When you have found the house you are ready to buy, you might assume you will get everything you see, besides the family's furnishings. That is not always the case.

Even if the multiple listing profile lists certain items that are to convey with the house – lawn furniture, window shades, a special chandelier, washer and dryer – those items might not remain behind. How can you be certain you are getting what you think you are paying for?

Here are some tips:

List everything in the purchase contract, a legally binding document that defines the terms of the sale. When offering a price for the house, state exactly what you expect to convey with the house.

Even if it gets messy, do not retype the original contract, because some provisions could get left out.

You can also list items not specifically indicated by the seller, such as living room drapes, that you want to convey with the house, and negotiate for the value of the added items.