National Real Estate Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered real property?

1. Wall-to-wall carpeting

2. Built-in dishwasher

3. Drapes

4. Sump pump

The correct answer is: Drapes

In the context of real estate, real property typically refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings and fixtures. Fixtures are items that were once personal property but have become attached to the property in such a way that they are considered part of it. In this case, drapes, while they are often used in a home and may be attached to the window, are generally considered personal property instead of real property. This is because they can easily be removed without damaging the structure of the home. Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, built-in dishwashers, and sump pumps, which are permanently affixed to the property and are intended to remain with it after the sale, drapes do not meet the same criteria for permanent attachment. Thus, identifying drapes as personal property distinguishes them from other items in the question, which are integral parts of the home and typically remain when a property is sold. This understanding of property classification is essential in real estate transactions, as it helps clarify what is included in the sale of a home.