Are shades included when buying a home?

When you’re selling your home, do you include your window treatments? When you’re buying, should you expect the draperies to be a part of the sale? If you find yourself asking this while shopping in today’s real estate market, we have some information that may help answer these questions for you.

Are Blinds & Shades included when selling?

Generally speaking, anything that's permanently affixed to the house with nails, glue, cement, pipes, or screws is considered part of the house and "conveys" with the sale, although regulations vary by state. This includes blinds, interior shutters, and shades since these window coverings are screwed into the wall. Additionally, it’s customary to leave them since they’re usually custom-made for those windows and usually cannot be used on new windows. That being said, be sure to clearly define what "window coverings" you're referring to in the disclosure, including blinds, shades, curtains, and even curtain rods if you intend on removing them when selling.

What about draperies?

While many home-buyers expect shades and blinds to stay with the home, draperies are a bit more of a gray area. Since draperies are often made more to match the furniture in the home, it’s expected the homeowner take them with them. Draperies are usually seen as personal property rather than a fixture of the home.

If you’re buying and are in love with the draperies in the home, don’t hesitate to ask. Everything is negotiable and it’s better to over-communicate than to expect and be disappointed.

If you’re selling…

While we don’t recommend taking shades and blinds, we understand taking your draperies with you. If you decide to take your window coverings with you, we recommend removing them and replacing them with a version you’re comfortable parting with. If you’re unable to replace them with a similar product, be sure to outline in the appropriate documentation that the window coverings are not a part of the home and will be removed.

Another option if you don’t have window coverings in your home or the existing treatments are damaged or outdated is to add new coverings before selling. It seems like a minor addition, but a style as simple and affordable as Faux Wood Blinds can help boost the curb appeal of your home. Window coverings can make a huge difference in a room and make the space feel more complete and inviting.

Regardless, the worst thing you can do is take the window coverings with you and hope the buyer won’t notice. Depending on the agreement you may be required to return them, install new ones, or credit the buyer for the value of the window coverings.

Finally, keep in mind that there is no true “standard window size" and that your window coverings were made to order and it’s most likely best to leave them behind. Your current window coverings may not fit in your new home.

If You're Buying…

If you’re purchasing a new construction, chances are it won’t include window coverings, but if you’re purchasing an existing home, then you may have a few options. Generally, sellers have no intentions on removing the existing shades and blinds, but they may take draperies with them. Before you negotiate including the window coverings, ask yourself if they match your home’s decor, your furniture, and your future plans for the home. Unnecessary negotiations can hinder the sale, so be sure that they’re not already included or that you definitely want to keep them.

If you don’t like the window coverings left in the home, the solution is simple, replace them with window coverings of your choosing. Furthermore, if the home you’re purchasing has no window coverings, fret not, because this gives you the opportunity to customize your window coverings with a style that works best for you and your family.

Need new shades?

Now for the fun part - new coverings! With over 5,000+ material and design selections, Solana Shades offers one of the Forgotten Coast’s largest selections of window coverings. If you need help and you’re ready to get started, reach out to us by scheduling your free professional consultation and measurement appointments.