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Smart Home Tech: Is It Real Property or Personal Belongings in a Home Sale?
Many of today’s homeowners have accumulated multiple high-tech "smart" devices to make their home more convenient, economical, and fun to operate. When they decide to sell the home, they need to make the listing agent completely aware of whether they will be included in the sale of the home. Some of these things easily meet […]
Smart Home Tech: Is It Real Property or Personal Belongings in a Home Sale?
Many of today’s homeowners have accumulated multiple high-tech "smart" devices to make their home more convenient, economical, and fun to operate. When they decide to sell the home, they need to make the listing agent completely aware of whether they will be included in the sale of the home. Some of these things easily meet […]

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Many of today’s homeowners have accumulated multiple high-tech "smart" devices to make their home more convenient, economical, and fun to operate. When they decide to sell the home, they need to make the listing agent completely aware of whether they will be included in the sale of the home.

Some of these things easily meet the definition of real property because they are permanently installed like thermostats, doorbells, cameras, garage door openers, and pool equipment monitors. A rule of thumb mentioned frequently is that if it were removed, the functionality would cease or if there would be evidence of where it had been, it is probably real property and is included in the sale.

Other devices like virtual assistants made by Amazon, Apple, or Google, may not specifically meet that criteria but they are needed to operate things like electrical switches and plugs, or lamps. It becomes a grey area of whether it is real property when TV’s, doorbells, garage door openers, and other devices are dependent on the virtual assistants.

Door locks, as well as some other devices, have a master code written on them that allows the new owner to reset the combination ensuring not only their safety but potential liability for the seller. In some cases, the seller will need to do this using the app on their computer or phone while it is still connected to their home network. It may be prudent to arrange a time for the seller to reset the devices in question for the buyers’ convenience and security.

Smart home additions could easily be a selling point for potential buyers and sellers need to weigh the benefits of promoting the advantages of such and including those items in the sale of the home.

Make an inventory of what devices stay with the home and what needs to be done to reset them for the new owner. This could be done at the time of listing the home and given to the listing agent at the same time the listing agreement is signed. Your listing agent will know how to handle it, but decisions must be made before the home is put on the market or it is shown to any prospective purchasers.

LIST OF BLOGS

Chateauneuf HOA

History of Châteauneuf HOA Châteauneuf HOA's exact founding date isn't explicitly stated on their website, but the community can be contextualized within the broader development trends of Fairfax County. The area was historically part of the vast agricultural lands...

Charing Cross Condominium Association

Historical Background Fairfax County, established in 1742, has long been a hub for historical significance and growth. Charing Cross, while not dating back to the county's inception, reflects the newer wave of suburban expansion that characterized post-World War II...

Chaconas Homeowners Association

History of Chaconas HOA Chaconas HOA, like many homeowner associations in Fairfax County, emerged from the broader trend of community planning that took hold in the post-World War II era. Fairfax County, established in 1742, has seen significant development...

Chapel View Homeowners Association

History of Chapel View HOA Chapel View HOA, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, emerged as part of the post-World War II suburban expansion that characterized much of the Eastern United States. The area's development can be traced back to the mid-20th century when...

Chapel Trail HOA

Historical Background Fairfax County itself has a deep historical lineage dating back to its establishment in 1742. However, when focusing on Chapel Trail, we must understand the development patterns of post-World War II suburban expansion. The Chapel Trail community...

Chapel Square West Community Association

Historical Background The history of Chapel Square West is intrinsically linked to the broader narrative of Fairfax County's development. Originally part of the land owned by Lord Fairfax, the area began to see residential development in the mid-20th century as part...

Chapel Square Civic Association

History of Chapel Square Chapel Square's history is emblematic of the broader development trends in Fairfax County. Established in the latter half of the 20th century, Chapel Square emerged as part of the suburban expansion driven by the post-World War II economic...

Chapel Ridge HOA

Chapel Ridge HOA The neighborhood likely adopted its name from local historical landmarks or geographical features, a common practice in naming communities within Fairfax. The HOA in Chapel Ridge, like many others in the area, was established to manage common areas,...

Chapel Lake Homeowners Association

History of Chapel Lake HOA The Chapel Lake HOA, as indicated by its listing on Bizapedia, is part of a broader trend of homeowner associations in Virginia, which have become increasingly popular for managing communal properties, enforcing covenants, and ensuring a...

Chapel Knoll HOA

History of Chapel Knoll The history of Chapel Knoll can be traced back to the broader development trends of Fairfax County, which was established in 1742. However, Chapel Knoll itself is a more recent addition to the tapestry of Fairfax's community landscape, likely...

RECENT POSTS

Chateauneuf HOA

History of Châteauneuf HOA Châteauneuf HOA's exact founding date isn't explicitly stated on their...

Chapel Trail HOA

Historical Background Fairfax County itself has a deep historical lineage dating back to its...

Chapel Ridge HOA

Chapel Ridge HOA The neighborhood likely adopted its name from local historical landmarks or...

Chapel Knoll HOA

History of Chapel Knoll The history of Chapel Knoll can be traced back to the broader development...

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