I have been working with a lot of buyers lately who like most have been interested in foreclosure homes. I can say that I have seen my share of bank-owned properties that range from very good condition all the way down to “bring out the wrecking ball”. Throughout all these properties that I have viewed, I have always wondered why the owners take the appliances.

The obvious is that they are trying to take anything that is not bolted down and leave the bank with a shell of a home. But still I can’t get over the fact that most of these homes have very basic appliances to start with and by taking them, what do they plan to do with them? Where are they all going? Who has them? Are they for sale?

It seems that with all these empty homes missing appliances they have to end up somewhere.  Most homes have the basic stove and dishwasher. So if these are taken out, who would want them? If the owner went to a new residence, chances are the new place would have them. So what would they do with appliances with a combined value of under $200????

I suppose they end up at a flea market or used appliance stores but I just can imagine it is worth the effort to take these used appliances for a few dollars. Im sure somewhere there is an underground business for this. Maybe there is a Fred Sanford out on the street making a living selling these used appliances back to the new owners who bought a foreclosure home missing appliances.  If someone has a better suggestion, im all ears.