Selling problems

B - Selling Furnishings to Buyers: Is there a problem?

            SHORT ANSWER

Don't go down this road. It takes the focus off selling your home when prospective buyers see price tags on furnishings during a showing.   

Selling household furnishings to prospects is different than using them as part of the negotiation process or including them with the house (washer and dryer included!). The problem is that buyers will look for prices tags and not your home. Do not let some furnishing distract from your main objective.

If you’re thinking of selling items like antiques, a piano or furniture, do so through the classifieds. If you tag selected items this will only encourage prospective buyers to inquire about non-tagged items that you intend to keep. Your negative responses could sour good buyers. Even negotiating on a $25.00 lamp could create some disgruntled feelings and stifle a possible offer.
 
Always include the window treatments with the sale of your home. Don’t even think about selling them separately. And if the bed spread matches, include it with the window treatments. If the buyers want it, leave it. If you can’t live without it, replace it now before they see it and get attached.

Items like a pool table, washer, dryer, or the riding mower make a nice “throw-in” when counter offering. They’re worth more as a bargaining chip during the negotiation of your home than the amount they’ll garner from being sold separately.

Don't have a garage or yard sale when your home is on the market. Hold it before you put the house up for sale. A successful garage sale translates into fewer things to pack, less to move, and it will help your house sell by creating more living and storage space.

Plus, you’ll make some money doing it.