‘I like the house. I’d like all the furniture, too’

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It could be a sign of how sought-after Metro Vancouver homes are, in this hot real estate market.

Local real estate agents are hearing a lot ‘I’ll take it…..all of it!’ as they seal the deal between buyer and homeowner.

“It’s more common than you might think,” says Royal Lepage realtor Aaron Jasper, explaining that foreign homebuyers often want the home, along with some or all of its furnishings.

“The buyer is looking at this, at best, as part-time accommodation. Or perhaps it’s going to be a home in a year or two, so in the meantime, they’ll rent it to tenants who want something furnished.”

In fact, he knows of buyers, while waiting for the official move-in date, inviting prospective tenants into the home that is still occupied by the original homeowners in an effort to get it rented the minute it is vacant.

“Most realtors will tell you that it is indicative of a purchase that’s for investment purposes.”

Whether the sellers are ready to leave their stuff behind is another question. Jasper says at the very least sellers should be flattered that someone else likes their furniture. Plus, letting go of the furniture saves on moving costs.

And Jasper points out the seller would naturally have to be properly compensated for the items that would need replacing.

What are the weirdest things Jasper has heard buyers want kept in the home? The pool table and potted plants in the backyard.