Looking at houses for sale in Atlanta, Georgia? Don’t forget to include home appliances in your checklist – the age, condition, and performance of the appliances in a home should also play an important role in your decision to buy.
In many cases, major home appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators are included in the sale. The price of these items is typically rolled into the asking price.
But are you better off buying your own? Here’s what to look for in home appliances and how to determine whether they’re worth buying or not.
How to determine the age and condition of appliances
- Ask the seller – The easiest thing to do is to ask the homeowner when they acquired the appliances in the home and how many times they’ve been repaired. This will give you an idea on what to expect from your home appliances in terms of performance, efficiency, and maintenance.
- Do a test run – If you can’t take the seller at their word, you can certainly count on a test run to show how well major appliances perform. Though it’s not customary for buyers to test run appliances during home viewings, there’s no harm in asking the seller’s representative if you can switch the gas range on, take a quick peek inside the fridge, or explore the thermostat’s various settings. Keep it non-intrusive and the seller’s rep might be happy to oblige.
- Look at the serial code and model number – This is a fool-proof way of determining a machine’s age, make, and build. This may even allow you to trace the machine back to the factory that made it.
Once you have the product’s serial code, you can get in touch with the manufacturer to inquire about the item’s age. You can also search online databases and forums where experts can offer insight into the product’s age.
- Look at the disclosure statement – Seller’s are typically required to list any appliances that are included in the sale in the “fixtures checklist” section of the disclosure statement. This allows the seller to make the distinction between personal property, which is excluded from the sale, and fixtures that will remain on the property after the sale.
Any item that is left blank on the checklist may be removed from the property after the sale.
Scrutinizing this section of the disclosure statement will help you determine whether the asking price of the home is justified.
Moreover, in the state of Georgia, the disclosure statement specifically asks sellers to provide the HVAC system’s approximate age in years and whether or not the unit is need of repairs or replacements.
- Consult a professional – Still not sure how to assess to quality, age, and condition of the appliances to be included in the sale? Your agent can offer insight and advice on the matter.
Natalie Gregory and Co. have years of experience buying and selling luxury properties in around Atlanta. We know quality when we see it and would be happy to share our expertise.
What to look for in luxury appliances
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There’s more to a luxury home than a coveted address, a nice view, and extra storage space. At the end of the day, a luxury home must enhance your lifestyle in some way.
This is where high-end appliances come in. These items aren’t just showpieces. These items are meant to make your life more convenient, enjoyable, and secure.
Reputation. In the housing market, brand names like Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Miele are synonymous with luxury real estate. That’s not even mentioning luxury brands that cater to niche interests like wine, spirits, and specialty coffee.
But what’s in a name? A reputable brand goes beyond marketing. Their true currency lies in their long-standing reputation for quality, design, durability, and performance.
Customized options. Another quality that separates luxury appliances from standard ones is that they are highly customizable. Sub-Zero refrigerators, for example, come in multiple configurations depending on your needs. You can add a wine rack, install a glass door, or choose from a wide range of panel, handle, and grille options.
Warranty. When it comes to big ticket purchases like commercial-grade refrigerators, stovetops, and espresso machines, it’s best to choose brands that offer a lifetime warranty. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that if something breaks down, the manufacturer can send replacement parts and offer repair services at a center near you.
However, fewer and fewer brands are offering lifetime warranties. In today’s market, some upscale brands may offer a limited lifetime warranty for appliances that are shown to be defective and which have broken down as a result of normal wear and tear. Other brands offer a more lenient two to five-year warranty.
Energy efficiency. Newer models in the market almost always have an Energy Star certification, which means that these appliances were designed to prevent energy waste without sacrificing performance and durability. This allows you to minimize your impact on the environment.
Design. Buyers will naturally have aesthetic considerations when choosing appliances. When it comes to luxury homes, most buyers prefer appliances that blend seamlessly into the interior.
Some may prefer refrigerator doors with natural wood panels that complement rustic décor while others may prefer stainless steel appliances for a clean and modern look.
Talk to Natalie Gregory & Co. to find luxury homes with top of the line appliances today. You can also reach us at 404.550.5113 and Natalie(dotted)Gregory(at)Compass(dotted)com. We give you exclusive access to Atlanta’s finest listings.