Things That Stay In The House In Foreclosure

[nioka]

IMO, items like refrigerators, washers and dryers, and in many cases dishwashers are a simple plug-in item. Why not take them or sell them?
However, as Justbroke pointed out fixtures are a no-no.

[justbroke]

If you do want your ceiling fans, assuming they are expensive ones, why not replace them with an inexpensive light fixture?

You could do that.

[Pjmax]

If you do want your ceiling fans, assuming they are expensive ones, why not replace them with an inexpensive light fixture?

[bcohen]

Working in the HVAC industry during the height of the foreclosure crisis, I had the "pleasure" of being in many houses which were purchased at foreclosure auctions. I was amazed by the range in condition--some people left everything, even their clothes and food in the cupboards, whereas some people took EVERYTHING, even the toilets, kitchen sink, and of course the furnace and air conditioner! And for some reason, the people who took the furnace and air conditioner also saw the need to smash or take the thermostat and cut the refrigerant pipes flush to the wall, so we had to run a new lineset as well!

Most people left their house in broom-clean condition, and took ONLY appliances which connect to an electrical outlet--the refrigerator, stove, clothes washer, and clothes dryer. Taking light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, or built-in appliances will cause much more damage than the item is worth anyways. Some lenders may choose to file criminal charges if they believe you have deliberately vandalized the house.

[justbroke]

You do not need to take any "fixtures" or appliances. Fixtures are anything attached to the home by a permanent means (like screws, nails, etc). People take their pictures, but usually leave mirrors. You could take the refrigerator and washer/dryer and even the stove (if it's not built-in). However, gutting the home is not the same as taking the refrigerator. That means, don't start stripping the home of doors, hardware (like knobs), windows, non-window A/C units, furnace, sinks, etc.

Some homeowners have stripped their foreclosure homes, but it's not really a good idea. It is up to you what you decide to take with you. If it's nailed down, screwed in, and maybe even glued or cemented, you probably shouldn't take it.

[keepmine]

If you want the fan and blinds, take 'em.
Leave the mirrors if you don't want them.
Personally, I'd not take any appliances unless I paid for them.

[Lilyat108x]

I didn't mean to post this submission twice.

[Lilyat108x]

I have some mirrors in my dining room that have been glued to the wall with mastic. Please tell me I don't have to take those down. What about ceiling fans that I bought? There was nothing there before the ceiling fans. What about window blinds? I know I should leave the stove and dishwasher but how about the original refrigerator?