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Seller Guidance: What Appliances Should You Include in a Home Sale?

Appliances in a home sale

If you’re considering selling your home in the near future, you have to make a choice. Should you keep your appliances or sell them with the home?

It’s a tough question, but there are a few considerations that will help you make the right decision. Read on to learn more!

When To Include Appliances in a Home Sale

Here are some circumstances that might push you towards letting your appliances convey (aka be sold) with the home.

1. Your Buyer’s Eager to Move In Right Away

Appliances can be a valuable bargaining chip with buyers, especially if they are relatively new and are in good working order. If you have homebuyers eager to move in, having a ready-made kitchen that will make the transition easy can be worth an added cost.

Consider making eager buyers a good deal on the appliances in your counteroffer. If you’re eager to sell quickly, you can also provide them as a move-in freebie to incentivize buyers to move fast.

Negotiating with buyers on your own can be tough. In fact, according to a survey by the Clever Data Center, 46% of sellers don’t feel comfortable negotiating without an agent.

Real estate agents are expert negotiators, helping you get the most for your home (and your appliances). Having one on your side can earn you up to 26% more on your final sale price.

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2. You Can Ease the Move and Splurge

Remember that moving appliances is cumbersome, and refrigerators, freezers and stoves can be particularly challenging due to their fragility and weight. Unless your appliances are ultra-modern, custom-built or very pricey – consider simplifying your move and splurge on new models for your new dwelling.

3. You Have Appliances That Fit Well

Built-in appliances like dual ovens, range hoods or appliances designed to match cabinetry should typically be left in place. Prospective buyers might be put off by unsightly empty spaces where appliances once sat. Consider how difficult or pricey it will be for potential buyers to replace custom-fit items, as that can be a dealbreaker for anyone not looking to spend money in addition to the home purchase.

When to Keep Your Appliances

Sometimes holding on to your kitchen appliances just makes the most sense. Here are three such situations.

1. You Still Need or Want Them

Sentimental attachment may urge you to keep that convection oven that has never let you — or your flawless cakes and fresh bread — down. Or, it could be that you actually need appliances for your new home and the ones you have will fit perfectly. In either of these cases, taking them with you is a win-win situation.

2. Your Facing a High Dollar Dilemma

High-end models, such as sub-zero freezers and premium name brand appliances might be worth taking with you, especially if you paid a pretty penny for them. You’re not likely to get as much as you want for them because they are still ‘used’ to the buyer, even if they are recent investments.

3. You Have Hard to Replace Custom Pieces

If you’ve invested in custom kitchen appliances that are challenging to be replaced, you might want to hold onto them. For example, if you’ve gone with a retro style kitchen design with appliances in ‘funky’ colors (like aqua, pink, or lime green) these can work against you if a potential buyer doesn’t share the same taste. While some may appreciate your style, others may find their presence one more hassle to deal with.

Consider each of these scenarios as you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your appliances at your listed property or taking them with you at closing.

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