When buying a home, you expect to inherit the property, not the peculiar possessions of its previous owners. Yet, countless new homeowners have discovered that some sellers leave behind more than they bargained for. From the quirky to the downright bizarre, these forgotten items tell stories of lives once lived in the spaces we now call home. Whether these discoveries bring delight, confusion, or a trip to the nearest disposal site, they make memorable tales.
Here’s a look at some of the most unusual items left behind by sellers, exploring the mystery, humor, and sometimes eerie questions they inspire.
Hidden Treasures (and Trash)
Some new homeowners strike gold—literally. Stories abound of jewelry, cash, or rare coins found stashed in forgotten nooks. A family in New York discovered a hidden safe in the basement containing thousands of dollars and vintage baseball cards. Conversely, others uncover collections of empty pizza boxes or ancient newspapers stacked like archaeological artifacts.
Quirky Collections
Certain items seem to reflect the unique personality of the previous occupant. A buyer in Texas discovered an entire room filled with vintage clown memorabilia, complete with mannequins dressed in circus attire. Another reported finding an extensive assortment of porcelain dolls, each meticulously arranged and staring eerily into the empty home.
Pets (Alive and Otherwise)
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to inherit unexpected tenants. Abandoned aquariums, forgotten goldfish, or even a stray cat left behind are surprisingly frequent finds. More shockingly, one couple discovered a taxidermied crocodile mounted in the attic, left as a peculiar farewell gift.
The Eerie and Unexplained
Some discoveries are less amusing and more spine-tingling. From cryptic notes scrawled on walls to hidden trapdoors leading to long-forgotten basements, these finds leave homeowners wondering about the house’s past. One chilling tale involves a homeowner who uncovered a chest of antique dolls buried in the backyard, each with a name tag.
Large-Scale Surprises
Not all items can be packed easily, which explains why some sellers leave cumbersome objects behind. Hot tubs, trampolines, or even vehicles have been discovered post-sale. In one extreme case, a buyer found an entire boat parked in the backyard without a trailer.
Sentimental Keepsakes
Old photo albums, love letters, or children’s toys often find new owners. While some view these as relics of a bygone era, others see them as a bittersweet reminder of lives once intertwined with the home.
How to Handle the Unexpected
While discovering an unusual item can be amusing or fascinating, it’s not always welcome. Here’s what you can do:
- Document the Find: Take photos and note where and when you found the item.
- Contact the Seller: If the item seems valuable or sentimental, contact the seller through your realtor.
- Know Your Rights: Most home purchase agreements require the seller to remove all personal items unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Embrace the Mystery: For some homeowners, an odd leftover can be a conversation starter or a quirky piece of the home’s history.
Conclusion
The items left behind by sellers often spark intrigue and imagination, serving as unexpected remnants of a home’s previous chapter. While some discoveries are heartwarming and others perplexing, they all add to the layered narrative of a place you’ll soon call your own. So, next time you’re handed the keys to a new home, be prepared for surprises—you never know what you might find behind the curtains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common items left behind by sellers?
Cleaning supplies, paint cans, tools, and small furniture are the most commonly forgotten items. Sellers might assume these are helpful to the new homeowner or forget to remove them. Appliances such as old refrigerators or washing machines are often left behind, especially if they are bulky or outdated.
Are sellers legally required to remove all their belongings?
In most cases, sellers are obligated to leave the property “broom clean,” meaning it should be free of personal items unless the buyer and seller agreed otherwise during the sale. If the seller leaves unwanted items, the buyer may have the right to request their removal or be reimbursed for disposal costs. It’s always a good idea to check the specific terms in the purchase agreement.
What’s the weirdest thing someone has found in a newly purchased home?
Reports vary widely, but some of the strangest finds include:
- A fully functioning 1970s arcade game in a basement.
- A hidden safe containing old coins and a pistol.
- A mannequin posed as a bride, left standing in a bedroom closet.
- Each of these finds adds a mix of surprise, humor, or even creepiness to the homeowner’s experience.
Can I keep valuable items left behind in my new home?
Legally, items left behind after the transfer of ownership usually become the buyer’s property. However, if the item is valuable or personal (e.g., jewelry, family heirlooms), contacting the seller via the real estate agent is considered courteous. In some cases, local laws may require you to hold onto the item for a specified period before claiming ownership.
How should I dispose of unwanted items left by the seller?
- Small Items: Donate usable goods to charity or recycle them if possible.
- Large Items: Schedule a bulk trash pickup through your local waste management service or hire a junk removal company.
- Hazardous Materials: Items like paint, cleaning chemicals, or batteries must be disposed of through a hazardous waste facility.
What should I do if I find something suspicious or illegal?
If you uncover something illegal, such as drugs or unregistered firearms, you should contact local authorities immediately. To preserve evidence, avoid touching or tampering with the item. If the item seems suspicious but not overtly illegal, consider consulting a professional, such as a historian or appraiser if it appears historically significant.
Are there any heartwarming stories about items left behind?
Absolutely! Many homeowners report finding sentimental treasures, like family photo albums or handwritten letters, that offer a glimpse into the lives of the previous owners. One notable example includes a couple discovering an antique quilt with a handwritten note explaining its 100-year history. These finds often inspire a sense of connection to the home’s past.
Why do sellers leave things behind in the first place?
Sellers might leave items behind for several reasons:
- They forget about them during the hectic moving process.
- Items need to be bigger or more convenient to transport.
- They assume the buyer might find the items useful.
- In rare cases, they intentionally leave a surprise or gift as a farewell gesture.
What should I do if the seller leaves behind pets or plants?
For live animals or plants:
- Pets: If you find an abandoned pet, contact the seller or previous occupant. If they are unresponsive, take the pet to a local shelter or veterinarian to ensure proper care.
- Plants: Decide whether you want to keep them. If not, offer them to neighbors or donate them to a community garden.
How can I prevent surprises when buying a home?
- Thorough Walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough before closing the deal to ensure the property is cleared of unwanted items.
- Detailed Contract: Include clear terms in the purchase agreement about what items should stay or be removed.
- Open Communication: Maintain good communication with the seller via your real estate agent to clarify expectations.
