To me, it would depend on what shape the old ones were in. If they are pretty bad, I'd say replace them. Most homes sell with appliances included and they may not want a big out-of-pocket expenditure if they are selling their own house.

Thanks francy, just to clarify, there are no appliances in the kitchen, the ones the previous owner had were too old to keep.

In the United States, it is generally assumed that a home will convey with basic kitchen appliances like a stove and a dishwasher if there is a place for a dishwasher. Moving a refrigerator (one that is not built in) seems to be somewhat regional. If your flip is targeted to first-time buyers, then having an updated refrigerator in place would be a bonus.
Microwaves are usually built-in in newer homes.

I can only speak for where I live and trends/markets vary depending on where you are but yes most buyers interested in buying an owner occupied property (not a foreclosure or short sale) will want to see appliances in place but the prices of those homes is typically higher than a distressed sale and therefore warranted. Your property is an investment property and expectations can be a little different depending on where you are.

There are really a couple of things to consider, one being the neighborhood and income bracket of the area the property is in. If your flip is in a more modest or even a lower income neighborhood, buyers tend to have a tighter budget and having to buy new appliances could reasonably be a hardship for most; in this case, new appliances should go in. Other things to consider are what other competitive properties in the area are doing and that you may experience a hit in an offer because the appliances are missing.

If you are in a competitive market with an ample inventory of competitive listings, not having those appliances could make a difference. That said, if you really don't want to get them, the other option would be to offer a concession of cash at closing so the buyer can buy their own. Not the most ideal approach because your flip could look unfinished but least the issue would be addressed with the buyer.

The best thing you can do would be to find out what the market trends/demands are for your specific area. As IâÂÂm sure you already know, a Realtor who is familiar with your neighborhood is going to be your best resource and will be able to answer these types of questions pretty easily.

I think I might rather buy my own so I could get something more to my liking.

If you don't supply appliances, be prepared to lower your asking price to allow for the purchase of appliances. As a buyer, I would low ball my offer in such a case.

Thanks for your opinions ladies. Originally, our thought was to buy the appliances, but I read an article where it said, buyers would prefer to buy their own appliances, just as gibby says, more to their liking, white vs stainless, as an example.

goldust, the price of the house would reflect the fact that there were no appliances.

I would not waste my time on low ball offers.

I would expect that appliances would be included in the home. That said, I personally would like the option of buying my own appliances vs. something that was bought for a flip and isn't what i'd want to cook on for the next 15 years.

How about you come up with a figure that you're comfortable with and as part of the listing say (just as an example) - price includes a $2500 appliance budget. That way the owner picks out what they want.

if you just decrease the price by the same amount, then the home buyer is going to have to come up with the $$ to buy appliances outside of the house purchase, and they may not have the funds or want to go into additional debt to buy them after the fact.

Interestingly, this exact thing happened to my brother. He was buying a condo that had been taken over by a bank. In order to get a mortgage, the lender required the condo to have appliances installed. So, the seller went out and bought appliances, but they were not anything like what my brother had in mind. So, after the sale closed, he sold them all and bought new. I'm sure he would have paid a few thousand more for the condo with better quality appliances that he had the option to pick out.

Interesting carol. I never thought about the appliance budget, food for thought, thanks

The appliances, if we bought, would fit-in with the buyers' expectations of such a home.

I'm good with most neutral appliances. White, stainless, and/or black are all fine with me. Having an appliance that I really disliked (I'm not a fan of flat-top electric stoves, for example) would be a ding against a property, but having no appliances at all would be a bigger one. I would see it as having a big must-do before I could even move in because living someplace without a refrigerator or stove would be a major inconvenience.

Plus I have to admit that every time I've moved, I've had a certain amount of decision fatigue just from trying to settle on the place. I don't think I'd want to have to start researching stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers on top of everything else.

If your buyer wants an FHA loan, the house must have appliances to pass an FHA appraisal--in my experience. If you are seeking cash buyers, appliances won't matter, but they will want a discount.

If I were you, I'd do appliances.

If you are using a Realtor, I'd follow their advice.

My mother's townhouse was on the market for less than a week before it sold (not yet finalized). I totally followed my Realtor's advice on refurbishing and asking price. She did purchase a new stove and DW to replace the lovely (not!!!) harvest gold ones.

Thanks everyone, we went ahead and ordered our appliances today.

I think you did the right thing. Most buyers in today's market expect to find appliances in place at the time of their purchase. The only time I would discourage buying the appliances would be if you're going to give a credit for the purchase of same in favor of the buyer. However, buying them prior to putting the house on the market allows you to set the price at turn key ready, which in this market is a very good thing for you as the seller. This way there can be no haggling at the cost of purchase of appliances, and you can market the property with "new" appliances.

Good luck on the sale of these flips.