Appliances and Home Sales

With so much to consider when selling a home, many sellers don’t think much about whether to leave their appliances behind or take them when they move. Some sellers assume buyers expect them, while others see appliances as negotiable extras. Do appliances influence how quickly a home sells or how much it sells for? And is the difference significant enough to give it much thought?

Do Appliances Affect Home Sale Speed and Value?

In most cases, appliances don’t dramatically impact a home’s sale price or how quickly it sells—but they can still be a factor, especially in certain price ranges and markets.

People looking for a move-in ready home and first-time homebuyers who may not have the budgetary bandwidth to buy a new clothes washer and dryer, refrigerator and dishwasher after making a large down payment, could be put off if appliances aren’t included.

Higher-income home shoppers or those looking for a fixer-upper might measure for appliance replacements before the ink has dried on the sale.

While appliances may not be a deciding factor for most buyers, they can still be a plus or minus when comparing homes.

Essential in Starter Homes and First-Time Buyer Markets

Many of these buyers are stretching their budgets to buy a home and don’t want to immediately spend thousands on appliances. They also may not want the added hassle of buying and installing all new appliances while also moving in all their belongings. A home that comes with all or most appliances included may stand out in this price bracket.

Less Impactful in High-End or Custom Homes

In luxury markets, buyers may expect to replace appliances with their own preferred models, making the existing ones less of a selling point. However, high-end brands (like Sub-Zero or Wolf) can add appeal.

Can Influence the 'Move-In Ready' Factor

A home that includes all major appliances may feel more turnkey, which can make buyers act faster, especially if they’re comparing similar homes. If a buyer has to budget for appliances on top of closing costs and moving expenses, they may hesitate.

Many families won’t consider a home habitable without basic appliances in place. Buying and installing new appliances will further delay their move-in date and make the process more labor intensive.

Does Leaving Appliances Say Anything About Your Home?

Leaving appliances behind can subtly signal things about the home and the seller’s motivations.

A full set of modern, matching appliances can make the home feel well-maintained. Buyers may assume a home has been well cared for if the seller invested in high-quality kitchen or laundry appliances and they’re clean and in good shape.

Outdated or mismatched appliances could have the opposite effect. If the appliances look old, dirty or don’t match, they may not add value and could even give the impression that the home hasn’t been well maintained. In some cases, removing old appliances before listing can make the kitchen look cleaner and more modern.

Leaving appliances might indicate to home shoppers that you’re a motivated seller. If a home includes extras like a refrigerator, washer, and dryer, buyers might interpret this as a sign you are looking for a faster sale or don’t want to deal with moving large items.

The presence of appliances often won’t be the deciding factor that sways a home shopper one way or the other, but they can subtly shape buyer perception in ways that either help or hurt the sale.

Are Certain Appliances More Valuable to Buyers?

Not all appliances hold the same weight in a home sale. Some are expected, while others are seen as optional bonuses.

Kitchen appliances, such as the stove, oven, or dishwasher, are generally expected. These appliances may be built-in, and some buyers may consider their inclusion standard. Leaving them behind doesn’t necessarily increase the value of your home but removing them could be a red flag.

Refrigerators, washers, and dryers are more situational. If competing listings in your price range include these appliances, not offering them could put your home at a disadvantage.

High-end or smart appliances can be an attractive selling point that differentiates your home from similar homes in your area. Smart refrigerators, convection ovens, and advanced dishwashers can appeal to buyers who value modern technology, though they don’t always justify a higher asking price.

Outdoor appliances like built-in grills may also be seen as an attractive bonus, especially for buyers who envision backyard entertaining in their new home.

Does It Make Sense to Offer an Appliance Credit Instead?

If your appliances are older, mismatched, or you’re planning to take them with you, one alternative is offering an appliance credit.

An appliance credit can offer buyers flexibility, allowing them to choose their own appliances while saving the you the hassle of replacing older models before listing. However, some buyers may prefer a home that’s truly move-in-ready and could see an appliance credit as an inconvenience rather than a benefit.

If it’s a buyer’s market, leaving behind appliances may still be the better move to avoid giving interested home shoppers a reason to hesitate.

Get Home Listing and Selling Guidance From the Experts in Fast, Lucrative Real Estate Sales

Leaving appliances behind isn’t always a major factor in selling a home, but it can subtly influence how buyers perceive the property. The type of home you have, where it’s located, and the demographics of buyers can significantly influence the best approach. Young, first-time homebuyers may have different preferences than higher-income buyers who are purchasing their second or third home.

The team at 72SOLD can advise you on decisions ranging from starting prices and marketing to whether or not you should leave your appliances in place. Get our price on your home and learn more about our process by filling out the form on our website.