I am completely fascinated by how attached people are to their appliances.  When selling a home in today’s market, most buyers expect the appliances to convey with the house; conversely, sellers don’t want to leave the appliances behind.

Having moved many times myself, I must say that it seldom makes sense to pay for moving appliances from one house to another.  First of all, the appliances are used, so they are no longer worth what you paid for them.  Secondly, it costs money to move these items, so you are paying more money to keep used appliances.

My advice, leave the used appliances with the house and buy new ones for your new home.

That being said, a real estate transaction should never hinge on washer or dryer conveying with the house.  Let’s face it, in most cases, we are not talking about Sub-Zero or Viking.  It’s a Whirlpool or a Kenmore.

If you are a buyer and the seller refuses to leave an appliance – and you are willing to walk away from the transaction because of this – this house is not for you.  I’d never walk away from home that I really wanted because the seller refuses to leave the washing machine.

If you are a seller and you are willing to let a buyer walk away from the transaction because you want to take your refrigerator with you, you really don’t want to sell the house – so take it off the market and stay put until you are truly ready to move.

Buying or selling a home is an emotional time in most people’s lives.  The key is not to let emotion rule the moment – and not lose a sale or the home of your dreams over a washer and dryer.

Looking for a good deal?  I don’t know if the sellers are leaving behind all of the appliances, but even if they are not, our Best Buys are still bargains.

Thinking about selling and want some tips of the trade?  Check out our list on Preparing Your Home for Sale.

Wishing you sunshine everyday and the home of your dreams (with the appliances),
Jeri