What personal property will a buyer expect to "go with the home"?

When your home is sold there is a distinction between real property and personal property. Generally, the home, land, trees, shrubbery, fences. TV antenna and any fixture inside or outside that would cause visible damage if removed is considered real property. Anything else is personal property.

Unless you say in the contract otherwise, real property stays and personal property goes with you. That's why some real property is often written into the contract to be clear it is not part of the sale. You'll want to try to conform to local practices regarding which personal property - such as a refrigerator - conveys with the sale.

You're free to remove whatever freestanding personal possessions you want to take with you, such as the washer, dryer, firewood, swimming pool chemicals, window air-conditioner, etc., if the items do not alter the condition of the home. Clearly, you won't take with you the wall-to-wall carpet or built-in cabinets and appliances - unless your buyer agrees and this is spelled out in your sales contract. If you do agree, you must repair any holes or damage.

When you place your home on the market, decide that's to stay and include these items in the sale price. Some home sellers leave behind awnings, draperies, blinds, shades and rods bought to fit specific windows. Sometimes buyers ask for personal property like garden tools, or, if you are moving to an apartment, you may offer to leave the tools.

Whatever you wish to take with you, either remove before showing your home or specify in the written contract that it does not go with the home. Some items like chandeliers are normally considered real property. You can agree to take it, but if your sale hinges on the conveyance of the chandelier, let the chandelier go.