When you’re getting ready to sell your Fredericton home, you’re likely thinking about pricing, staging and showings. But one question can catch sellers off guard later on: what exactly is included with the house? A misunderstanding over the dining room light or the backyard shed can cause stress right before closing, and a little planning up front avoids it. Here’s what sellers should keep in mind when it comes to what stays and what goes.
1. Know the Difference Between Fixtures and Chattels
As a general rule, fixtures are items attached to the home, like built-in light fixtures, installed shelving, ceiling fans and many window hardware pieces, and buyers usually expect them to stay. Chattels are movable belongings such as furniture, free-standing appliances, area rugs and most décor, and they usually go with you unless the agreement says otherwise. One of our favourite ways to think of this is; if you turned your house upside down, everything that falls is a chattel, and everything thats doesn’t move is a fixture. Fixtures stay unless it is specifically stated otherwise in the contract.
The line isn’t always obvious to everyone. A wall-mounted TV, a hot tub or a garden shed can fall into a grey area, which is why it pays to spell things out rather than assume.
2. Decide Early What You Want to Take With You
If there’s something attached to the home that you plan to keep, like a family heirloom chandelier, a favourite set of curtains or a custom mirror, the simplest approach is to remove and replace it before you list. If buyers never see it in photos or at showings, they won’t fall in love with it.
If you’d rather leave it in place until moving day, let your agent know so it can be clearly excluded in the listing and the offer.
3. Talk About Appliances Before You List
In the Fredericton area, buyers often assume the fridge, stove, washer and dryer will stay, but it’s never automatic. Decide what you’re willing to include. Including appliances can make your listing more appealing, while keeping them might make sense if they’re new or you need them in your next home. Either way, being clear from the start keeps negotiations smooth.
4. Don’t Forget Outdoor and Seasonal Items
Sheds, playsets, gazebos, generators and even firewood can raise questions. So can things buyers may not see at a showing, like a snowblower in the garage or window screens stored in the basement. Make a list and walk through it with your REALTOR® so nothing is left unclear.
5. Get It in Writing
Whatever you decide, it should be reflected in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Our team will make sure included and excluded items are clearly listed, and if you have questions about how a specific item is treated, just ask and we can confirm the details.
6. Leave Things as Agreed on Closing Day
Buyers do a final walk-through before closing. Leaving the home as described in the agreement, with included items in place and in working order, helps the closing go smoothly and avoids last-minute surprises.
Thinking of Selling Your Fredericton Home?
Our team can help you plan every detail of your sale, from pricing and preparation to making sure everyone is on the same page about what’s included. Reach out today to get started!
