Concerns about the state of a property can derail a scheduled home closing. In some cases, buyers find substantial damage to the property during a final walk-through and must negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of repairs.
Other times, sellers become overzealous when removing their personal possessions from the property before vacating the home. People sometimes take fixtures from the home that the buyer likely expected to acquire with the home as part of the sale. In such cases, buyers may need to address the removal of fixtures by requesting their return or compensation from the seller to pay to replace removed fixtures.
What constitutes a fixture?
Light fixtures, including sconces, chandeliers and ceiling fans, are fixtures. So are built-in mirrors fixed to the wall in a bathroom. While framed mirrors that hang on a wall are personal property, mirrors built into bedrooms, closets and bathrooms are fixtures.
Window treatments and built-in appliances are also typically fixtures. Even plants used to landscape the yard may need to pass with the property unless the seller made arrangements in advance.
Buyers make offers based on the condition of the home, including its fixtures. In cases where there may be concerns about the retention of specific resources that influence the buyer’s interest in the property or their valuation of the home, clarifying the right to retain those specific items when negotiating a purchase agreement can be a beneficial step.
Buyers who discover missing fixtures during a walk-through or while assuming possession after a closing may need to take legal action. Learning more about issues that can complicate residential real estate closings can help buyers protect themselves and hold sellers accountable for inappropriate behavior.