What is the difference between a chattel and a fixture?
A fixture is attached to the property and stays unless excluded; a chattel is movable and goes unless it is listed as included. Appliances are chattels, so if they are not written into the agreement they can legally leave.
The test is attachment, and because it comes from case law rather than a statute it produces arguable results at the margins. Built-in dishwashers, light fixtures, and a wall-mounted television bracket are generally fixtures. A fridge, a washer, a freestanding stove, and the television itself are chattels.
Disputes are common and easily avoided: write it down. List every appliance by name, plus window coverings, light fixtures you want, the shed, the mirrors, the garage remote. If you saw it and you want it, it goes in the agreement.
The reverse also matters. Ask whether the water heater, furnace, air conditioner or water softener is rented or financed. Rental contracts run for years with buyouts in the thousands, and they transfer to you on closing.
And do a final walkthrough if the agreement allows it. A missing chattel is far easier to resolve before closing than after.