Short answer: In a typical Texas resale contract, attached fixtures, built-in items and listed accessories generally stay with the home unless the signed contract specifically excludes them. Freestanding personal property does not automatically convey. El Paso and Horizon City buyers and sellers should identify every disputed item in writing before signing, rather than relying on a listing photo, verbal promise or assumption.
Published by Casa By Owner on November 3, 2026, for buyers and sellers in El Paso, Horizon City and the Fort Bliss area.
What does the current Texas resale contract say stays with the house?
The current TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), Form 20-19, became effective July 1, 2026. Paragraph 2 defines the land, improvements and accessories that make up the property being sold.
Paragraph 2B includes the house, garage and other attached fixtures and improvements. Its examples include permanently installed and built-in equipment and appliances, screens, shutters, wall-to-wall carpeting, mirrors, ceiling fans, television mounts and brackets, heating and air-conditioning units, security and fire-detection equipment, plumbing and lighting fixtures, chandeliers, water-softener systems, kitchen equipment, garage-door openers, landscaping, outdoor cooking equipment and generators.
The phrase "including without limitation" matters: the printed list is not intended to be the only possible set of attached items. If an item could create disagreement, the safest practical step is to name it in the contract rather than debate its status after closing.
Which accessories are included even if they are not permanently attached?
Paragraph 2C lists related accessories that are part of the property if present. Examples include:
- window air-conditioning units;
- the stove;
- fireplace screens and artificial logs;
- curtains, rods, blinds, shades and draperies;
- door and mailbox keys;
- an above-ground pool;
- pool equipment and maintenance accessories;
- security systems that are not fixtures; and
- controls for garage doors, entry gates and other improvements.
The contract's definition of controls includes transferable rights to software and applications used to operate improvements or accessories, plus hardware used only to control them. That language is important for smart locks, gate controls, garage-door applications and similar connected-home equipment.
Do the refrigerator, washer and dryer stay with an El Paso home?
Not automatically. The current TREC contract specifically lists a stove among the accessories, but it does not simply state that every freestanding refrigerator, washer or dryer conveys. If the parties want personal property to remain, they should identify it carefully in the contract documents.
TREC's Non-Realty Items Addendum, Form 57-0, is designed for personal property that is not already covered by Paragraph 2B or 2C. The form tells the parties to specify each item carefully, including its description, model number, serial number, location or other identifying information when appropriate.
That level of detail helps prevent a seller from unintentionally substituting a different appliance and helps a buyer understand exactly what is included. A listing description such as "refrigerator included" should be carried into the signed contract or addendum if the parties intend it to be enforceable.
Can an El Paso seller take a chandelier, TV mount or generator?
A seller who wants to keep an improvement or accessory should list it in Paragraph 2D, Exclusions. The current contract says excluded improvements and accessories will be retained by the seller and must be removed before possession is delivered.
That means a seller should not wait until move-out day to decide that a favorite chandelier, attached mirror, TV bracket or generator is personal. If the seller intends to keep it, identify it before the contract is signed. The parties can also address whether the seller will replace an excluded item and what condition the wall, wiring or mounting area must be left in.
A television itself may be personal property, while the attached mount and bracket are expressly listed among improvements. Clear written exclusions are especially useful when marketing photos show both together.
What about leased solar panels, security systems and water softeners?
Ownership and attachment are separate questions. Paragraph 4B of the current resale contract addresses fixture leases and gives examples such as solar panels, propane tanks, water softeners and security systems. When a fixture is leased, the contract calls for the Addendum Regarding Fixture Leases.
Before listing or making an offer, verify:
- whether the seller owns, finances or leases the equipment;
- the company named in the agreement;
- the payoff, transfer or approval process;
- any monthly payment or remaining term; and
- which account, application and hardware must transfer at closing.
For more detail on solar agreements, read Casa By Owner's El Paso solar-panel seller checklist.
How should smart-home devices be handled before closing?
Write down the device and the transfer steps. A smart thermostat, video doorbell, security hub, garage controller or gate application may involve attached hardware, a cloud account, a subscription and personal data. The parties should not assume that transferring the device automatically transfers every service or recording.
A useful closing checklist includes:
- Confirm whether the device and any hub or control remain.
- Identify any leased equipment or paid subscription.
- Complete the manufacturer's ownership-transfer process when available.
- Remove the seller's personal account and stored data after the buyer can register the device.
- Deliver codes, remotes and hardware at the agreed time without sharing unrelated passwords.
What should buyers verify during the final walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is the time to confirm that the property still contains the improvements, accessories and agreed personal property named in the contract. Compare the signed documents with the home, not only with the listing photos.
Check that:
- included appliances and accessories are present;
- excluded fixtures were removed as agreed;
- walls, wiring or cabinets were not damaged by removals;
- garage, gate and security controls are available;
- keys, remotes and pool equipment are ready for delivery; and
- leased-equipment transfer requirements have been addressed.
If something is missing or damaged, notify the real estate and title teams before closing so the parties can determine the appropriate written solution.
What should El Paso sellers do before photography and showings?
Create an inclusion-and-exclusion list before the home is photographed. This is especially important for decorative light fixtures, wall-mounted televisions, garage storage systems, outdoor kitchens, cameras, water softeners, refrigerators and patio equipment.
If an item will not convey, consider removing and replacing it before marketing begins. Buyers are less likely to build expectations around an item that was never shown with the home. Also disclose leased fixtures early so the buyer and lender have time to review the documents.
Casa By Owner's El Paso home-selling page can help sellers organize pricing, preparation and contract details before the listing goes live.
Texas fixtures and personal property FAQ
Do curtains stay with the house in Texas?
The current TREC resale contract lists curtains and rods, blinds, window shades, and draperies and rods among accessories. A seller who wants to retain a particular item should address it as a written exclusion.
Does a wall-mounted television stay?
The television itself should be addressed separately if the parties want it to convey. The current contract expressly lists mounts and brackets for televisions and speakers among improvements.
Can a seller replace an included appliance before closing?
The parties should identify the agreed item carefully. For personal property, model and serial numbers can reduce substitution disputes. Any later change should be documented in a written agreement signed by the parties.
Does a security camera stay with the property?
It depends on the equipment, attachment, ownership and contract language. The TREC contract includes security equipment and certain controls, but leased equipment and personal accounts require additional review. Name the device and transfer process in writing.
Is a listing description enough to make an item part of the sale?
The signed contract controls the transaction. If a listing or showing creates an expectation about an item, include that item clearly in the contract or applicable addendum.
Can a buyer ask for furniture to remain?
Yes, the parties can negotiate personal property, but it should be described carefully in the Non-Realty Items Addendum. Buyers should also ask their lender whether personal-property terms affect underwriting or appraisal requirements.
Put every important item in writing
Casa By Owner helps El Paso, Horizon City and Fort Bliss-area buyers and sellers identify contract details before they become closing-day disputes. Buyers can review the El Paso Home Buyer Guide, and buyers or sellers can contact Casa By Owner for help preparing a clear offer or listing plan.
This article provides general real estate information and is not legal advice. Contract language, property facts and equipment agreements vary. Consult your real estate professional and a Texas attorney when legal interpretation is needed.