How can I negotiate with the seller to keep certain items in the house that they initially didn’t plan to include in the sale?
One of the biggest misconceptions home buyers have is that everything they see during a showing automatically comes with the house. In reality, sellers often plan to take certain furniture, appliances, light fixtures, or sentimental items with them. The good news is that many of these items can still be negotiated.
The best approach is to be polite, reasonable, and specific. Let your real estate agent know exactly which items you’re interested in and have them include those requests in your offer or as part of a counteroffer. Sellers are often more open to leaving items behind if it makes their move easier.
A few strategies that often work well:
- Ask early. It’s easier to negotiate before the contract is finalized than after all major terms have been agreed upon.
- Be willing to pay for the item. If the seller values a particular appliance, piece of furniture, or equipment, offering a fair price can make the decision much easier.
- Bundle requests strategically. Instead of negotiating each item separately, include several desired items in one proposal.
- Focus on convenience. Sellers may appreciate not having to move large or bulky items, especially if they’re downsizing or relocating far away.
- Keep emotions out of it. If an item has sentimental value, the seller may be unlikely to part with it regardless of the price.
For example, if you love the washer and dryer, patio furniture, or custom window treatments, your agent can present the request as a win-win: you get items you want, and the seller avoids the hassle and expense of moving them.
Most importantly, remember that the house itself is usually the priority. Don’t let negotiations over smaller items jeopardize an otherwise great deal. If the seller says no, it’s often better to remain flexible and focus on the bigger picture of securing the home you want.
In many transactions, respectful communication and a reasonable offer are all it takes to turn a “not included” item into part of the sale.