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When we go through the process of getting your home ready to put on the market, you and I will discuss improvements and accessories that you have in your home. You may have assumed you can keep your custom curtains because they go perfectly with your furniture. You may have spent a lot of time picking out the curtains, money getting them altered, and energy making sure they work with your home. As I read through the list of items, some you think are a no brainer to get rid of, and some you think you can’t live without.
According to Texas Association of REALTORS Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement Exclusive Right to Sell, in the state of Texas, the following improvements in the house, garage, and all other fixtures that are permanently installed and built-in items that would stay:
- “All equipment and appliances,
- Valances
- Screens
- Shutters
- Awnings
- Wall-to-wall carpeting
- Mirrors
- Ceiling fans
- Attic fans
- Mailboxes
- Television antennas
- Mounts and brackets for televisions and speakers
- Heating and air-conditioning units
- Security and fire detection equipment
- Wiring
- Plumbing and lighting fixtures
- Chandeliers
- Water softener system
- Kitchen equipment
- Garage door openers
- Cleaning equipment
- Shrubbery
- Landscaping
- Outdoor cooking equipment
- and all other property owned by Seller and attached” to your home.
Related Accessories if any:
- “Window air conditioning units
- Stove
- Fireplace screens
- Curtains and rods
- Blinds
- Window shades
- Draperies and rods
- Door keys
- Mailbox keys
- Above-ground pool
- Swimming pool equipment and maintenance accessories
- Artificial fireplace logs, and controls for:
- satellite dish systems,
- garage doors,
- entry gates, and
- other improvements and accessories.”
Some items that my clients have not wanted to part with are the following: custom curtains, curtain rods, chandeliers, TV brackets, etc. However, in the state of Texas, you do not have to say goodbye to these items! There is a place on the listing agreement that allows you to exclude these items you want to keep. You just have to make sure you communicate what specific items you want to keep and write them down in the specific place on the listing agreement.
Remember, the goal is you want to sell your house, and move into a new place to call home. I suggest if there are items you want to for sure keep (light fixtures, curtains, etc.) I would pack these items up. With light fixtures, I would replace them with something that looks nice in your home, but that you are not emotionally attached to. If you leave the lighting wiring exposed, it could be flagged by an inspector, or not make your home look “Camera Ready”.
All and all, yes, you can keep your custom curtains. You just have to communicate that you want to keep the curtains and inform the buyer that you will be retaining those items. The most important part of this process is that we keep open communication. I am looking forward to selling your home! If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
