Buying a new home is a big deal, and many new homeowners anticipate that purchasing a new home will come with most of the bells and whistles required to move in. Sure, you’ll have to set up some things like utilities, service providers, etc, but surely your home will be ready to move into, won’t it?
Lots of new homeowners will be surprised to know that there are some basic living requirements that may not come with your new home which is even more important to have that in mind early in the process and negotiate with the seller if necessary. Let’s take a look at what might not be included in a home purchase.
Appliances
It may come as a shock to new homebuyers that all of the appliances you depend on to live: refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and your kitchen range may not be included in your home purchase. If you’re not prepared and haven’t negotiated appliances into your new home’s contract or financing, then you could be in for a big surprise and potentially a big bill to add those necessities to your new house.
Fortunately, though, most sellers are willing to leave at least the kitchen appliances as part of selling the home. After all, not all appliances fit or work with a seller’s new accommodation. This means that you may be able to negotiate that a seller leave their existing appliances as part of your home purchase. Otherwise, see if you can get concessions to cover the price for new appliances.
Furniture
Unlike appliances that can often times stay with a home, furniture often doesn’t come with a home purchase. That said, you’ll likely be moving your old furniture into your new home or purchasing furniture to fill the voids in your new space.
Fortunately, furniture by and large is easy to come by on secondary markets and doesn’t necessarily require you to spend half of your year’s paycheck on outfitting your new home. If furniture doesn’t come with your new home, then check classifieds, Craigslist, and the Facebook Marketplace as well as garage sales and estate sales for reasonably priced furniture.
Blinds, Shades, and Curtains
Possibly one of the most frustrating parts of purchasing a new home is the fact that your new home likely won’t come with the window treatments you’ve come accustomed to at your existing living space. Blinds may very well stay with the home as they’re typically more difficult to remove, but window shades or curtains likely won’t make the cut.
Curtains and other window treatments aren’t necessarily the most expensive part of a new home purchase, but they can add up rather quickly depending on what your style is. That said, once you know you’re moving into your new house, it’s important to go ahead and gather whatever window treatments you’ll need so you’ll be ready for move-in day. In all likelihood, one of the first things you’ll want to do is secure your privacy in your new home.
Outdoor Necessities
Whether it comes to maintaining your lawn or experiencing your new outdoor space, in most cases outdoor necessities won’t be included in your new home’s purchase. Depending on the seller, some outdoor furniture or fixtures may remain in your new home, but don’t expect the seller to leave you a lawnmower and weedeater as part of your home purchase.
If you’re moving from an apartment, condominium, or other managed housing situation, this very well could mean purchasing a whole slew of new yard maintenance items. Unless your budget is situated to splurge on lawn maintenance, then look for used equipment to get you by in the short term.
