Someone's Client said "We Bought a Home & There's No Appliances!"  How I Avoid this Happening to my Clients!  

I saw the aftermath of this on social media (the agent was not with my office), and thought it was worth mentioning how I avoid this happening.  Imagine a conversation like this, happening the day of closing.  The new homeowner has received their keys, the moving truck is outside, and the homeowners call their agent. 

Buyer:  Hey, we are moving in and we noticed the appliances are gone.  The washing machine, dryer, and fridge. 

Agent:  Oh, let me call the other agent and look at the contract and see what's up...  It looks like the appliances aren't included in this purchase. 

Buyer:  Are you kidding?  We're first-time buyers and spent all our money to get the home.  Aren't you supposed to look out for these things? 

I can say this hasn't happened to me and my clients.  There are three things I do to make sure this doesn't happen. 

1.)  Photos when offering - this allows us to specify not just that appliances are included, but which appliances.  On the offer/contract, they can be specified such as "Refrigerator:  GE, stainless steel, two-door, freezer-on-bottom."  Or "Washer, Kenmore, white, top-loading, digital." 

2.)  Verify by attending inspections - even if the appliances aren't included in the offer, inspections is a time to address such changes and verify the details.  Perhaps the seller wasn't specific about which appliances stay when advertising, or the buyers are offering on a home they saw previously and don't remember the appliances.    While there's no guarantee that the sellers will agree to the change if the appliances weren't specified in the offer, it is better to cancel a sale that won't make you happy than to close on one that you'll regret.  

3.)  Check at Pre-Closing Walk-Thru - Even if they're in writing on the contract, sellers can make mistakes.  They may be over-eager when packing, or a moving man may have misunderstood "pack everything" and hauled off appliances that were meant to stay.  This is the walk-thru to verify the home is the way it was during inspections, and that includes the appliances. 

If you're worried about mistakes like this, or similar, here are a few things to keep in mind:  Not all agents attend their inspections (or signings, or key exchanges), making eye-for-detail attention harder.  You can ask your agent if they know the specifics about which appliances stay (or where in the offer they're mentioned).  Ask the agent about specifics of inspections and see if the responses make you confident about details. 

Thinking of buying?  Schedule a time to talk to Robert and hear what he can do for you!  Or follow on one of the social media links for more tips.