What's a fixture and why does it stay with the house?

The law of fixtures. When personal property is permanently attached to a structure or land, by means of bolts, screws, nails, cement, glue or other permanent attachment, it becomes a fixture which is part of the real estate.

Now does that mean everything that I have nailed or screwed into my house has to stay?
No, it doesn't.

Your art work and general wall decor stays with you when you sell.
However, curtain rods, not curtains, window shades and blinds are fixtures. Light fixtures such as chandeliers sconces and ceiling fans, and kitchen tracking like those pot holders that hang from the ceiling are, as well. Of course, there are other such things that qualify as fixtures as well, all plants or flowers that have roots affixed to the ground are also considered fixtures, so you cannot take those with you when you sell.

If there's something you really want to keep from your house, I suggest removing and replacing it with something else before you list it on the market. If the buyer never sees it, they won't want it. Expensive rods with lesser ones, cheaper appliances and lighting fixtures are just some ideas.

Now while I recommend that you can remove some fixtures you would like to keep, always replace it with something else. You do not want to leave an empty space and risk the buys attention to that. They will ask what use to be there, and why it's no longer there, and that could cause major problems.

I hoped this helped, until next time!

Be a Picky Buyer

Now when I say be a picky buyer, I do not mean that you should ask your Real Estate Agent to show you forty houses. You have access to the MLS from your agent. You may like forty houses, however they may not all be up to scratch for you, and that is fine. Narrow those prospects down before you call your agent for showings.
Why?
It is a waste of time for both you and your agent to look at that many houses, when most of the time you can drive up and tell whether you would want it or not before you get out of the house.
How can you do this?
Sit down and determine exactly what you want. The most precise highest quality home you want. How many bedrooms? Baths? Garage? Basement? City? Price? Etc...
From there, what you are willing to forego.
Then look through the MLS and narrow based on your Highest and Lowest ideal houses.
Once you have narrowed your list to 10 houses or less, take a drive by the front of the house. Does this seem right? Do you want to live here? Is the neighborhood something you want to live in? If you answered yes to these questions, call your agent and schedule a showing.
Not every house will meet your dream ideal. And this is a big decision. For some this is the only time they will buy a house. They will live here for the rest of their life, raise a family etc...
You can trust your instincts for whether a house will fit your needs or not.
So be picky, but learn to let some things go if you must.
You don't need to look at 100 houses to find the right one.
Happy house hunting!
Kristi