Got it, my previous draft was a bit over the top! Here’s an edited version that tones it down while still keeping a casual and reassuring tone:Introduction: If you’re getting ready to sell your house, don’t worry too much about removing your blinds. While convenient, blinds aren’t always essential. With the right approach, you absolutely can sell your place without them if needed. Whether you want to take your blinds to your new home or just need to cut costs, there are a few tricks to navigating a sale blind-free.
Can You Sell a House Without Blinds?
The answer is yes, you can sell a house without blinds, but you may not want to. Blinds are considered fixtures or personal property depending on where you live and how they are installed.
“Fixtures” are items that are permanently attached to the house, such as built-in cabinets, faucets, or light fixtures. Personal property are items that are not permanently attached to the house, such as furniture, appliances, or curtains.
Generally, fixtures are included in the sale of the house, unless the seller explicitly excludes them in the contract. Personal property are not included in the sale of the house, unless the buyer explicitly requests them in the contract. Blinds can fall into either category depending on how they are installed and what type of blinds they are.
For example:
- Blinds that are screwed into the window frame or wall are considered fixtures and should stay with the house unless the seller excludes them in the contract.
- Blinds that are hung on a tension rod or clipped onto the window frame are considered personal property and can go with the seller unless the buyer requests them in the contract.
- Blinds that are custom-made for a specific window or room are considered fixtures and should stay with the house unless the seller excludes them in the contract.
- Blinds that are standard-sized and can fit any window or room are considered personal property and can go with the seller unless the buyer requests them in the contract.
However, even if you have the right to take your blinds with you when selling your house, you may want to think twice before doing so. Here are some reasons why:
- Taking your blinds with you may leave your windows bare and unattractive, which can lower your curb appeal and make your house look less inviting to potential buyers.
- Taking your blinds with you may leave holes or marks on your window frames or walls, which can lower your home value and make your house look less well-maintained to potential buyers.
- Taking your blinds with you may cause disputes or conflicts with your buyer, who may expect to keep them as part of the sale or who may want to negotiate for them as part of the deal.
How to Sell a House Without Blinds
If you still want to sell a house without blinds, there are some things you can do to make it easier and smoother. Here are some tips and tricks to sell your house without blinds:
- Remove your blinds before listing your house for sale. This way, you can avoid any confusion or misunderstanding with potential buyers about what is included or excluded in the sale. You can also repair any holes or marks left by your blinds before showing your house to potential buyers.
- Disclose your blinds in your seller disclosure form. This way, you can inform potential buyers upfront about what window treatments you have or don’t have in your house and whether they are included or excluded in the sale. You can also avoid any legal issues or liabilities if you fail to disclose something that affects the value or condition of your house.
- Replace your blinds with cheaper or simpler alternatives. This way, you can still provide some light control and privacy for your windows without spending too much money or effort. You can also leave these alternatives behind for your buyer without losing anything valuable or sentimental. For example, you can replace your blinds with curtains, shades, shutters, or even paper blinds.
- Negotiate with your buyer about your blinds. This way, you can reach a mutually agreeable solution that works for both parties. You can either offer to leave your blinds behind for a higher price or ask for a lower price if you take them with you. You can also offer to swap your blinds with another item that your buyer wants or needs.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, blinds don’t have to complicate your home sale. Be upfront with buyers about what’s staying and going, and consider flexible options like swapping out blinds for simpler window treatments or offering a fair price to leave them behind. A little open communication and creative thinking can go a long way.
With the hard part already behind you, soon you’ll be relaxing in your new place, blinds or no blinds. Focus on your priorities, stand by your decisions, and trust that the right solution will come together for you and your buyers. Selling a home is challenging enough, so cross “blinds” off your worry list. Whether or not they come along for the ride, you’ve got this! New adventures and a place to call home await – now go get ’em!
