What's Included in the Sale of a House?

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.

Items that Typically Goes With The Seller

Table Lamp

Television

Potted Plant

Bed

Couch

Dining Room Table 

Area Rug

Lawn Mower

Hammock

Patio Grill

Bookcase

Washer and Dryer

Paintings and Decorations

Sellers

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

*There may be exceptions*

Certain times stay or go depending on whether they’re permanently installed and built-in. Freestanding clothes washers and dryers 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 it’s removal? 

Is the item customized or standard for the property? 

Was the installation intended to be permanent or temporary? 

Items that Typically stays with The Property 

Stove

Wall to wall carpeting 

Ceiling Fan

Television Wall Mount

Chandelier

Window Shutters

Smoke Detectors 

Curtains/Drapes and Rods

Blinds and Window Shades

Garage Door Opener 

Shrubbery and Landscaping 

Window Air Conditioning Unit

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 REALTOR.