Believe it or not, furniture is a big selling point in property viewings. It allows prospective Buyers to imagine what living in a certain home would be like. In some cases, Buyers not only fall in love with a property, they can become besotted with your furniture too.
So what do you do when a Buyer makes eyes at your décor?
Make a Decision
Legally, property Sellers are not obliged to offer furniture with a purchase. This means you have the right to choose whether you want to keep your belongings or sell them to a Buyer. However, you need to make this decision before the house is put on show.
Selling your furniture can be beneficial because it can provide an additional source of income. Whether it is an antique chair, a Persian carpet or modern kitchen appliances, you can make a handsome profit by including the sale of your personal items.
On the other hand, keeping your furniture has its advantages too. Some pieces just cannot be replaced, especially rare collectors’ items. In addition, instead of buying fixtures and fittings from scratch, you can save money by furnishing your new home with the ones you already have.
Make It Clear
As mentioned earlier, you need to know in advance whether you’re selling furniture or not. If you decide to keep your furniture, make sure Buyers are aware of this. It would be prudent to include this clause in your advertising and marketing strategy.
You also need to state this condition in the Offer to Purchase and understand how it will affect the asking price. With this in mind, it is best to ask our team of experts at Homefair for advice. If your terms are unclear, it is possible that a Buyer could take legal action and claim the items as part of the property.
Keep It Separate
If you do decide to sell the items, they should be sold separately from the property. In other words, you should draw up a separate contract for the purchase of all fixtures, fittings and furniture and personal items that Buyers are interested in.
Some Sellers prefer to include the price of furniture in the asking price. Although this is reasonable, it has the potential to cause problems if specific items are not listed. It is advisable to contact Homefair property consultants to find out which approach is best-suited to your needs.
Make a List
It is not uncommon for Buyers and Sellers to fall into dispute when furniture is involved. Many Sellers are not specific about what they are taking and what they’re leaving behind. And some Buyers assume that a property comes with certain items.
To avoid this misunderstanding, make a detailed list that covers:
- Appliances
- Ornamental pieces
- Kitchen and bathroom fixtures
- TV sets and mounts
- Window coverings
After clearly stating which items are staying and which are going, stick to the agreement. Although it may seem insignificant, violating furniture clauses can have costly legal ramifications. For further advice regarding furniture and property sales, contact Homefair.co.za.