Is a seller responsible for paying for a furnace buyer wanted in order to buy?

Tina, no, a seller is generally not required to replace a working furnace just because a buyer wants a new one, and I would question whether you needed to take that loan at all. In most sales, repairs are a negotiation, not an obligation. The buyer asks for a repair or credit, you can accept, counter, or say no, and the buyer then decides whether to proceed or walk away if their contract allows. The exception is when something is required by the buyer's lender, the appraiser, or the insurance company, or when the furnace actually fails an inspection for safety (for example a cracked heat exchanger or a carbon monoxide risk). Preferences about age or brand are not requirements. Here is what I would ask now: was the demand tied to a written inspection report or a lender or appraiser condition? A furnace that is maintained and working can often be handled with an HVAC technician's written evaluation saying it is safe and functioning, which many buyers accept. And if there is still room to negotiate, offer a credit at closing instead of a new unit, since a credit costs you less than financing a replacement. If the furnace is already ordered, check whether your contract treats it as an agreed repair, and ask for the repair to be paid out of the sale proceeds rather than a personal loan if possible. Going forward, a pre-listing inspection helps you see these issues before a buyer does. I am a real estate professional, not an attorney, so check your contract with your agent or an attorney. I work in the Palos Verdes and South Bay area of Los Angeles, so for Washington I would point you to a strong local agent, and I am glad to help you find one. Zoltan Peresztegi Zoltan

I'm sorry. That's a frustrating spot, especially for a furnace that was working fine. Here's the honest answer. A seller usually doesn't have to replace a working furnace. A buyer can ask for anything after inspection, and you can say no, offer a credit, or offer a lower price. But once you agree to a repair in writing, it becomes part of the contract, and then it's on you to do it. It sounds like you've already put it in. If so, it's probably done, and going back to the buyer for the money usually isn't realistic. A few things still worth doing: Make sure the furnace's warranty and receipts go to the buyer at closing. It's a selling point, and it protects you if anyone claims it wasn't done. If you haven't closed yet and the deal falls apart, that new furnace adds value for the next buyer. Use it in your marketing. If you felt rushed or weren't told you could counter, talk to your agent's managing broker. That's fair feedback, even if it doesn't change this deal. For next time, when a buyer asks for a big-ticket replacement on something that works, get a licensed HVAC tech to inspect it and write up the condition. Then counter with a closing credit or a smaller price cut. A credit is often cheaper than doing the work, and you don't have to front the cash. I'm licensed in Virginia, and your contract and state rules control here. If you think the buyer's demand broke the contract terms, a local real estate attorney can tell you for sure.

That's a rough spot, Tina. Paying off a loan for a furnace you don't even have access to anymore really stings. Whether the buyer owes you anything usually comes down to what you signed. When a buyer asks for a repair after inspection and the seller agrees to it in writing, that cost generally stays with the seller once the sale closes. It's treated as part of the deal you negotiated, even if the old furnace was in great shape. If the sale never closed, that's a different conversation. Go through your purchase agreement and any repair addendum and see whether they say anything about a repair the seller already paid for when the buyer backs out. Your listing agent should be your first call, since they negotiated that request with the buyer's side. My license covers California only, so have a real estate attorney near Kent read your paperwork and tell you if there's anything to recover. Alla Novytska, Realtor®, JohnHart Real Estate, DRE #02254775

Typically if it was a condition of their offer, and it was in writing, and both parties agreed via signature, you would be on the hook for the replacement. If you are asking before or after the closing, have your agent review the documents and what items are on the repair request so there are no other surprises. If it was not in writing or agreed to by both parties, you are not bound to replace the furnace. Did you sign an agreement or repair addendum promising to replace it?

The paperwork is what needs to be checked here. The buyer wanting a new furnace doesn't, by itself, tell us who agreed to pay for it or repay the loan you took out. Have your agent and broker review the purchase agreement, any repair agreement, the furnace invoice and the financing documents with you. Ask them to point out exactly what you agreed to cover and whether any reimbursement was documented. If the sale has closed, include the closing statement in that review. I wouldn't assume the buyer owes you reimbursement just because they requested the replacement. If someone promised repayment and the documents don't reflect that, keep those messages and have a local real estate attorney review the discrepancy. Austin Moore Broker/Owner, Austin Moore & Company Real Estate Realtor in Longview, Texas

Wasn't this done before closing as part of their home inspection requests? If so and you agreed to do so, yes you would pay for this. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States