Home selling tips: Take your nest to your new nest

Unless you exclude the nest thermostat (and better yet remove) prior to showings potential buyers will expect it stays with the home (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

There is a lot to think about when selling your home.  One consideration for most Chicago real estate transactions is "exclusions".  We advise up front to decide what will stay and what will go when selling a home. Traditionally in Chicago all visible appliances and attached items (fastened to the walls) will be sold with a home.  This includes fancy Lightology fixtures, elfa closet shelving, *Mercedes washer and dryer and now... nest thermostats. (*I made that one up)

The nest thermostat has been a curve-ball.  When a buyer views a unit (and is willing to pay near asking price) they expect everything attached to convey with the unit. They likey the nest thermostat.  However, the nest thermostat is a more recent phenomenon.  Because of the wireless features and personal functionality most owners (sellers) view the nest more like their iPad... thus personal property to be brought with them.  Buyers believe it will stay.

If you're attached to any light fixtures in your home "detach" them prior to showings.

Bottom line:  If buyers see it, they expect it to transfer with a unit.  Exclude and even remove (and replace) all items you want to take with you when you move.  Otherwise, either the buyer or seller will be left out in the cold when there is a misunderstanding.

Should it stay or should it go? Common items to think about include:

Surround sound speakers

Attached flat-screen TVs

Washer and dryer

Kitchen appliances including counter top microwave

Ceiling fans (I wish I had changed these out on my last personal home sale)

Chandeliers/ light fixtures

elfa closet organizers or wall shelving

nest or high-end electronic equipment

Patio furniture

Potted plants or bushes