PARAGRAPH 2B OF A STANDARD CONTRACT

Today I’m discussing some of the details of paragraph 2B of the One- to Four-Family Contract, which talks about improvements and accessories. Understanding the finer points of paragraph 2B helps you explain them to your seller and avoid confusion.

When walking through your seller’s house with them, make sure to discuss which items will and will not convey with the property. It’s a good idea to take a copy of this page of the contract to your listing appointment. Some of the items you need to consider that are often forgotten about are curtains and curtain rods, blinds, wine refrigerators, fireplace tools, fireplace screens, and more. Be sure you’re reading that paragraph in the contract carefully.

This tends to be one of the biggest issues that come up after going under contract or at closing. Often, the buyer’s agent and listing agent fail to communicate about these items. 

“Make sure to discuss which items will and will not convey with the property.”

One particular thing to know is that paragraph 2B states that mailbox keys are to convey with the home, which is fine if it’s a privately-owned mailbox. However, if it’s a United States Postal Service mailbox, they stipulate that the mailbox keys should be returned to the post office box and not given to the new owners. That means in paragraph 2D, you need to state upfront that the mailbox keys will be excluded so you don’t have an issue later if the buyer is expecting to receive them.

If you ever have questions about this or any other real estate matter, give us a call or send an email. We would love to help you.