What is defined as an item permanently attached to real estate?

The term that is defined as an item permanently attached to real estate is a fixture. Fixtures are items that were originally personal property but have become a permanent part of the real estate due to their attachment. This could include things like built-in appliances, light fixtures, or plumbing fixtures that are affixed to the property.

Understanding the concept of a fixture is crucial in real estate transactions because fixtures are usually included in the sale of the property unless otherwise specified in the contract. This distinction is important for buyers and sellers to avoid misunderstandings about what is included in the sale.

In contrast, a deed refers to the legal document that conveys property ownership; an asset generally denotes any resource with economic value owned by an individual or entity; and a lien is a legal right or interest that a lender has in a borrower's property, granted until the debt obligation is satisfied. These terms do not relate directly to the attachment of items to real estate, which is why they do not fit the definition provided in the question.