If a personal property item is not included in a purchase contract, what will happen to that item at closing?

When a personal property item is not included in a purchase contract, it will remain the property of the seller at closing. This principle relies on the legal notion that only items explicitly included or addressed in the purchase agreement are considered part of the sale. Essentially, if an item is not mentioned, the assumption is that the seller retains ownership.

This situation emphasizes the importance of diligence in the sales process. Buyers need to ensure that any personal property they wish to acquire is specifically listed in the contract to avoid misunderstandings at closing. Items such as furniture, appliances, or other personal belongings typically fall into this category and must be explicitly mentioned to become part of the sale. Therefore, if an item wasn't included in the contract, it remains with the seller, ensuring that the buyer cannot claim it unless there is specific agreement otherwise.