Sounds like Seller's in breach of contract. Issue a notice. See how quick that stuff returns. When it comes to personal property like that though, you almost have to make a detailed and itemized list of the items-- room by room. Otherwise, it's 'he-said-she-said'.

You need a contract addendum and a price reduction.

I think Candice A. Donofrio is right on target here. Hasn't been an issue in my experience

Start with an inventory list dated, signed and attached to the agreement with pictures whenever possible. It'll save some head and heartache for the parties.

If it is going to walk, let it walk before the property is on the market. If it walks and it is in the contract, the seller has a problem!

Had it happen once where a buyer bought site unseen, but plenty of photographs. Seller tried to pull a fast one and the listing agent tried to back him. Seller lost a small fortune, and listing agent was sanctioned and fined by the Board. Buyer wanted what he bargained for and got it.

Attorneys made money, paid by the seller also. 

Outside of mounted speakers and TVs, light fixtures, fountains/water features and appliances, I never make personal property part of the contract. That is a private sale between buyer an seller and for lawyers and small claims.

In you case I'd renegotiate to compensate for the losses.

The contract is typically clear about what is personal property and what is a fixture. In one case the seller had taken some drapes that were already shipped to their new home in Colorado and we made a signed agreement for them to be shipped back in order to close. They were not reserved.

Cancel the contract for breach and move on.  NEXT!   Good luck for the sellers with a sale of a "stripped" property.

I always made a "rule" and it was carved in stone ....I do not get involved with personal property.... and if there's a "fixture" that's to be excluded, remove it and replace it BEFORE I list the property..... I don't have patience for that nonsense...IT'S A TIME DRAIN.

Getting a detailed list with a signed Bill of Sale to match items helps. I recently sold a home with everything in it, including silverware, small appliances, outdoor furniture with no misunderstandings between parties.

A contract is a contract.  THe seller needs to honor it and the buyer can take them to court.  Had to do this with an auction company once, they almost sold things that were attached to the walls at an estate sale.  And they claimed to be realtors too!

Andrew,

I think that Candice A. Donofrio has the perfect answer.  A

I agree with Barbara Todaro 

I recently had a seller remove the window coverings after we completed the final walk-through ... the loan funded and the deed recorded.  I sent a demand to the listing agent and the seller to return the window coverings. The seller did return them.  

Beyond that, what can one do?  These are matters can create work for the legal profession. 

Always include those items in the contract.

Send the seller a bill for everything that disappears, much of it may be returned quickly.

And drop cams may help too.

I have had sellers remove curtains or an appliance simple by misunderstanding. They quickly made it right.

WOW! I smell something fishy.

    Record the serial numbers of appliances when listing "personal property" included in the sale.

     Some sellers will swap out the chef-quality appliances for cheaper ones.

Personal property is messy business. Good luck. -Kasey

If the property disappearing is real property, the seller is violating the terms of the sales agreement. I would start by calling the listing agent.  If you get no where with that, call the managing Broker. If that has no success, the terms of the agreement should have a way to handle disputes between parties.

I had this happen and one of us had to stay cool under false fire (me). A seller who remembers everything forgot about taking things we agree not to take? He couldn't look me in the eye and the other person in the room looked away. I figured it out. Someone close to him convinced him to do different what we already agreed to do first. All things considered, I had discussion with the seller and then with the buyer and I worked it out. Smile because agents clean it all up in the end. Who else would or can?

Personal property that is to convey must be on an addendum or no breach has taken place. On vacant homes that have personal property in them I will often write the offer to say "all property on the premises at the time of this offer to remain with no exceptions". When I have done that I have had NO problems Andrew Mooers 

I had people switch things out one,  we did not close

Andrew Mooers If it's not in the contract the buyer's can't expect these items. If it is in the contract then there is a legal issue.

Best handled by an attorney, but it may be time to reduce the purchase price by the value of the items taken.

I always feel it is why personal property should not be included in a sale. I like a separate agreement for that with some teeth in it

I've not had this happen but if conveyance is part of the contract, seller is obligated to convey or he'sin breach.

If it is in the contract remind them.

All items that area not staying ( fixtures) have to be disclosed as soon as you open escrow and often in MLS before even showings. Seller and his agent have no right to replace or remove anything( unless it is personal items) without buyer approval. 

Andrew Mooers - as long as everything that the seller plans to leave has been in the contract - documented -  it should not be a big deal!

My advice would be small claims court, or seek legal councel 

Candice A. Donofrio nailed this one - head it off at the pass - before it's too late. You don't want to have to address this after Closing, for sure!

When you do the listing walk through ask and then point to what is staying. Write it down, have them SIGN FOR IT! Do those french doors stay? Yes, had a client "take" the antique french doors dividing the dining and living room replacing with white Home Depot cheapies! Write it down. What about THIS light fixture, those curtain which match the bedspread, your big screen TV and the 400 lb anchoring system which will leave the lathe and plaster wall like swiss cheese! I had a guy take up all the pavers in his patio! I got there and nothing but sand! A lovely tranquil oasis became a mirage!

call the broker

I always go over all the inclusions and exclusions in the Listing Agreement before it goes on the market, so there is no gray areas.

I wouldn't allow it. Unless they specifically excluded items from the sale, anything attached to the home should stay.

It's always tricky when realtors get dragged into playing furnature and other personal property salespeople. We should not be responsible for that. The only way to handle that might be to sign a "hold harmless" agreement when you see that those items are written into the agreement.

I'm with Roy Kelley !

Stop the presses...seller is going to court being dragged there by Mr. buyer

In situations like this a video inventory should have been taken at the time the contract was agreed upon. Definitely this needs to stop and the property must be returned to make the buyer whole again.

Letter from attorney