you’ve Fallen in Love with a House…and the Window Treatments. Can You Keep Them?
When buying or selling a home in Fort Monmouth, window treatments often become a topic of discussion. Many first-time buyers and sellers wonder: are blinds, shades, and curtains considered personal property, or do they convey with the house? Knowing how these items are categorized and how to negotiate their inclusion can make the home-buying or selling process much smoother. Budget Blinds of Long Branch can explain what to expect regarding window treatments, whether you're a buyer or a seller.
Are Blinds Considered Fixtures?
Blinds, shades, and interior shutters are usually considered fixtures because they are permanently attached to the house. Fixtures are items that are affixed with nails, screws, glue, or other hardware, making them part of the property. Generally, these window treatments convey with the sale unless specifically excluded in the seller's property disclosure.
In Fort Monmouth, as in many areas, anything that is permanently installed is typically included in the sale of a home. This includes blinds that are screwed into the window frame. However, if a seller wants to take specific window treatments with them, they must disclose this upfront. To avoid confusion, it’s important for both parties to be clear about which window treatments are included and which are not.
Curtains and Curtain Rods: What You Need to Know
Curtains and curtain rods fall into a gray area. Curtain rods, which are mounted to the wall, are often considered fixtures and are included in the sale. Curtains, however, are typically regarded as personal property since they can be easily removed from the rod.
That said, custom drapes can sometimes create confusion. Buyers may assume that because the curtains were tailored to fit the room, they should be included. However, this is not always the case. To avoid disputes, it's wise to clarify upfront whether curtains will stay or go, and put the agreement in writing.
How to Negotiate Window Treatments in Fort Monmouth
If you're selling your home and want to take your window treatments with you, the best course of action is to remove them before listing the property. You can replace them with more basic blinds or shades to avoid any misunderstandings. Clearly state in the seller's disclosure which window treatments will stay and which will go, so potential buyers are fully aware before making an offer.
On the buyer’s side, if window treatments are a dealbreaker, you can request them to be included in your offer. If you're particularly interested in keeping the existing blinds or shades, ensure your realtor negotiates this into the sale agreement. The key is to communicate clearly and get everything in writing.
Potential Issues with Taking Window Treatments
Sellers who decide to take their window treatments with them after the deal has been made could face problems. If blinds or shades are removed without proper disclosure, the buyer could request compensation or even cause the deal to fall through. The best approach is to be upfront about your intentions and avoid swapping out expensive treatments for cheaper versions without notifying the buyer. This can save both parties from legal disputes or renegotiations.
Window Treatments and the Move
While it may seem tempting to take your favorite blinds or curtains with you, keep in mind that window sizes differ from house to house. Your current window treatments may not fit well in your new home, especially if the windows are different sizes. Instead of risking a poor fit, you might be better off leaving them behind and starting fresh with new custom window treatments that perfectly suit your new space. Plus, Budget Blinds of Long Branch can help you with custom window treatments that will be perfect for your new space!
We’re here to help navigate the world of window treatments. Call (732) 393-8180 today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help make selecting the right window treatments an amazing experience!
Photo Courtesy of Lutron