Objections

The seller asks if he or she can keep the old washing machine

When a seller asks to keep an old washing machine or another specific item, it often signals an emotional attachment to the item or a desire to reduce moving costs, rather than the item's intrinsic value. Your honest answer depends on the deal's terms, your willingness to be flexible, and how much hassle you want to avoid during cleanout.

October 30, 2026 · 3 min read

Why the request comes up

A seller's request to keep a specific item, even an old appliance, often stems from a mix of practical and emotional reasons. He or she might genuinely need the item for his or her new home, or views it as a way to save money on buying a new one. For some, it is simply easier to take a familiar item than dispose of it or acquire a new one.

Beyond practicality, sentimental value can play a significant role. An old washing machine might have been a wedding gift, or a fixture in the home for decades, carrying personal meaning beyond its functional worth. It is rarely about the value of the item itself.

Your "as-is" contract and personal property

Your "as-is" contract typically states that you are buying the property in its current condition, including any fixtures and usually excluding personal property. Appliances like washing machines can fall into a gray area, sometimes considered personal property but often expected to convey with the house.

If your contract explicitly states what conveys and what does not, refer to that. If not, this request becomes a negotiation point. The goal is to avoid disputes and keep the deal moving forward smoothly.

Weighing the cost vs. benefit of saying yes

Consider the actual effort and cost involved if you say no. If the seller leaves the old washing machine, you will have to pay for its removal. This might be a minimal expense, but it is an expense nonetheless. If the seller takes it, that is one less thing for you to handle.

On the other hand, if the item is something you genuinely want to keep for the property or for another project, then the benefit of saying no might outweigh the cost of removal. Most often, for an old appliance, letting the seller take it is a net positive for you.

How to politely decline

If you decide you do not want the seller to take the item, be polite but firm. You might say, "Our offer was based on the property conveying with all existing fixtures and appliances, as it was viewed." Or, "We prefer to keep all appliances with the house as part of the as-is sale."

Avoid making it sound personal. Frame it as a standard business practice or a condition of your offer. If the seller pushes back, you might offer a small credit for a new appliance if the deal is large enough to absorb it, or reiterate the terms of your agreement.

How to agree and manage expectations

Often, the easiest solution for an old, unwanted appliance is to agree. You can say, "Yes, that's fine. We're happy for you to take it. In fact, that saves us from having to remove it ourselves." This turns the request into a benefit for you, making the seller feel accommodated while reducing your own workload.

If you agree, ensure it is clearly documented in an addendum to the purchase agreement. State exactly what item is being removed and by when. This prevents any misunderstandings or last-minute issues at closing, where another item might mysteriously disappear.

Documenting the agreement

Regardless of whether you agree or decline, any deviation from the original contract regarding personal property needs to be documented in writing. A simple addendum explicitly stating that the washing machine (or any other item) is included or excluded from the sale is sufficient.

This documentation protects both you and the seller and prevents any disputes during or after closing. It ensures there are no surprises when you take possession of the property, and that the seller understands his or her responsibilities for removal.

Questions people ask

What if the washing machine is broken?

If it's broken, it's often better to let the seller take it. This saves you the cost and effort of disposal. Frame it as a convenience for both parties, as you would have had to remove it anyway.

Should I charge the seller a fee to keep it?

Unless the item is valuable and explicitly included in your offer, charging a fee can complicate the negotiation. For an old washing machine, the goodwill and convenience of the seller removing it often outweigh any small fee you might consider.

What if the seller asks to keep many items?

If it's more than one or two minor items, you need to reassess. Decide if the overall condition of the house and what's left behind still meets your offer's assumptions. Negotiate item by item or set a clear limit.