Functioning, modern appliances can add a tremendous amount of value to your home. The sum value of all appliances can be worth several thousand dollars. So, getting the appliances included with your home purchase can have a tremendous impact on the home’s “true” value.
As you’d probably expect, whether appliances come with the house will depend on details included in the purchase agreement. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most common appliances you’ll likely find in a home and tips on how to negotiate more effectively.
Which Appliances Usually Come With a House?
Let’s start by defining the word “appliance.” An appliance is a piece of equipment that’s at least partially permanent and designed for a specific task.
There’s no specific cutoff for how big something must be to be considered an appliance. But typically, an appliance is something that takes considerable effort to move. This is why most realtors consider a washing machine an appliance but not an ironing board.
Generally, the more effort it takes to move an appliance, the more likely it will be included in the home purchase. This means that built-in appliances, such as a stove or oven, will usually come with the home. Infrastructure pieces, such as your HVAC system, should be included, too.
Plenty of appliances also fall into the “maybe” category. For example, if a microwave is built into the wall, it will likely come with the house. But since a standalone microwave can easily be carried, owners often take it with them.
Heavy but moveable appliances – such as a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and water heater – might be included in the purchase if they’re new, but that’s not a guarantee.
Almost every part of the home buying process – including the appliances – offers room for negotiation.
What appliances are included in new construction?
One of the most common reasons people choose a brand new home is for the state-of-the-art appliances. If it’s a custom build, you’ll likely be able to select your appliances. Most builders will offer their clients several options and appliance brands.
Are Fridges and Other Appliances Included in the House Sale?
When determining if an appliance will come with the house, consider how difficult it is to move the appliance.
If it is “complicated,” it’s more likely to be included in the home. The previous owner often will not spend money removing a permanent or built-in appliance – especially if they believe having the appliance makes the home more appealing.
Of course, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, if the previous homeowner really liked their refrigerator or washing machine, they’d be much more likely to take it with them.
In the end, there’s a lot of variation regarding the appliances included. This is why one of the most important things to look out for when house hunting is which appliances come with the house. If you aren’t sure, your real estate agent should be able to find out for you.
Appliances Up for Negotiation
When it comes to buying a home, anything is up for negotiation. This is especially true when it’s a buyer’s market, and sellers are looking to sell their homes as soon as possible.
In general, if an item is featured during the initial house showing, you’ll likely be able to negotiate to own it. This includes a variety of different types of features:
- Built-in appliances, including stoves, ovens, microwaves, and HVAC systems
- Large appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more
- Entertainment features, such as a hot tub, piano, built-in television, or pool table
- Significant structural features, such as a pagoda
If you’re in the middle of the home-buying process, you should make a list of everything you might want in a home. This will help ensure you aren’t indirectly paying for more appliances than you need.
How Do You Negotiate for House Appliances?
Negotiating plays a vital role in the home buying process. If you’re uncomfortable with making negotiations directly, your real estate agent will gladly help.
When negotiating with appliances, it’s crucial to have a general idea of what things are worth. How much does a new refrigerator cost? On average, you can expect to pay around $1,500.[1] What about a luxury fridge? What if it’s slightly used? What if the refrigerator has special features?
By doing a bit of research in advance, you can have leverage in negotiation. When the market is hot, your leverage will be limited. If the house has been on the market for a while, it may be easier to get what you want.
Compared to the home’s cost, the value of appliances will be relatively insignificant. If you want an appliance, you should ask for it to be included. The worst thing that can happen is if the seller says no, it’ll be up to you. After that, it’ll be up to you.
Don’t Overlook the Finer Details
The sticker price of your home is just one of many details you’ll want to consider. When you’re looking at a new home, take a moment to imagine living there. Which appliances do you need? Which appliances do you want? The more you can do to plan, the better off you’ll be.