Selling Your Mammoth Property Furnished: What You Should Know

If you’re selling a property in Mammoth Lakes, the question of furnishings isn’t really if—it’s how. Unlike many primary-residence markets, Mammoth is largely made up of second homes and vacation properties. Because of that, most homes are sold furnished.

I often joke that in Mammoth, “it’s sold furnished—whether you want it or not.” And there’s a lot of truth to that.

In many transactions, “furnished” means far more than just couches and beds. It often includes dishes, silverware, TVs, artwork, lamps, kitchenware, ski racks, and everything in between. Buyers are usually expecting a move-in-ready mountain home, not an empty space.

That said, do not assume everything stays.

Furnished Does Not Mean “Everything”

Most sellers will remove personal items—family photos, clothing, toiletries—and often some artwork. Maybe there’s a decorative pair of antique skis they’re especially fond of. Maybe the dining table has sentimental value. That’s all reasonable.

The key is clarity.

If furnishings matter to you as a buyer (and they usually do in Mammoth), your agent needs to make sure they’re clearly addressed in the offer paperwork. Vague language like “sold furnished” can lead to misunderstandings later.

My Best Practice: A Written Inventory

In my transactions, I typically require the seller to provide a written inventory of included and excluded furnishings within seven days of offer acceptance.

This timing is intentional. It falls well within the buyer’s contingency period. If something shows up on the exclusion list that’s a deal breaker—maybe the beds, the main couch, or that antique ski display—this is the time to negotiate. Once contingencies are removed, leverage is gone.

Clear expectations early make for smoother escrows.

Why Selling Furnished Often Makes Sense in Mammoth

There are real benefits to selling your property furnished:

• Move-in ready appeal for second-home buyers traveling from Southern California, the Bay Area, or out of state

• Potential reduction in property tax base, since furnishings are not real property

• Easier marketing, especially for buyers who want to start using the property immediately

• Less hassle for sellers who don’t want to move or store furniture they no longer need

For buyers, furnished properties remove friction. You can arrive for your first weekend with groceries and skis instead of furniture deliveries.

A Practical Approach for Buyers

I often suggest buyers live with the furnishings as-is for a while. Use the home, understand how the space works, then decide what you want to keep, replace, or update once you’re comfortable. It’s a low-pressure way to ease into ownership.

The Bottom Line

In Mammoth Lakes, selling furnished isn’t unusual—it’s the norm. But assumptions can derail a deal. Whether you’re buying or selling, the goal is simple: be specific, get it in writing, and address it early.

A knowledgeable local agent will guide this process and protect both sides from unnecessary surprises. When it’s handled correctly, selling furnished can be a win for everyone—and make the transition into mountain living that much easier.

If you’re thinking about selling and have questions about furnishings, I’m always happy to talk through what makes sense for your property and your goals.