OP, it's D.C. So many have taste, and so many are shallow and judgmental - you really care what anyone thinks? It is worth asking!

Sustainable planet solution. Great idea OP!

Go for it! My parents bought a dining set and hutch from the seller about 30 years ago. they still have all of it to this day, and it's the nicest furniture they've ever had! It doesn't seem cheap (although who cares if it does) - it seems pragmatic. the stuff is already there and was bought for that house.

Buy it without any qualms! BUT make sure it is not linked to the house purchase - thats where it gets complicated.

I think it's a great idea, and they would probably be flattered that you like their furniture enough to want it to stay in the house. Good luck, OP!

(if neighbors say anything, just say, "we loved the couch they had so we bought it from them.")

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't you feel a little embarrassed to have your new neighbors know that you are living with the previous owner's discards?

Are you kidding? How snobby! Someone no longer news something, someone else likes it and needs it. Why on earth wouldn't they give it to them or sell it to them? What else would they do? thow it away? How wasteful.

Not everyone can afford or prioritizes brand new things.

Depending on when the sellers got the items and where, OP can call them vintage or even antique. My DH's family is one that likes to pass down family antiques. I guess PP would think those are someone else's discards, too.

Good luck OP!

+1 to PP - we did the same, and are so happy with the situation--the sellers didn't need much of what they had, going from a big SFH to a condo in FL, so it was the perfect solution for us all. They had very simple but good quality furniture, and it suits us just fine. Am not in the least embarrassed. What a strange POV--or maybe I am just not high-society enough. Frankly, I don't envisage inviting neighbors who would care about such things over.

To the OP: we handled it with an easygoing question sent through our respective realtors --if you don't need XYZ we'd be happy to purchase it from you. They sent back a list of a number of items, our XYZ+a few more, we said yes to almost all (a couple we did not need), they quoted a very fair price, and we paid it (via a separate check, so it was a side arrangement). I am sure there are many ways to do such things. Not at all unusual, I think.

I was in a similar situation and bought some of the sellers' furniture (queen bed frame, bistro set on patio, etc.) that they no longer needed. I just had my realtor handle the negotiations for that. I don't recall exactly how it went down, but I think they made an offer that was fair and we accepted. I suppose we would have countered had it been high. This was after the contract was in place but before closing.

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't you feel a little embarrassed to have your new neighbors know that you are living with the previous owner's discards?

Wow. How did you manage to find the time to write such a thoughtful post, what with all your charity volunteer work and all?


OP--If the furniture is nice and appeals to you, go for it and make an offer. Congratulations on moving into a new home. It's yours and you can furnish it however you like. If you don't have to spend time and money shopping for furniture, this is a great solution for all parties involved.

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't you feel a little embarrassed to have your new neighbors know that you are living with the previous owner's discards?

How ridiculous! Question is: don't you feel embarrassed to be so concerned about the judgement of others? Do what works for you and have the confidence to not worry about the petty thoughts of neighbors or anyone else (assuming they care at all).

Anonymous wrote:Wouldn't you feel a little embarrassed to have your new neighbors know that you are living with the previous owner's discards?

Are you kidding? How snobby! Someone no longer news something, someone else likes it and needs it. Why on earth wouldn't they give it to them or sell it to them? What else would they do? thow it away? How wasteful.

Not everyone can afford or prioritizes brand new things.

OP. Yes, it does feel a little embarrassing, especially since it's a neighborhood where the people are probably not buying used furniture.

Wouldn't you feel a little embarrassed to have your new neighbors know that you are living with the previous owner's discards?

Anything is possible. My parents did this when they were downsizing. It's not bizarre or unheard of. Talk with your realtor.

We are moving from a small condo furnished with hand-me-down and Ikea furniture to a relatively large SFH and will need lots of furniture. We are not good at interior decorating and the thought of having to tastefully furnish the new house makes me queasy (can't afford to use a designer). The sellers of our house are downsizing, and we really like their furniture. If we could buy their stuff, which is all in great condition and good quality, it would be the perfect solution to our dilemma. Has anyone done this before and how did you handle it?