to take it down before moving, list the item or items as personal property.
As the seller most states require you to inform the buyer certain facts about the home. You will attach a seller’s disclosure form to the real estate contract. The buyer has the right to know if there has ever been fire, wind, or flood damage to the home requiring repair. The buyer also need to be made aware of any possible hazards, such as the home is on a fault line or near a military training facility which may have potential explosives.
The buyer must be made aware is this home is a part of a homeowner’s association which requires payment of fees. Also you will have to attest if you have any knowledge of lead based paint hazards on the property. Some states require you to inform the buyer of the method by which they can find any known sexual predators living in the neighborhood.
The buyer will also need to made aware of burglar alarms, fire alarms, smoke alarms, satellite dish, and washer/dryer hook-ups.
The disclosure forms are all available at all of the major office supply stores, such as Staples, or Office Depot. You can also download them off the Internet for a fee from audrie.com.
