Expert: Karyn Foley - 9/15/2009

Question
Hi,

Is there some law that exisits that requires a home to be sold with a fridge and stove?

Who

Answer
Dear Scmuly:  This depends upon the laws of the particular state, and I am not aware of what state you are in.  However, the key to most of these requirements are what is written in the contract as personal property, such as a refrigerator that is usually not a built in and attached accordingly.  The exceptions are usually for those refrigerators that are built-in like a SubZero and the like.  Also, a stove that is built in and attached should be part of the deal, unless it is a free standing stove that just plugs in.  The attached, built in feature usually determines if it is personal property or not.  If it is not built in and is considered personal property, it should have been clearly spelled out, in writing, as to whether or not it was included in the purchase price.  I suggest you look over your contract and contact your agent who represented you in the transaction.  If you are not satisfied, speak with her office manager or owner, or call your local board of real estate and see their guidelines and how you could take this further.  If you feel you are in the right and you cannot gain satisfaction, and the deal has already closed, your options could be to go to an attorney to seek satisfaction, or go to small claims court in your area.  The local board of real estate and offer a chance to file a grievance against the agents involved, but that will not pay for the appliances as routine.  Again, please closely read your contract.  Your agent has a professional obligation to see that you understand what was expected and what was not.  Again, each state, each area, usually has guidelines, and sometimes agents are careless and do not spell out your rights and obligations in this matter, but see to it that you understand.