Are you buying or selling a house and finding the lingo used in real estate confusing? It can be difficult and stressful to understand real estate jargon, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the industry. That's why we are here to help!
We've listed 50 key real estate phrases in one comprehensive dictionary that any newcomer to the industry should be aware of.
You can move confidently in the real estate market and make wise selections if you are familiar with these terms and expressions.
Let's begin by going over some basic phrases related to real estate that both buyers and sellers should be aware of. The following ideas serve as the cornerstone of real estate transactions:
Broker
A certified professional with extensive experience in real estate who acts as a go-between for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
Buyer's Market
A situation in the real estate market where buyers have an edge in negotiations because there are more properties for sale than there are buyers.
Cash Offer
A buyer's buying offer that doesn't require financing.
Closing
The last phase of a real estate deal, during which money is exchanged and ownership is transferred.
Closing Costs
Costs or fees related to completing a real estate deal.
Commission
The fee paid to brokers or real estate agents in exchange for their assistance in completing a transaction.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A market value assessment of recently sold properties that are comparable to the one being evaluated.
Contingency
A requirement, like obtaining a home inspection, must be fulfilled before a real estate deal is legally enforceable.
Counteroffer
A proposal for alternative terms in response to an offer made during negotiations.
Earnest Money Deposit
A payment given by the buyer to show that they are serious about the deal and are committed to it.
Equity
the discrepancy between a property's market value and its remaining mortgage balance.
Escrow
The procedure of entrusting money or significant documents to an impartial third party until a transaction is finished.
Foreclosure
The formal procedure via which a lender seizes a home when the homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments.
Home Inspection
A comprehensive evaluation of a property's state is carried out by a qualified inspector.
Home Sale Contingency
A provision in a real estate sales agreement that permits the buyer to move forward with the purchase only if they can sell their existing house within a given time frame.
Lien
A lawsuit brought against real estate because of an unpaid debt.
A loan obtained to pay for the acquisition of real estate.
Offer
A proposition to buy a property under certain terms and at a certain price.
Seller's Disclosure
In this document, the seller lists any known problems or flaws with the property.
Seller's Market
A situation in the market where sellers are favored because of little inventory and strong buyer demand.
Survey
The process of measuring and charting the characteristics, easements, and encroachments of a property.
Title
This indicates the legal possession of an object or piece of property, like a house or car.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Interest rates on mortgages are subject to fluctuation.
Amortization
The procedure of making consistent payments over time to progressively pay off a mortgage loan.
Buyer’s Agent/Listing Agent
A real estate agent who acts as a buyer's or seller's agent throughout a transaction.
Days On Market (DOM)
The length of time a property has been on the market.
Due Diligence
The procedure of doing examinations and research before buying a property.
FHA Loan
A mortgage with more lenient qualifying conditions is insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
Homeowner’s Association (HOA)
An organization that oversees and upholds regulations in a condominium complex or planned community.
Home Warranty
a service agreement that, for a predetermined amount of time, covers the replacement or repair of specific household equipment and systems.
iBuyer
A business that makes quick offers on houses using technology.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
A list of homes in a specific area that are for sale.
Pre-Approval
Depending on the borrower's creditworthiness, the procedure of getting a lender's initial approval for a mortgage loan.
Principal
The initial mortgage loan amount before interest.
Proof Of Funds
Evidence that the buyer is financially capable of buying the property.
Title Insurance
Insurance that shields the lender or buyer from any losses brought on by flaws in a property's ownership or title.
VA Loan
For qualified veterans and active military personnel, a Department of Veterans Affairs-guaranteed mortgage loan is offered.
As-Is
Without making any alterations or repairs, the property is being sold as is.
Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)
Laws and guidelines that control how a property is used and looks in a particular area or community.
Listing
Making a property available for purchase.
Listing Agreement
an agreement between a real estate agent and a property owner that gives the agent permission to market and sell the property.
Listing Price
The price at which a home is put up for sale.
Realtor
A member of the National Association of Realtors and a professional real estate agent.
Rent Back
Letting the buyer return the property to the seller for a set amount of time once the deal is finalized.
Short Sale
Selling a home for less than the entire mortgage balance.
Staging
Improving a property's appeal to prospective purchasers to have it ready for sale.
Title Search
A review of public documents to verify the property's ownership history and spot any possible problems.
Trust Sale
Selling a trust-owned property, frequently as a result of the owner's death.
Zoning
Laws that specify the uses permitted on a property.
Do you have more questions or real estate terms you're unfamiliar with? IndyLegal is here to help! Drop them in the comments or reach us by clicking this link.
Caroline Soriano