What is the difference between real estate and personal property? Real estate is considered to be the land, and any improvements permanently attached to the land. Personal property is considered to be items not permanently attached to the land.
"Is it attached?" is an important question to ask when buying or selling a home. When buying or selling a home make certain that all items of personal property in the transaction are written into the contract. Examples of personal property are refrigerators, freestanding electric ranges, curtains, etc. If the personal property is included in the price be sure to write in the contract "at no monetary value."
If in doubt if an item is real estate or personal property, ask your Realtor for clarification. Wise sellers will pack away items of valuable personal property to avoid disagreements later.
Hope you don't mind - I've reblogged this article on my Active Rain blog, but I've also used it in modified form (with a link back to you) on my other blog:
Something to Cover in Every Home Sales Contract