Is a Refrigerator Included in a Home for Sale?

When listing a home for sale, the inclusion of a refrigerator, as with all appliances, can be a point of negotiation between buyers and sellers. This article helps homeowners understand the legal and practical aspects of including or excluding a refrigerator when selling their property.

Assumptions and Defaults

When listing a home for sale, many potential buyers (and sellers) take it for granted that if an appliance is not specifically stated as being included, it is generally implied that the appliance is, in fact, not sold with the home as real estate does not typically include such items. However, it is important to note that many sellers do choose to leave appliances behind for a variety of reasons:

The appliance was chosen for the specific decor of the home. The seller is moving to a new home with a refrigerator or is purchasing a new one. The seller might benefit from the tax deductions or avoid extra costs by selling the appliance.

It's crucial to clarify whether the refrigerator (and any other major appliances) are included in the sale upfront. This can help prevent any misunderstandings and allow both parties to plan accordingly.

The Legal and Practical Implications

Legally, there is no requirement for a refrigerator to be included in the sale of a home. However, depending on the local market and the specific appliances involved, the inclusion of certain appliances can help make a sale more attractive to potential buyers. In some cases, buyers may even look for specific appliances, such as a built-in Viking refrigerator, and be willing to negotiate a higher price to include them.

A home for sale typically does not come with a refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer. These appliances are considered personal property and not real estate. Their inclusion is up to negotiation.

Appliance Inclusion in Offers

When making an offer on a home, the buyer's offer should specify what appliances, if any, they want to include. A smart buyer’s agent will negotiate this with the seller’s agent before making the offer. The buyer's offer could include a stipulation such as:

"Existing refrigerator and clothes washer shall be included with the sale. Clothes dryer shall not be included and shall be removed by Seller."

In response, the seller may counter with an offer such as:

"Existing refrigerator shall be included in its current as-is condition. Clothes washer and dryer are excluded."

The negotiation of these particulars does not hinge on what should be done, but rather on what the parties agree to. Both the buyer's and seller's agents play a crucial role in advising their clients on the best negotiation strategies for appliances.

Customs and Preferences

The decision regarding which appliances to include in a home for sale often depends on the local customs and the type of appliance. If a built-in Viking model refrigerator is present, the seller is more likely to want to keep it in place, given its superior quality and desirability. In contrast, a mid-range Frigidaire model may not hold the same appeal, leading the seller to be more amenable to its removal.

Conclusion

The inclusion of a new refrigerator in a home for sale is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on local market practices, the specific appliances present, and the negotiation between buyer and seller. By understanding the legal and practical implications, and considering the local customs, a homeowner can make an informed decision on whether to include major appliances in the sale of their home.