It can be unclear exactly what’s included when buying your Vail Valley/Cordillera, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some standard features and fixtures that almost always stay in a home. Everything else is technically up for negotiation and could be put in the offer contract. If the seller agrees then it should be included in the Contract to Buy and Sell. Every home is unique and you should always talk to your real estate agent about specifics, but here’s what you can generally expect.
Standard Features and Fixtures Included When Buying Your Home
There are a few things that almost always stay in a home when it’s being sold. Examples of fixtures that will usually stay in the home: a range, a built-in microwave, a dishwasher, a water heater, furnace, a flat-screen TV mounted to the wall, surround sound speakers built into the wall, window blinds, carpet, etc. The washer and dryer and refrigerator are generally not considered fixtures. However, anything is technically negotiable. You can always ask your real estate agent to include specific items you want in the offer contract and see what the seller says.
Sometimes homes will be staged so that potential buyers can get an idea of what the space will look like furnished. Always be sure to check with your real estate agent what items have been provided for staging and which are actually included in the home. You don’t want to run into any surprises about what’s included when buying your home in the Boulder area!
Getting a List of What’s Included or Excluded
As a buyer you want as much clarity as possible about when you can expect to be included when you buy a Vail Valley/Cordillera home. Generally a seller will have put together a list of things that are excluded or included. This might include appliances, furniture or even decor items such as chandeliers or wall art. It’s always a good idea to take a picture or even a video of the home so that you can refer back to specific items.
A lot of buyers automatically think of the things that they want to have included in their new home. But don’t forget about things you might want to exclude as well! If the seller wants to leave the old refrigerator when you’re already bringing your own you want to make sure they don’t leave it behind. Otherwise, the first thing you do before you move in is pay for someone to come and take things out of your new home you don’t even want.
Buying a Home That is Sold Fully Furnished
It is not uncommon for Vail Valley/Cordillera homes to be sold fully furnished because they are second homes. The seller is moving out and has no other use for the furniture. As a buyer, you need to decide whether the furniture is worth it to you. If it’s old and worn out you might want to toss it, but lots of Vail homes have beautiful top of the line furniture. The advantage of this is that the home is fully move-in ready. You can close and sleep there on the same night and start enjoying being a homeowner in Vail immediately.
Keep in mind that many second homeowners who are selling their home furnished will have items they want to exclude. But they often want to keep these items in the home so that when they visit they have the benefit of those items. This is understandable – and also problematic. Check the exclusion and inclusion list carefully to avoid any disappointment!
Be Prepared
Buying and selling a home can be an emotional and stressful time so sometimes things get forgotten. People make assumptions even after everything is in writing. Something that might be ‘a big deal’ to one party can be totally unimportant and irrelevant to another. A good real estate agent will be able to anticipate and avoid potential conflict and reach a compromise. Make sure to openly communicate with your real estate agent about what you want so that they can help you to the best of their abilities. But be prepared that something may go wrong and sometimes a seller may say no.
Final Thoughts and How Can I Help You?
Are you looking to buy in the Vail Valley/Cordillera area and considering buying a fully furnished home? Let me help you! I hope this article has shown you that I am a knowledgeable and very honest real estate agent who wants to help buyers and sellers. I want to provide my clients with interesting and up-to-date information so they can make informed decisions. If you think that my expertise and positive attitude might be of service to you don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.
Robert Schilling
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist
Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties
(970) 390-0705
[email protected]