When you put your home up for sale, what are your options regarding the basketball hoop, swing set or playhouse you installed for the kids? While homeowners may be especially sentimental when it comes to their children, it’s important to remember that not even a beloved swingset is worth losing a sale.
Permanent or portable? If the playset or basketball hoop is cemented to the ground it is considered a fixture and expected to stay with the home upon sale. No different than a mailbox or a tree. Sellers who know ahead of time they wish to remove an item should make their intentions clear in the sales listing. Don’t risk confusion between potential buyers and the seller.
Everything is negotiable in the sale of a home. Potential buyers may love everything about a home, except for the playset in the backyard. They may ask in the contract to have it removed before closing on the home. If so, many parents likely would be happy to take it off your hands, assuming it’s in good condition. On the flip side, buyers may love the playset and ask to keep it, even if it’s a portable one you were planning to take with you to your next home. Is a fight over a playset worth losing a sale? Not likely, so it’s important to be as accommodating as possible.
Keep it neat. When staging a home for sale, don’t forget to tidy up the outdoor playset and other play equipment. Mow and trim the grass around the equipment, and add fresh mulch to the play area. Repair, paint and stain, as needed.
