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Smart Home Tech: Is It Real Property or Personal Belongings in a Home Sale? - 3/27/2024

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.

Tamara Towns-Pozorski CRS, ABR, GRI, PSA, SFR Century 21 Benefit Realty , WI (262) 470-2300 Wisconsin Licensed Broker: 56736-90 You will find that this buying or selling adventure isn’t predictable. You will find that things will come up that are tough or unexpected or unpleasant. It may not be seamless or painless. But my job is to help you through each one of those steps, so you can relax and know that your home and your family are in good hands. You are going to ask a lot of questions, and it’s my job to find the answers. You are going to get frustrated at times, and it’s my job to listen and help find resolutions. There may be surprises and delays, but my job is to make this as smooth a transaction as it can be. We can’t predict exactly how this is going to go, but you can be sure that I’ll be there for you every step of the way. A little about me: In 2012, I became a licensed Real Estate agent. I started working with Century 21 Benefit Realty in 2013. I’ve helped my clients buy and sell houses from: $63,500 to $1,200,000 500 sq. ft. to 9,000 sq. ft. 0.07 acres to 106 acres I have a great history of helping my clients buy and sell homes, investment properties, condos, and vacant lots. I have over $95 million in total career sales. My passion is helping people make their real estate dreams a reality! I want to help you make the best decision for YOU by listening to your wants, needs, and dreams! I will utilize my years of professional and personal experience, knowledge, and resources to achieve your goal. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter