Virginia Real Estate Blog

What Stays with The Home?

More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent, but understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.

The first rule of thumb is to consider if the item is nailed down, bolted, mounted, or planted. This covers a wide range of items both inside and outside the home. This might seem simple enough, but the debate about what constitutes a “fixture” has caused many post-sales lawsuits. Fixtures will stay with the home unless specifically excluded. This includes light fixtures, shelves, cabinets, built-in shelves, and more.

Consider the mount for the big-screen TV. It might seem logical to assume the mount would go with the TV when the sellers leave, but technically it’s likely considered a fixture as it’s bolted to the wall. What about a window-mounted air conditioner? If it’s sitting in the window, it’s typically personal property, if there is a hole in the wall to accommodate it, then it’s a likely fixture.

Outdoor items are subject to the same rules. Anything planted in the yard goes with the home, as does furniture or other items bolted to the ground. In that scenario, an arbor or patio cover bolted to a concrete slab would stay. Contrary to everything just outlined, however, curtains typically go with the home.

Clearly, it can be confusing.

If you are ready to buy or sell a home, make sure and discuss with your agent what you want to add or exclude to the sale. This is the best way to avoid disappointment at best or a courtroom at worst....

Selling a Property with Tenants in Place

The strong seller’s market has prompted homeowners across the country to consider selling their homes. What if your property is a rental unit with tenants in place? Can you still sell and take advantage of the rising home values? Yes, by understanding the steps and following a few tips, you maximize your profit in this strong market.

The first step in selling your home with tenants in place is to understand your rights and responsibilities. The kind of lease you hold will determine if you can simply give notice to the tenants or if the new owners will buy the home with a lease in place. Only month-to-month leases can be terminated unilaterally with proper notice.

Next, meet with the tenants and discuss the situation. Explain your reasons for selling and assure them that you wish to make it as easy as possible. Offer to sell the home to the renters first, and then discuss any future plans they may have. If they can’t or don’t want to buy the property, you may be able to offer them money to move. Your goal must be to have the cooperation of your tenants so they will help facilitate showings and maintain the home.

When you have tenants, who will remain in the home after the close due to their lease, then you must disclose the lease terms to the buyer. The new owner will be legally obligated by the lease. In a strong market, you may find a buyer willing to wait for the expiration of the lease, even if they intend to occupy the home.

Selling with tenants in place doesn’t have to be difficult. Do your homework, understand your obligations and be transparent with the renters and potential buyers. This way, you make it easy on all parties and can reap the reward of high home values.

Do’s and Don’ts of a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodels are the most popular project among homeowners. Who hasn’t dreamed of the perfect kitchen? Most of us, however, don’t have the budget to hand the entire design off to a professional and choose the fixtures, appliances, and extras ourselves. As a result, we don’t always end up with the chef’s kitchen we imagine.

Here are a few dos and don’ts from the experts.

Do Add Dark Accents - Your kitchen does not need to be monochromatic. Adding dark appliances or doors provides a pop to the space and makes it appear larger.

Don’t Ruin the Island – A kitchen island can add usable workspace and visual appeal. However, an island placed in the wrong spot can ruin the appearance and availability. Designers suggest placing the island 2 1⁄2 - 3 feet from the counters. This allows for easy movement between the two. In a small kitchen, skip the island altogether.

Do Splurge on the Lighting – Proper lighting in the kitchen sets the mood. The kitchen has become a place to entertain, so the space needs to merge brighter light for cooking with softer, ambient light for relaxing.

Don’t Skip Proper Prep Work – It may be tempting to rush or skimp on prep work and materials; Afterall it’s not going to show when completed. The fact is that substandard prep work can cause damage to the final product, causing more money and time in the end.

A beautiful kitchen is the centerpiece of the home. Whether your remodel is a complete do over or weekend DIY project, follow these tips for the perfect result you want.