Contracts commonly used in Texas home sales state that the house, fixtures, improvements, and accessories are part of the sale. Here are examples of what stays and goes.

Stays With The Home

• Stove
• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Ceiling fan
• Television wall mount
• Chandelier
• Window shutters
• Smoke detectors
• Curtains/drapes and rods
• Blinds and window treatments
• Garage door opener
• Shrubbery and landscaping planted in the ground
• Window air-conditioning unit
• FIreplace tools
• Pool nets, brushes and automatic cleaning robots

Goes With The Seller

• Table lamp
• Television
• Potted plant
• Bed
• Couch
• Dining room table
• Area rug
• Lawnmower
• Hammock
• Patio grill*
• Bookcase*
• Refrigerator*
• Washer and dryer*
• Paintings and decorations

*There may be exceptions

Certain items stay or go depending on whether they’re permanently installed and built-in. Freestanding refrigerators go with the seller, but built-in units would likely stay. A grill on wheels on the patio leaves, but one that’s encased in stone as part of outdoor kitchen stays put. Three factors determine if something is permanently installed and built-in: • How is the item attached? Will the property be damaged by its removal? • Is the item customized or standard for the property? • Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary?

Sellers:

 If you want to exclude items from the sale—a dining room chandelier, for example—the contract includes a place for that. Have your Texas REALTOR® help you properly document your intent.

Buyers:

You can request items that aren’t included in the contract stay behind. Do you want the patio furniture? Your REALTOR® will use a different form, Non-Realty Items Addendum, to put your request in writing. 

If you’re uncertain about an item, ask your neighborhood REALTOR®, Jennifer Vickers.