Hi Clay..The refrigerator is not included in the contract unless there is a Non-realty addendum attached with it listed as conveying. I'm seeing more sellers willing to leave the refrigerator and washer and dryer as they don't want to move them. Most homes  when built did not come with a refrigerator , washer or dryer so they are considered personal property.

Up here, if you think about turning the house upside down and shaking it, only what remains inside is included unless specifically written in.  We have a section for Chattels Included and Fixtures Excluded

Hi, Clay.  I hope some Texans will show up to answer your question.

    As you know, not in Florida... but if the Buyer wants it, or if there is any uncertainty, write it into the Offer under "Personal Property Included".

Clay, Dorie Dillard Austin TX answer is correct. There is one caveat. If the refrigerator is a subzero or built in it stays. Otherwise it is personal property and does not convey unless there is a Non-Realty Addendum with specifics for cost or zero dollars agreed upon and signed by both parties. 

In California, if the refrigerator is built-it, it stays. If the refrigerator is free-standing, it can be simply unplugged and wheeled away. The buyer should include the refrigerator (and other pertinent appliances) in the proper paragraph in the purchase contract.

We have an inclusion checklist, in Maryland, to check what remains, including the refrigerator (with or without an icemaker).

I hope your 'friend' gets the correct answer.

In NY's Capital Region, a refrigerator is typically included in contracts for resales but not new construction.  

The refrigerator is never included, nor the washer and dryer as they are considered personal property like furniture. That said, sellers can choose to leave them and often do.

Normally NO, Clay R. Seay . But I had issues in the luxury market while the frig looked built-in and assumed it was convey with the house. LOL - Never assume. When in doubt always inquire! 

Anything that someone didn't want for whatever reason is usually offered and what value it remains is subjective to the parties. 

It is not included unless it is included in your purchase contract or an addendum and signed by all. 

Clay, I'd be curious to know which states do include it. Here in NC it is not included. I recall the seller left it when my son purchased a home in TX.

In Arizona, no it is not, it is written into the contract or it's not going to convey.

Always important to list the appliances that are included.

Texas Realtor supreme, Dorie Dillard Austin TX to the rescue! 

A refrigerator must be asked for in our REPC. Otherwise it remains, Clay.

As others in California have answered, unless it is built-in and attached, it is not included as a default in the contract.  The purchase agreement has boxes to check if included or left unchecked if not. 

Tell your friend he asked the right person who came to the right place to get the answer! 

It would be in the State of North Dakota BUT that does not necessarily mean the fridge you saw at the house. Often a fridge is swapped out for a NEW but lesser model than what was seen at the home. This "swap" would also need to be spelled out in the contract Clay R. Seay 

Don't know your contracts but my questions would always be "what does the contract specify?" Customs are nice if everyone abides by the same customs but enforcing them might be difficult. 

Probably because of its Mobility, Refrigerators remain as Personal Property in most Markets

In our area, it's up to the seller, but it's certainly customary to leave all kitchen appliances; washer/dryers are a bit more discretionary, but are normally also left with the home. Hope you get your local response!

In my state (Georgia) we have a sellers disclosure and state in our MLS which appliances convey.

In Colorado is can be excluded or included, but will say in the MLS.  Nothing customary here.

My area it is customary except for new construction.

Here in Southern California, anything can be included or excluded from the sale as long as all parties to the contract agree to it.