For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.

I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. It's
not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are your
thoughts?

Jill

jmcquown wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
> refrigerator. I bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move
> here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
> It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
> dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think
> we should have to provide one. What are your thoughts?

Is the refrigerator in bad shape? The appliances can be used
as a negotiating point, but really, who wants to move appliances
halfway across the country anyway. Better off leaving them, but
I probably wouldn't replace them unless it was really bad. The
realtor will probably tell you what's usual in that area.

My house came with all the appliances, I don't remember even
asking for them.

nancy

On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:10 -0500, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
>need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
>we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>
>I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
>house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. It's
>not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
>going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
>probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
>possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
>the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are your
>thoughts?


What's wrong with the one that's there now?

Anyway, you are right and your brother is wrong. A house can be sold
either way.

Lou

Nancy Young wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
>> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
>> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move
>> here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
>> It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
>> dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think
>> we should have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Is the refrigerator in bad shape? The appliances can be used
> as a negotiating point, but really, who wants to move appliances
> halfway across the country anyway. Better off leaving them, but
> I probably wouldn't replace them unless it was really bad. The
> realtor will probably tell you what's usual in that area.
>
> My house came with all the appliances, I don't remember even
> asking for them.
>
> nancy


The refrigerator is in great shape; it's only about 10 years old. I don't
see the need to buy a new one. It's a side by side with the ice and water
dispenser on the freezer door. Some people might want a bottom freezer
drawer. I think Goomba recently bought one of those? I like the looks of
them with the racks and stuff. Some people might want stainless; this
fridge is off-white. People want to decorate in their own way, that's kind
of how I'm looking at it.

Jill

jmcquown > wrote:

>For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
>need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
>we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.

>I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
>house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. It's
>not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
>going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
>probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
>possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
>the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are your
>thoughts?

I think it's dependent on location. There are areas of the
U.S. where almost all houses sold have a refrigerator in them.
But I would think even in those areas, the average buyer would
not care if one isn't there.

I might check with a local realty agent or two and see what
they think.

Steve

jmcquown wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
> refrigerator. I bought one.
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move
> here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
> It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
> dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think
> we should have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill

I expect a house to have a refrigerator. A lot of the time, they are either
built in or so integrated into the kitchen design that it's hard to use a
substitute.

A friend of mine has a property that had been on the market for a long time.
He hired a new realtor, who hired a "stager." He was told, amongst other
things, to buy a new fridge with a certain look. The house sold almost
immediately after being staged, without the price cut that the prior realtor
was pushing. FWIW.

On Nov 25, 9:55*am, "Nancy Young" > wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
> > For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
> > house we need to buy a new refrigerator. *He and I were roommates in
> > the 1980's and we *rented* a house. *It didn't come with a
> > refrigerator. *I bought one.
>
> > I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> > selling a house. *Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> > retirees move. *It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> > nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. *People who move
> > here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
> > It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
> > dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. *But I don't think
> > we should have to provide one. *What are your thoughts?
>
> Is the refrigerator in bad shape? *The appliances can be used
> as a negotiating point, but really, who wants to move appliances
> halfway across the country anyway. *Better off leaving them, but
> I probably wouldn't replace them unless it was really bad. *The
> realtor will probably tell you what's usual in that area. *
>
> My house came with all the appliances, I don't remember even
> asking for them.
>
> nancy

===========================================
If the refrigerator is in such bad shape that it looks bad in the
kitchen, consider buying a used one and donate the old one to charity.
If it's really new or special replace it with a used one and ship it
with any other big stuff you're keeping.
If it matches the rest of the appliances leave it.
Just my 2cents.
Lynn in Fargo

Lou Decruss wrote:
> On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:10 -0500, "jmcquown" >
> wrote:
>
>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
>> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have
>> absolutely nothing to their name) are going to buy the house.
>> People who move here are pretty well set and they probably have
>> their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of possiblity to
>> throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell the
>> house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are
>> your thoughts?
>
>
> What's wrong with the one that's there now?
>
> Anyway, you are right and your brother is wrong. A house can be sold
> either way.
>
> Lou


There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can sell the
house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need to buy a brand
new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I say get rid of the
ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint. There's no point doing a
major redecoration job and no point in buying a new refrigerator. Unless he
just wants to pay for it out of his own pocket

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in
:

> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house
> we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the
> 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator.
> I bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move
> here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
> It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
> dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think
> we should have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill
>
>

I've never bought a house with fridge. Why would you want somebody's old
fridge? Even if it is less than a yr or 2 old? So with a fridge supplied
it limits any colour the new people would paint/decorate with. Waste of a
fridge. I'm guessing middle brother just wants a fridge, or wants more
attention.

--

The beet goes on -Alan

"jmcquown" ha scritto nel messaggio
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
> need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
> > we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling
> a > house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move.
> It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their
> name) are going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well
> set and they > probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the
> realm of > possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge
> when we sell the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one.
> What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill

Some states require there be one, some don't. Assuming there is one I would
not replace it. Making a place look spacious and clean is one thing-- making
it redecorated and reapplianced is another. People like that there's
something to use, but they won't pay you extra for a fridge you chose.

Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
> If the refrigerator is in such bad shape that it looks bad in the
> kitchen, consider buying a used one and donate the old one to charity.
> If it's really new or special replace it with a used one and ship it
> with any other big stuff you're keeping.
> If it matches the rest of the appliances leave it.
> Just my 2cents.
> Lynn in Fargo


I live in an apartment; I don't need a refrigerator It wouldn't fit in
my tiny kitchen anyway. The brother who suggested this built a house a few
years ago so he's got a pretty new refrigerator. I think we should just
offer this one with the house when we sell it. (Washer & dryer, too.) I'm
just saying I don't see the need to buy a new one in order to sell the
house. Maybe I'm wrong.

Jill

hahabogus wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in
> :
>
>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
>> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
>> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move
>> here are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances.
>> It's not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and
>> dryer and even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think
>> we should have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>>
>> Jill
>>
>>
>
> I've never bought a house with fridge. Why would you want somebody's
> old fridge? Even if it is less than a yr or 2 old? So with a fridge
> supplied it limits any colour the new people would paint/decorate
> with. Waste of a fridge. I'm guessing middle brother just wants a
> fridge, or wants more attention.


LOL Alan. He's got a practically new refrigerator. He just built a house
so everything in his kitchen is practically new. I have no idea what he's
thinking. I thought maybe I was nuts. Turns out he's nuts And I agree
about the decorating limitations. Let people put in what they want.

Jill

On Nov 25, 10:04*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:

> There's nothing wrong with it! *That's sort of my point *We can sell the
> house with the existing refrigerator. *I don't see the need to buy a brand
> new one. *People like to decorate in their own way. *I say get rid of the
> ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint. *There's no point doing a
> major redecoration job and no point in buying a new refrigerator. *Unless he
> just wants to pay for it out of his own pocket
>
> Jill
==============================================

A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it is what
they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
refrigerator. Very few couples or families who have been renting can
afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right,
Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet
before I replaced appliances!
Lynn in Fargo

On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:10 -0500, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
>need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
>we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>
>I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
>house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. It's
>not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
>going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
>probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
>possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
>the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are your
>thoughts?
>
>Jill


Leave it there. The house we bought 5 years ago did not come with a
refrigerator and there was a definite place where it would go.
Fortunately ours fit perfectly.

The buyers can either keep it and use it or donate or sell it. Do as
little as possible and spend as little as possible on getting it ready
to sell. That way buyers can use the difference to make their own
improvements. When we sold our house before moving here we did
nothing but paint and clean carpets, etc. The kitchen really needed
to be improved but I figure that my tastes would not necessarily match
what someone else would like. The house was appraised and priced that
way. The ad went into the paper on Wednesday and the purchase
agreement was signed on Friday. Obviously the housing market where
you are and the current conditions are very different.

Lynn from Fargo wrote:
> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can
>> sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need
>> to buy a brand new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I
>> say get rid of the ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint.
>> There's no point doing a major redecoration job and no point in
>> buying a new refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of
>> his own pocket
>>
>> Jill
> ==============================================
>
> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it is what
> they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
> first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
> refrigerator. Very few couples or families who have been renting can
> afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right,
> Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet
> before I replaced appliances!
> Lynn in Fargo


This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives here is
retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person living here and I'm 48).
It's a golfing community. The house is on an island of the coast of SC.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in news:6p2n4vF5u4rmU1
@mid.individual.net:

> (I think I'm probably the youngest person living here and I'm 48).
>

Hello you sweet young thing!

--

The beet goes on -Alan

Giusi wrote:
> "jmcquown" ha scritto nel messaggio
>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
>> need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
>> > we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling
>> a > house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move.
>> It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their
>> name) are going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well
>> set and they > probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the
>> realm of > possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge
>> when we sell the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one.
>> What are your thoughts?
>>
>> Jill
>
> Some states require there be one, some don't. Assuming there is one I would
> not replace it. Making a place look spacious and clean is one thing-- making
> it redecorated and reapplianced is another. People like that there's
> something to use, but they won't pay you extra for a fridge you chose.
>
>


I think some states require landlords to provide a refrigerator and a
stove. I am fairly certain Massachusetts is one of them. I have never
heard a fridge being required for the sale of home.

When we sold our condo last year, the most important thing we did was
put most of our belongings in storage - books, photos, artwork, etc. It
was more important for the potential buyers to see a blank canvas, not
your (or your mother's) decorating style - as nice as it might be. ;-)

I would leave the fridge since it is only 10 years old. If it is
something a buyer wants to replace - let him or her do that.

-Tracy

jmcquown wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house
> we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the
> 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I
> bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move here
> are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances. It's
> not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and
> even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think we should
> have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill

If the house already has a fridge and it is in good shape, leave it.
Having existing major appliances is a selling point, as long as
everything is is good working order. That being said, I wouldn;t run out
and spend several hundred to thousand on a fridge, stove, dishwasher,
washer and dryer, etc. If is is there already and works, great leave
it/them. If they are dead or dying or gone, just clean the empty spots...

If you are going to spend money on anything, think about hiring a
painter and having the house professionally cleaned. A fresh coat of
paint is an inexpensive way to improve the house and hiring a cleaner
means you don't have to break your own hump scrubbing.

jmcquown wrote:
> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>
>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can
>>> sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need
>>> to buy a brand new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I
>>> say get rid of the ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint.
>>> There's no point doing a major redecoration job and no point in
>>> buying a new refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of
>>> his own pocket
>>>
>>> Jill
>> ==============================================
>>
>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it is what
>> they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
>> first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
>> refrigerator. Very few couples or families who have been renting can
>> afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right,
>> Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet
>> before I replaced appliances!
>> Lynn in Fargo
>
>
> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives here is
> retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person living here and I'm
> 48). It's a golfing community. The house is on an island of the coast
> of SC.
>
> Jill

Hey, how close is the house to Charleston?

George wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>>
>>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can
>>>> sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need
>>>> to buy a brand new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I
>>>> say get rid of the ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some
>>>> paint. There's no point doing a major redecoration job and no
>>>> point in buying a new refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay
>>>> for it out of his own pocket
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>> ==============================================
>>>
>>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it is what
>>> they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
>>> first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
>>> refrigerator. Very few couples or families who have been renting
>>> can afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're
>>> right, Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace
>>> carpet before I replaced appliances!
>>> Lynn in Fargo
>>
>>
>> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives here is
>> retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person living here and
>> I'm 48). It's a golfing community. The house is on an island of the
>> coast of SC.
>>
>> Jill
>
> Hey, how close is the house to Charleston?


It's about 125 miles south of Charleston. About 13 miles outside of
Beaufort.

Jill

George wrote on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:03:36 -0500:

> jmcquown wrote:
>> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>>
>>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point
>>>> We can sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I
>>>> don't see the need to buy a brand new one. People like to
>>>> decorate in their own way. I say get rid of the ridiculous 1985
>>>> wallpaper and slap on some paint. There's no point
>>>> doing a major redecoration job and no point in buying a new
>>>> refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of his
>>>> own pocket
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>> ==============================================
>>>
>>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it
>>> is what they call around here a "starter house" and likely
>>> to be bought by a first time home owner, You really need to leave
>>> SOME kind of refrigerator. Very few couples or
>>> families who have been renting can afford to drop nearly
>>> $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right, Ditch the old
>>> wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet before I
>>> replaced appliances! Lynn in Fargo
>>
>> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives
>> here is retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person
>> living here and I'm 48). It's a golfing community. The house
>> is on an island of the coast of SC.
>>
>> Jill

I suppose customs differ in different parts of the country but I have
absolutely never heard of someone trying to sell a house without a
working refrigerator (or stove, incidentally!)


--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not

jmcquown wrote:
> George wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>>>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can
>>>>> sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need
>>>>> to buy a brand new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I
>>>>> say get rid of the ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some
>>>>> paint. There's no point doing a major redecoration job and no
>>>>> point in buying a new refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay
>>>>> for it out of his own pocket
>>>>>
>>>>> Jill
>>>> ==============================================
>>>>
>>>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it is what
>>>> they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
>>>> first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
>>>> refrigerator. Very few couples or families who have been renting
>>>> can afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're
>>>> right, Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace
>>>> carpet before I replaced appliances!
>>>> Lynn in Fargo
>>>
>>>
>>> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives here is
>>> retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person living here and
>>> I'm 48). It's a golfing community. The house is on an island of the
>>> coast of SC.
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> Hey, how close is the house to Charleston?
>
>
> It's about 125 miles south of Charleston. About 13 miles outside of
> Beaufort.
>
> Jill

Email me an address and pic if you got one. My brother and SIL and
looking to SC withing the next year and they are starting to look at houses.

jmcquown wrote:
> Lou Decruss wrote:
>> On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:49:10 -0500, "jmcquown" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>>
>>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>>> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
>>> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have
>>> absolutely nothing to their name) are going to buy the house.
>>> People who move here are pretty well set and they probably have
>>> their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of possiblity to
>>> throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell the
>>> house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are
>>> your thoughts?
>>
>>
>> What's wrong with the one that's there now?
>>
>> Anyway, you are right and your brother is wrong. A house can be sold
>> either way.
>>
>> Lou
>
>
> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point We can sell
> the house with the existing refrigerator. I don't see the need to buy a
> brand new one. People like to decorate in their own way. I say get rid
> of the ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint. There's no
> point doing a major redecoration job and no point in buying a new
> refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of his own pocket
>
> Jill

I think the best bet is to do as you describe. Take a cue from those
"sell this house" shows. People tend to be pretty clueless and focus on
stupid stuff that is easily remedied like room colors and wallpaper.
Don't give them the chance. Pick some color scheme and give everything a
fresh coat.

George wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>
>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>> selling a house.
>>
> If the house already has a fridge and it is in good shape, leave it.
> Having existing major appliances is a selling point, as long as
> everything is is good working order. That being said, I wouldn;t run
> out and spend several hundred to thousand on a fridge, stove,
> dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc. If is is there already and works,
> great leave it/them. If they are dead or dying or gone, just clean
> the empty spots...
> If you are going to spend money on anything, think about hiring a
> painter and having the house professionally cleaned. A fresh coat of
> paint is an inexpensive way to improve the house and hiring a cleaner
> means you don't have to break your own hump scrubbing.


I've already called the painter my parents used. Gotta get rid of that 1985
wallpaper in the kitchen, that much I do know He'll be out to talk with
me next week about it. I'll also have a maid service come in and do a "deep
cleaning". Thanks George!

Jill

On Tue 25 Nov 2008 08:49:10a, jmcquown told us...

> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house
> we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the
> 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I
> bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move here
> are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances. It's
> not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and
> even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think we should
> have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill

Jill, I would simply throw in all the existing appliances. There is
absolutely no need to provide a new refrigerator unless the present one
isn’t functioning.

When we sold our home in Ohio to move to Arizona, that’s exactly what we
did, and the buyers were quite happy with what they got. It was certainly
no starter house, and the buyers were probably in their eary/mid-50s.

Of course, you’ll get 1001 opinions on this.

--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)
************************************************** **********************
Date: Tuesday, 11(XI)/25(XXV)/08(MMVIII)
************************************************** **********************
Countdown till U.S. Thanksgiving Day
1dys 13hrs 9mins
************************************************** **********************
I'll have what the guy on the floor is having.
************************************************** **********************

On Tue 25 Nov 2008 10:11:13a, James Silverton told us...

> George wrote on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:03:36 -0500:
>
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>>>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point
>>>>> We can sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I
>>>>> don't see the need to buy a brand new one. People like to
>>>>> decorate in their own way. I say get rid of the ridiculous 1985
>>>>> wallpaper and slap on some paint. There's no point
>>>>> doing a major redecoration job and no point in buying a new
>>>>> refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of his
>>>>> own pocket
>>>>>
>>>>> Jill
>>>> ==============================================
>>>>
>>>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it
>>>> is what they call around here a "starter house" and likely
>>>> to be bought by a first time home owner, You really need to leave
>>>> SOME kind of refrigerator. Very few couples or
>>>> families who have been renting can afford to drop nearly
>>>> $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right, Ditch the old
>>>> wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet before I
>>>> replaced appliances! Lynn in Fargo
>>>
>>> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives
>>> here is retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person
>>> living here and I'm 48). It's a golfing community. The house
>>> is on an island of the coast of SC.
>>>
>>> Jill
>
> I suppose customs differ in different parts of the country but I have
> absolutely never heard of someone trying to sell a house without a
> working refrigerator (or stove, incidentally!)
>
>

In some cities/states, it’s required to have a stove. I don’t know if
there’s any such requirement anywhere for refrigerators.

--
Wayne Boatwright
(correct the spelling of "geemail" to reply)
************************************************** **********************
Date: Tuesday, 11(XI)/25(XXV)/08(MMVIII)
************************************************** **********************
Countdown till U.S. Thanksgiving Day
1dys 13hrs 3mins
************************************************** **********************
My oh my! Life sure is easier with my new Salad Shooter (R) !
************************************************** **********************

"Steve Pope" > wrote in message
...
> jmcquown > wrote:
>
>>For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
>>need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
>>we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>
>>I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling
>>a
>>house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move.
>>It's
>>not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name)
>>are
>>going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
>>probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
>>possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we
>>sell
>>the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are
>>your
>>thoughts?
>
> I think it's dependent on location. There are areas of the
> U.S. where almost all houses sold have a refrigerator in them.
> But I would think even in those areas, the average buyer would
> not care if one isn't there.
>
> I might check with a local realty agent or two and see what
> they think.
>
> Steve

I agree with Steve about the realtor. See what SC law 'requires' you to
leave. Here in PA we had to leave a stove, but not a fridge, but did
anyway. Get outside advice from more than one realtor and go with the
consensus. Don't let your brother bamboozle you into something you don't
see a need for. If the realtor(s) tell you that leaving a fridge is not
important, have it put in writing that the cost of a new one comes out of
your brother's share of the inheritance not jointly shared by all of
you.....this may change his mind. Have you considered selling it as
investment property? My BFF (today's her 25th Anniversary - Love ya lots,
Lar) lives in Bluffton and they and a few other of their friends own
'investment' homes besides the one's they live in. If that is the case,
whoever buys it will gut it and do it in their own taste, so a fridge would
be a waste of money. Snow birds from up this way like the option of renting
instead of buying, and the locals use the property as an additional income.
Good luck.
-ginny

jmcquown wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house
> we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the
> 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I
> bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move here
> are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances. It's
> not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and
> even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think we should
> have to provide one. What are your thoughts?

Good heavens no. You can include the old fridge in the sale of the house
and use it as a bargaining chip. If it is in working order and
prospective buyers don't want it, call a charity store and they will
come and pick it up. The buyers may not even be interested in it if they
have their own fridge, and they may not even like the kind you buy.
There is nothing to be gained by buying a new fridge. You won't get back
what you pay for a new fridge. It is a lose-lose proposition.


My mother died last year and we sold her condominium without a fridge or
stove. The fridge went to one brother and the stove went to my other
brother for his son.

On Nov 25, 8:09*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
> >> jmcquown wrote:
> >>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
> >>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
> >>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
> >>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>
> > If the refrigerator is in such bad shape that it looks bad in the
> > kitchen, consider buying a used one and donate the old one to charity.
> > If it's really new or special replace it with a used one and ship it
> > with any other big stuff you're keeping.
> > If it matches the rest of the appliances leave it.
> > Just my 2cents.
> > Lynn in Fargo
>
> I live in an apartment; I don't need a refrigerator *It wouldn't fit in
> my tiny kitchen anyway. *The brother who suggested this built a house a few
> years ago so he's got a pretty new refrigerator. *I think we should just
> offer this one with the house when we sell it. *(Washer & dryer, too.) *I'm
> just saying I don't see the need to buy a new one in order to sell the
> house. *Maybe I'm wrong.
>
> Jill

I agree with you- if they don't like it, they can buy a new one...

On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:58:53 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
> wrote:

>On Tue 25 Nov 2008 10:11:13a, James Silverton told us...
>
>> George wrote on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:03:36 -0500:
>>
>>> jmcquown wrote:
>>>> Lynn from Fargo wrote:
>>>>> On Nov 25, 10:04 am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> There's nothing wrong with it! That's sort of my point
>>>>>> We can sell the house with the existing refrigerator. I
>>>>>> don't see the need to buy a brand new one. People like to
>>>>>> decorate in their own way. I say get rid of the ridiculous 1985
>>>>>> wallpaper and slap on some paint. There's no point
>>>>>> doing a major redecoration job and no point in buying a new
>>>>>> refrigerator. Unless he just wants to pay for it out of his
>>>>>> own pocket
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Jill
>>>>> ==============================================
>>>>>
>>>>> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. If it
>>>>> is what they call around here a "starter house" and likely
>>>>> to be bought by a first time home owner, You really need to leave
>>>>> SOME kind of refrigerator. Very few couples or
>>>>> families who have been renting can afford to drop nearly
>>>>> $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right, Ditch the old
>>>>> wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet before I
>>>>> replaced appliances! Lynn in Fargo
>>>>
>>>> This is definitely not a "starter house". Everyone who lives
>>>> here is retired. (I think I'm probably the youngest person
>>>> living here and I'm 48). It's a golfing community. The house
>>>> is on an island of the coast of SC.
>>>>
>>>> Jill
>>
>> I suppose customs differ in different parts of the country but I have
>> absolutely never heard of someone trying to sell a house without a
>> working refrigerator (or stove, incidentally!)
>>
>>
>
>In some cities/states, it’s required to have a stove. I don’t know if
>there’s any such requirement anywhere for refrigerators.


I think it was (maybe still is) a requirement for a FHA loan to have a
stove. Nothing said about stoves.

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:

> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
> need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
> we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
> house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. It's
> not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
> going to buy the house. People who move here are pretty well set and they
> probably have their own appliances. It's not outside the realm of
> possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
> the house. But I don't think we should have to provide one. What are your
> thoughts?
>
> Jill

I agree with you.
--
Peace! Om

"All People and things are interdependent. The world has become so small that no nation can solve its problems alone, in isolation from others. That is why I believe we must all cultivate a sense of responsibility based on love and compassion for each other." -- Dalai Lama

jmcquown wrote:

>>>
>>
>> I've never bought a house with fridge. Why would you want somebody's
>> old fridge? Even if it is less than a yr or 2 old? So with a fridge
>> supplied it limits any colour the new people would paint/decorate
>> with. Waste of a fridge. I'm guessing middle brother just wants a
>> fridge, or wants more attention.
>
>
> LOL Alan. He's got a practically new refrigerator. He just built a
> house so everything in his kitchen is practically new. I have no idea
> what he's thinking. I thought maybe I was nuts. Turns out he's nuts
> And I agree about the decorating limitations. Let people put in
> what they want.

You're right Jill. He is the one who is nuts. People getting a new
appliance wants to pick it themselves. They may want specific features,
like sliding shelves, side by side, or bottom freezer. If you go out and
get a brand new fridge for .. say $1,000 and leave it with the house,
the new owner is getting a used fridge and you would be lucky to get
$500 for it..... if that. They may not want it at all, which means you
will be out $1,000.

OTOTH, you can offer to include a fridge in working order, one which
you might get $100 if you were to sell it, or you may have to make a
trip the the dump, or donate it to a charity that will pick it up.

George wrote:

> I think the best bet is to do as you describe. Take a cue from those
> "sell this house" shows. People tend to be pretty clueless and focus
> on stupid stuff that is easily remedied like room colors and
> wallpaper. Don't give them the chance. Pick some color scheme and
> give everything a fresh coat.

It's funny. Oh, I can't live with these green walls, I hate
that color! Hello, you paint over it. A color you like. Never
fails to amaze me.

nancy

"jmcquown" > wrote in
:

> George wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this
>>> house we need to buy a new refrigerator. He and I were roommates in
>>> the 1980's and we *rented* a house. It didn't come with a
>>> refrigerator. I bought one.
>>>
>>> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
>>> selling a house.
>>>
>> If the house already has a fridge and it is in good shape, leave it.
>> Having existing major appliances is a selling point, as long as
>> everything is is good working order. That being said, I wouldn;t run
>> out and spend several hundred to thousand on a fridge, stove,
>> dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc. If is is there already and works,
>> great leave it/them. If they are dead or dying or gone, just clean
>> the empty spots...
>> If you are going to spend money on anything, think about hiring a
>> painter and having the house professionally cleaned. A fresh coat of
>> paint is an inexpensive way to improve the house and hiring a cleaner
>> means you don't have to break your own hump scrubbing.
>
>
> I've already called the painter my parents used. Gotta get rid of
> that 1985 wallpaper in the kitchen, that much I do know He'll be
> out to talk with me next week about it. I'll also have a maid service
> come in and do a "deep cleaning". Thanks George!
>
> Jill
>
>

On second thoughts about the fridge...I said to myself...self what do you
know about what sells a house in SC....My answer to me was Ask the
Realtor.

--

The beet goes on -Alan

I wouldn't bother. Chances are, you put in a side by side and the
buyer likes over and under or vice versa. My house came with a
fridge and I let my old ones go with the house I sold.

"jmcquown" wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell
> _this house_ we need to buy a new refrigerator. �
> He and I were roommates in the 1980's and we *rented* a house. �
> It didn't come with a refrigerator. I bought one.

What's "this house"? And what do you mean by "we rented"... did you
pay rent or did you collect rent?


> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're selling a
> house. �Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where retirees move. �It's
> not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely nothing to their name) are
> going to buy the house. �People who move here are pretty well set and they
> probably have their own appliances. �

Most people don't move their appliances unless they're very high end.


It's not outside the realm of
> possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and even the fridge when we sell
> the house. �

You're not "throwing it in", if there's an obvious space for an
appliance then the appliance should be present.


But I don't think we should have to provide one. �What are your
> thoughts?

When selling a house I think in most municipalities by law it needs to
have a stove, all other appliances are optional. Were it me selling a
house and the fridge wasn't working or looked shabby I'd replace it
with a basic new fridge (but more likely a used reconditioned fridge
from the local used appliance store). A working clean fridge is a
definite asset for negotiating a good price when selling a house, in
fact all appliances should work and be in good condition... they
needn't be new. Prospective buyers don't expect new appliances in a
resale, all new appliances will probably make them wary. If you tell
prospective buyers that you do not intend to leave appliances then you
are just complicating negotiations and not in your favor. Save
yourself a lot of grief and leave working appliances. And don't
attempt to pull a last minute switcheroo, people will notice and
you'll screw up your closing(these days home buyers carry digicams).
Now I'll read the rest of the responses.

On Nov 25, 11:17�am, Lynn from Fargo > wrote:
> On Nov 25, 10:04�am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
> > There's nothing wrong with it! �That's sort of my point �We can sell the
> > house with the existing refrigerator. �I don't see the need to buy a brand
> > new one. �People like to decorate in their own way. �I say get rid of the
> > ridiculous 1985 wallpaper and slap on some paint. �There's no point doing a
> > major redecoration job and no point in buying a new refrigerator. �Unless he
> > just wants to pay for it out of his own pocket
>
> > Jill
>
> ==============================================
>
> A lot, too, depends on the market value of the house. �If it is what
> they call around here a "starter house" and likely to be bought by a
> first time home owner, You really need to leave SOME kind of
> refrigerator. �Very few couples or families who have been renting can
> afford to drop nearly $1000 for a new refrigerator. You're right,
> Ditch the old wall paper and paint (off white) I'd replace carpet
> before I replaced appliances!
> Lynn in Fargo

Nope, you call in a carpet cleaning/steaming company, for under $200
they'll make the carpet in every room look practically new... new
carpeting with installation is expensive and often the new people
won't like what you chose so will replace it.

Tracy wrote:
>
> I would leave the fridge since it is only 10 years old. If it is
> something a buyer wants to replace - let him or her do that.

A ten year old fridge is OLD!

On Nov 25, 9:49*am, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house we
> need to buy a new refrigerator. *He and I were roommates in the 1980's and
> we *rented* a house. *It didn't come with a refrigerator. *I bought one.

Do what is the usual and customary thing to do in your real estate
market.

N.

jmcquown wrote:
> For some reason my middle brother thinks before we can sell this house
> we need to buy a new refrigerator.
>
> I don't think it's necessary to provide a refrigerator when you're
> selling a house. Just an FYI, this is pretty much a place where
> retirees move. It's not like some 20-somethings (who have absolutely
> nothing to their name) are going to buy the house. People who move here
> are pretty well set and they probably have their own appliances. It's
> not outside the realm of possiblity to throw in the washer and dryer and
> even the fridge when we sell the house. But I don't think we should
> have to provide one. What are your thoughts?
>
> Jill


I agree. If the fridge is less than 20 years old, I'd leave it and
agree to replace it only if it was a deal closer to a serious buyer.

FWIW, when my late inlaws (second marriage for both) died off, his son
insisted we had to spend $10-15K having all the wallpaper stripped in
their beautiful traditional CT Valley colonial home and paint everything
white because his friend, a realtor, said so. I maintained that anyone
looking at that house in that neighborhood wouldn't be put off by very
classic wallpaper. The house sold in less than a week with the original
wallpaper, to a couple who pretty much gutted the place (including the
original custom kitchen cabinets) and redid it to THEIR taste, which
included dark wallpaper and dark paint. It would have been a complete
waste to have covered everything in white.

The same goes for carpeting. If you must, include a carpeting allowance
to sweeten the deal, but for goodness sake don't re-carpet unless the
old carpet is badly trashed. Carpet color is a very individual choice.

Good luck in selling the house. Retirement and recreation areas don't
seem to be feeling the housing pinch like both modest homes and
McMansions are. They are still selling $12m condos in Vail. SLowly,
but surely.

gloria p