When you’re buying a home in South Tampa’s 33606 ZIP code, it’s easy to focus on the big things—the location, floor plan, price, condition, and neighborhood. But after more than 40 years of combined real estate experience, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz know that some of the smallest details can create the biggest misunderstandings at closing.
One of those details is personal property.
If you fall in love with a home in Hyde Park, Davis Islands, Hyde Park West, or another part of 33606 because it comes beautifully furnished or has specific appliances, window treatments, outdoor equipment, or mounted features, don’t assume everything you see will automatically stay after the sale.
What Is Personal Property in a Home Sale?
Under the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase, the property being purchased can include both real property and personal property. The contract specifically identifies certain personal property items that are included unless excluded, including items such as ranges and ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, disposals, ceiling fans, light fixtures, blinds, window treatments, garage-door openers, thermostats, doorbells, television wall mounts and hardware, and certain storm-protection items.
But here's where buyers need to pay attention: not everything visible in the home is necessarily included.
For example, a seller's freestanding furniture, artwork, decorative mirrors, outdoor furniture, or other belongings may remain personal property unless the parties specifically agree otherwise.
And something that surprises buyers is the washer and dryer. Under the standard contract language, they are not automatically included simply because they are sitting in the laundry room. If a buyer wants them included, they should be specifically identified in the contract.
Don't Rely Solely on the MLS Listing
This is one of the most important points Emeri and Joe emphasize with buyers.
If you want something to stay, make sure it's addressed in the contract.
Florida Realtors specifically notes that an MLS listing does not automatically make an item part of the purchase agreement. The contract controls what the buyer receives.
That can become particularly important in a desirable 33606 property where sellers may have invested significantly in custom lighting, window treatments, outdoor furnishings, built-ins, or other improvements.
If you see something you love, tell your agent before submitting the offer.
What About Fixtures?
The distinction between a fixture and personal property can sometimes be less obvious.
Generally, fixtures and attached improvements are treated differently from movable personal belongings. The standard Florida contract includes existing improvements and fixtures unless specifically excluded.
But Emeri and Joe always recommend addressing anything that could reasonably create confusion rather than relying on assumptions.
A custom chandelier, wall-mounted television, specialized equipment, pool-related item, or other feature may generate different expectations between buyer and seller. Florida Realtors has specifically identified items such as water softeners, pumps, garage-door openers, security systems, satellite dishes, and pool equipment as examples that can create questions about whether something is included.
A Simple Rule for 33606 Buyers
Our advice at The Lewkowicz Group is straightforward: if you care about an item, identify it.
Before making an offer, walk through the property carefully and consider the appliances, lighting, window treatments, mounted equipment, outdoor items, and other features that matter to you.
For sellers, the same principle applies. If there is a family heirloom chandelier, artwork, furniture piece, or other item you plan to take with you, make sure it is clearly excluded.
With Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz's more than four decades of combined experience in the Tampa real estate market, they understand that successful transactions often come down to clarity. In South Tampa ZIP Code 33606, where properties can have distinctive architectural features and thoughtfully designed interiors, getting the details right can help prevent unnecessary surprises between contract and closing.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in 33606, understanding exactly what stays with the home is an important part of understanding the transaction itself.
