Farmington Hills Real Estate and Events talk Michigan

doesn't me it is yours.  I had a buyer call me over the weekend all upset.  He had driven by the house and a lawn ornament that was in the flower bed was missing.  He was all upset about it.  He thought if it was in the picture it was part of the house.  He thought it was his.

So I had to explain to him that lawn ornaments like gnomes were personal property.  The grill or the flower hanger doesn't come with the house.  If you are a buyer and want something like that you need to tell your agent that you want this or that out of the house.  Your agent then will ask for it in the purchase contract.

You may not get it but you might.  The seller may have emotional attachments to the item.  But normally what is included in the home sale is anything that is permanently attached to the house.  Some of the items that are included are

• shelves
• light fixtures
• curtain rods

What is not included is any personal items like pictures, lawn equipment, furniture.  I have had people take down the light fixtures or take plumbing fixtures.  It is wrong, you will have to put them back.  I have had people try to switch out fixtures after the purchase agreement is signed.  You can't do that.

As a buyer I recommend you to take pictures of the home so we have proof of what was in the house.  If you are a seller take down what you want out of the house before it goes on sale.  Make the switch before you put it on sale.  I did have one client say it's so nice it will help sell the house, but I want it.   If you want it take it down.  Don't do a bait and switch.

But bottom line lawn ornaments are personal property.  If it isn't attached to the home it belongs to the seller unless it is listed in the purchase agreement.

Russ Ravary your Metro Detroit real estate agent