This scenario has happened to my so many times…and it just happened again!  Homeowners, PLEASE…when you are ready to put your home on the market make 100% sure that you do not leave anything behind that you may want after the home sells!

The latest example I have is a young married couple that had moved everything to their new home with the exception of a few things, one being a VERY heavy Georgia Bulldog statue at the front door.  A few weeks go by, sellers have moved, home is being showed and guess what happens?  The sellers get an offer, but in the special stipulations section of the contract states “bulldog to remain with property”. 

I find out from the sellers after reviewing the contract with them that the dog was a graduation gift from a relative and sentimental to his wife.  Although I think the buyers would have understood if they could not have the bulldog, the sellers wanted to make sure that the deal would not fall apart over a statue.  The sellers graciously gave up their bulldog to the prospective buyers.

Moral of the story…Make sure all items that are not included in the sale of the property are clearly stated on the Sellers Disclosure form at the time you list your home for sale.  To avoid any confusion amongst buyer and seller it is best just to take it with you so there is no confusion or question in the negotiation process.

This instance happens more often than not and usually over trivial things…I once had a sale jeopardized over the seller leaving a bowl of fake lemons.  Go figure!