If a custom table is attached to the floorboards, how will it be classified when the home is sold?

A custom table that is attached to the floorboards is classified as a fixture. Fixtures are items that were once personal property but have been permanently affixed to real property in such a way that they become a part of the real estate. In this case, since the table is attached to the floorboards, it demonstrates the intention of the homeowner to make it a permanent part of the home.

The distinction lies in the permanence of attachment; if an item is affixed in a manner that is intended to remain with the property upon sale, it transitions from personal property to a fixture. This includes not just tables but other items like light fixtures or built-in shelves.

When a home is sold, fixtures remain with the property, which is a fundamental principle of real estate transactions. This classification is important for potential buyers, as fixtures are included in the sale, whereas personal property, or chattel, refers to movable items not permanently fixed to the property and typically not included in the sale. Therefore, since the custom table is attached and intended to stay with the home, it is correctly classified as a fixture.