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| This comprehensive real estate glossary contains over 1,000
terms and phrases. Please click on a letter below to view that alphabetical
section of the glossary. |
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The summary of a court judgment that creates a lien against a property when
filed with the county recorder.
A tax calculation that provides greater depreciation in the early years of
ownership of real estate or personal property.
A provision that gives a lender the right to collect the balance of a loan if a
borrower misses a payment.
A bookkeeping method that depreciates property faster in the early years of
ownership.
The seller's written approval of a buyer's offer.
Any means by which a person can enter property.
The degree to which a building or site allows access to people with
disabilities.
The gradual addition to the shore or bank of a waterway by deposits of sand or
silt.
A written declaration affirming that a person acted voluntarily.
A measurement of land equal to 43,560 square feet.
The volume of material needed to cover an acre of land one foot deep.
A system that utilizes electric pumps or fans to transfer solar energy for
storage or direct use.
The number of years a structure has been standing.
An addition or change to a contract.
Extra money included in the monthly payment to help reduce the principal and
shorten the term of the loan.
The interest a borrower pays on the principal for the duration of the loan.
A loan with an interest rate that is periodically adjusted to reflect changes
in a specified financial index.
The cost of any improvements the seller makes to the property. Deducting the
cost from the original sales price provides the profit or loss of a home when
it is sold.
The amount of time between interest rate adjustments in an adjustable-rate
mortgage.
A person given authority to manage and distribute the estate of someone who
died without leaving a will.
A legal document that an administrator of an estate uses to transfer property.
The acquisition of title to property through possession without the owner's
consent for a certain period of time.
The access and use of property without the owner's consent.
Soil that is composed of materials deposited by the wind.
A person who makes a sworn statement.
A substitution for an oath granted to people based on religious reasons.
An interior style that features a steeply peaked roofline and a ceiling that is
open to the top rafters.
The relationship of trust that exists between sellers and buyers and their
agents. The agency is formed through a written contract.
The process by which a lender uses a title company or other firm as an agent to
complete a loan.
A person licensed by the state to conduct real estate transactions.
A compromise boundary to which property owners agree in order to resolve a
dispute.
A document the buyer initiates and the seller approves that details the price
and terms of the transaction.
A recessed section of a room, such as a breakfast nook.
A provision that requires the borrower to pay the balance of the loan in a lump
sum after the property is sold or transferred.
Mineral salt found in soil.
Soil that contains a higher concentration of mineral salt than natural acid.
A lane behind a row of buildings or between two rows of buildings.
Budgets offered by builders of new homes for the purchase of carpeting and
fixtures.
Any home loan that does not conform to a standard fixed-rate mortgage.
Wooden windows with aluminum covering the exterior.
A metal covering that provides an alternative to paint for owners of wood
homes.
Parks, swimming pools, health-club facilities, party rooms, bike paths,
community centers and other enticements offered by builders of planned
developments.
The American Society of Home Inspectors is a professional association of
independent home inspectors. Phone: (800) 743-2744.
A law passed in 1990 that outlaws discrimination against a person with a
disability in housing, public accommodations, employment, government services,
transportation and telecommunications.
The process of paying the principal and interest on a loan through regularly
scheduled installments.
Mathematical tables that lenders use to calculate a borrower's monthly payment.
The strength of an electrical current.
A large steel bolt anchored in concrete and attached to a building to prevent
the structure from moving.
Any kind of plant that must be planted every year.
A yearly statement to borrowers that details the remaining principal and
amounts paid for taxes and interest.
The cost of the loan expressed as a yearly rate on the balance of the loan.
The payment of a fixed sum to an investor at regular intervals.
A communication that informs a party that the obligations of the original
contract will not be fulfilled.
A document that details a potential borrower's income, debt and other
obligations to determine credit worthiness.
The fee that a lender charges to process a loan application.
An opinion of the value of a property at a given point in time.
The fee that an appraiser charges to estimate the market value of the property.
A detailed written report on the value of a property based on recent sales of
comparable sites in the area.
An opinion of the current market value of a property.
An increase in the value of a home or other property.
A method of resolving a dispute in which a third party renders a decision.
An area shaded by trees, shrubs or vines on a latticework structure.
A curved structure that supports weight over an area, such as a doorway.
A licensed professional who designs homes, buildings and other structures.
The fee an architect charges for services. In general, architects charge for
their services by the hour, by the square foot, or by a percentage of the
project budget.
A French measurement of land equal to .84625 acres.
A fire-resistant mineral used for insulation and home products that has been
found to pose a health hazard.
The purchase or sale of a property in its existing condition.
A seller's initial price for a property.
A tax assessor's determination of the value of a home in order to calculate a
tax base.
The estimated value of a piece of real estate or a levy placed on property in
addition to taxes.
A list of taxable property compiled by the assessor.
Items of value which include cash, real estate, securities and investments.
A person who transfers rights and interests of a property.
A mortgage that can be transferred to another borrower.
A provision that allows a buyer to take responsibility for the mortgage from a
seller.
A fee the lender charges to process new records for a buyer who assumes an
existing loan.
The price of a home determined by totaling the sales prices of all houses sold
in an area and dividing that number by the number of homes.
An easement over private property near an airport that limits the height of
structures and trees.
Single-sash windows that tilt outward and up.
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Soil used to solidify the foundation of a structure.
A letter that a title insurance company gives to an attorney who then examines
the title for insurance purposes.
Arrangements that an owner makes to oversee the sale of one property and the
purchase of another at the same time.
A secondary bid for a property that the seller will accept if the first offer
fails.
A valve in a sewer line that prevents sewage from flowing back into a house.
A statement that shows the assets, liabilities and net worth of an individual.
A type of framing used in two-story homes in which studs extend from the ground
to the ceiling of the second floor.
A mortgage in which monthly installments are not large enough to repay the loan
by the end of the term. As a result, the final payment due is the lump sum of
the remaining principal.
The final lump sum payment due at the end of a balloon mortgage.
Railing held up by a set of posts on a porch or stairway.
A proceeding in which an insolvent debtor can obtain relief from payment of
certain obligations. Bankruptcies remain on a credit record for seven years and
can severely limit a person's ability to borrow.
The sale of a piece of property for less than market value.
Any board or molding found at the bottom of an interior wall.
Heating units installed in the floor that can be controlled by a central
thermostat.
The area of a home below ground level.
A basis point is one one-hundredth of one percentage point. For example, the
difference between a loan at 8.25 percent and a mortgage at 8.37 percent is 12
basis points.
The opening between two columns or walls that forms a space.
A window that projects outward in a curve.
A wall that supports its own weight in addition to other parts of a structure.
The lender who makes a loan, also called a mortgagee. The person borrowing
money is the mortgagor.
Total income before taxes are deducted.
Personal property given to a person through a will.
An improvement that increases a property's value as opposed to repairs that
maintain the value.
Offers from multiple buyers for a piece of property. Agents also sometimes
compete to list a house for sale.
A contract in which the parties involved give mutual promises. Also called
"reciprocal" contracts.
A document that transfers ownership of personal property.
A report issued by a title insurance company that details the condition of a
home's title. and provides guidelines for a title insurance policy.
A mortgage that requires payments every two weeks and helps repay the loan over
a shorter term.
A policy that covers more than one person or piece of property.
A mortgage that covers more than one property owned by the same borrower.
A neighborhood that has deteriorated.
Nails driven into a wall and concealed with putty.
A house maintained close to its original condition. Also called mint condition.
Regulations on the sale of securities to prevent consumers from investing in
fraudulent or high-risk companies without being informed of the risks.
Siding is composed of 8- to 12-inch wide wooden boards nailed vertically to
create a barn-like exterior.
Measurement of lumber that is the equivalent of 144 cubic inches.
A state board charged with ensuring that local property taxes are assessed in a
uniform manner.
Form language used in deeds, mortgages and other documents. Details can be
added by individual parties.
A legal term that refers to actions or persons that are honest and in good
faith.
An agreement that insures one party against loss by acts or defaults of another
party.
The value of a property as a capital asset based on its cost plus any
additions, minus depreciation.
An analysis of soil in which holes are bored into the ground and samples are
removed.
A section of a city that has authority over local matters.
Sand, gravel or other material used for grading.
The hole at a site that has been excavated.
A street lined with trees or constructed with a landscaped median.
The dividing line between two adjacent properties.
A construction method in two-story homes in which the frame is reinforced with
posts and braces.
The failure to perform provisions of a contractwithout a legal excuse.
The failure to obey a legal agreement.
A seller's inability to pass clear title to a buyer.
The point in which the owner's rental income matches expenses and debt.
The height at which the diameter of a tree is measured: four feet, six inches
above the ground.
A roofed passageway with open sides.
Building material made from clay molded into oblong blocks and fired in a kiln.
A short-term loan for borrowers who need more time to find permanent financing.
The act of bringing together two or more parties in exchange for a fee or
commission.
A person licensed by the state to deal in real estate.
The ideal condition of a building when it is turned over to an owner or tenant.
A vintage row house constructed of red sandstone.
A parcel of land that separates two or more properties.
An organization that raises money to helps its members purchase real estate or
construct a building.
A comprehensive set of laws that controls the construction or remodeling of a
home or other structure.
A city or county employee who enforces the building code and ensures that work
is correctly performed.
A halt on home construction to slow the rate of development.
A thick, water-resistant paper that serves as insulation.
A permit issued by a local government agency that allows the construction of
home or renovation of a house.
Extra house features or better finishing materials that a builder offers.
Guidelines that limit how close an owner can build to the street or an adjacent
property.
Regulations that limit the manner in which property can be used.
Appliances or other items that are framed into a home or permanently attached.
A retaining wall designed to hold back water from the ocean or another body of
water.
The various interests or rights an owner has in a property.
A small one-story house or cottage.
A roof formed by two gables that dip in the middle to resemble a butterfly's
wings.
A home loan in which the lender receives a premium as an inducement to reduce
the interest rate during the early years of the mortgage.
A real estate broker who exclusively represents the buyer's interests in a
transaction and whose commission is paid by the buyer rather than the seller.
A slow real estate market in which buyers have the advantage.
An emotion felt by first-time homebuyers after signing a sales contract or
closing the purchase of a house.
The rules and regulations that a homeowners association or corporation adopts
to govern activities.
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A clause in a loan agreement that allows a lender to ask for the balance at any
time.
Cylindrical chambers with bulbs recessed into the ceiling.
A clause that details the conditions under which each party may terminate the
agreement.
A projecting structure supported on one end, such as a balcony.
A limit on the amount the interest rate or monthly payment can increase in an
adjustable-rate mortgage.
A wood-frame or shingled house with a steep roof and several windows projecting
from the second floor.
Money used to create income, such as funds invested in rental property.
The cost of making improvements on a property.
Profits an investor makes from the sale of real estate or investments.
A tax placed on the profits from the sale of real estate or investments.
Any improvement that extends the life or increases the value of a piece of
property.
A mathematical formula that investors use to compute the value of a property
based on net income.
The percentage rate of return estimated from the net income of a piece of
property.
A group of real estate agents who tour a house that has been recently listed
for sale.
A roof that covers a driveway or other parking area.
A window hinged on its sides to allow it to swing open vertically.
The amount of cash a rental property investor receives after deducting
operating expenses and loan payments from gross income.
A check the bank draws on itself rather than on a depositor's account.
The refinancing of a mortgage in which the money received from the new loan is
greater than the amount due on the old loan. The borrower can use the extra
funds in any manner.
A high open ceiling formed by finishing exposed roof rafters.
An acrylic or silicon sealant used to fill cracks, crevices and holes in a
home.
A courtyard or atrium.
A formal notice, that asks a court to suspend action until the party which
filed the challenge can be heard.
A legal principle derived from Latin than means "let the buyer beware."
The standard height of a ceiling is eight feet.
A device that generates cold air through an outside unit that is connected to
ductwork inside the house.
The area of a city where most large businesses are located.
A document which shows that the bearer has a specified amount of money on
deposit with a bank, stock-brokerage firm or other financial institution.
An index based on the interest rates on six-month CDs. It used to determine the
interest rate for some adjustable-rate mortgages.
A document issued by the Veterans Administration that verifies the eligibility
of a veteran for a loan program.
A document which states that a home or other building has met all building
codes and is suitable for habitation.
A document issued at a judicial sale, which entitles the buyer to receive a
deed after court confirmation of the purchase of the property.
A written opinion on the status of a piece of property based on an examination
of the public record.
The official record that details the ownership history of a piece of property.
Decorative trim installed on a wall about 32 inches above the floor, which
protects against scuffs from furniture.
A modification of the construction contract to authorize a change in the work,
an adjustment in the amount of the contract or a change in the contract time.
The owner, architect and contractor must sign the change.
The adjustment schedule on an adjustable-rate mortgage.
Personal property such as furniture, clothing or a car.
A lien on personal property used as collateral for a loan.
The back wall or lining of a fireplace or furnace chimney.
The passage inside a chimney that channels smoke and heat to the outside.
A short pipe at the top of a chimney that increases ventilation to the
fireplace and reduces smoke.
A block made of ash and cement that is used in construction.
Cinders used below a basement or around a foundation to promote drainage.
An electric fuse that activates or deactivates a circuit.
A tank used to store rainwater.
A tax that varies in rate depending on the use of the property.
A property that does not have liens, defects or other legal encumbrances.
The final procedure in which documents are signed and recorded, and the
property is transferred.
Expenses incidental to the sale of real estate, including loan, title and
appraisal fees.
A document which details the final financial settlement between a buyer and
seller and the costs paid by each party.
An invalid encumbrance on real property.
A method of squeezing more homes into less space.
A change to a will that adds or subtracts provisions or clarifies portions of
the document.
Individual housing units that are clustered around a common building where
residents share cooking and other activities.
The cornerstone of a building that differs in shape or color from the rest of
the wall.
Coverage that involves the use of two or more insurers..
The structural element that connects roof rafters.
Additional security that a borrower supplies to obtain a loan.
The series of steps a lender takes to bring a delinquent mortgage up to date.
The action of two or more people to break the law.
Unincorporated communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
A slender upright structure that consists of a base, a round or square shaft
and a capital.
The support base for a load-bearing column. The footing is usually made of
reinforced concrete.
A person who signs a promissory note with the borrower and assumes
responsibility for the loan.
An outer door with interchangeable screen and glass panels.
A window with interchangeable screen and glass panels.
A financial institution that provides a broad range of services, from checking
and savings accounts to business loans and credit cards.
An area that is zoned for businesses.
The mixing of money held in trust with other funds.
The negotiable percentage of the sales price of a home that is paid to the
agents of the buyer and seller.
A promise by a lender to make a loan with specific terms for a specified
period.
The fee a lender charges for promising to make a loan.
An area inside a housing development that is owned by all residents.
Fees paid by the owners of a condominium project or planned-unit development to
maintain, repair, improve or operate common areas.
A project composed of individually owned units that share usage and financial
responsibility for common areas.
A body of laws based on custom, usage and rulings by courts in various
jurisdictions.
Property accumulated through the joint efforts of husband and wife. It is a
classification of property peculiar to certain states.
A federal law that encourages financial institutions to loan money in the
neighborhoods where minority depositors live.
The distance and time it takes a person to reach the workplace.
Properties used as comparisons to determine the value of a certain property.
An estimate of the value of a property based on an analysis of sales of
properties with similar characteristics.
A term for a buyer who is legally fit to enter into a sales contract.
The interest paid on the principal balance in a mortgage and on the accrued and
unpaid interest of the loan.
The process of pouring concrete into forms on the ground, allowing the forms to
harden and then raising the material to a vertical position to form walls.
The process the government uses to take private property for public use without
the consent of the owner.
A promise by a lender to make a loan if the borrower meets certain conditions.
Individual units in a building or development in which owners hold title to the
interior space while common areas such as parking lots, community rooms and
recreational areas are owned by all the residents.
The change in title from a single owner of an entire project or building to
multiple owners of individual units.
A metal pipe that houses electrical wiring.
A binding written agreement between two parties to have a judgment entered and
recorded.
A court-appointed guardian.
Anything that is legal, has value and induces a person to enter into a
contract.
The funding that an owner arranges for the construction of a project.
Drawings and specifications from an architect that provide detailed
requirements for the construction of a project.
Short-term loans a lender makes for the construction of homes and buildings.
The lender disburses the funds in stages.
The conversion of a construction loan to a longer-term traditional mortgage
after construction has been completed.
A nationwide, nonprofit organization that helps consumers get out of debt and
improve their credit profile. National headquarters: 8701 Georgia Avenue.,
Suite 507, Silver Springs, MD 20910. Phone: (800) 388-2227.
A design that features streamlined shapes, large unadorned windows and
industrial materials.
Pieces of property that are adjoined.
A condition specified in a purchase contract, such as a satisfactory home
inspection.
A property listing with a special condition attached.
A fee that must be paid if a certain event occurs.
An agreement between two or more parties that creates or modifies an existing
relationship.
A contract in which the seller agrees to defer all or part of the purchase
price for a specified period of time.
A contract the buyer initiates which details the purchase price and conditions
of the transaction and is accepted by the seller. Also known as an agreement of
sale.
The individual who contracts for the construction of a home or project.
A voluntary obligation such as a mortgage or trust deed.
Any restrictions imposed on the amount or type of new development in an area.
A long-term loan a lender makes for the purchase of a home.
A mortgage which starts as an adjustable-rate loan, but allows the borrower to
convert the loan to a fixed-rate mortgage during a specified period of time.
The transfer of title of property.
A tax imposed on the transfer of real property.
A real estate broker who finds a buyer for a property that another broker has
listed.
A business trust that holds the title to a cooperative residential building and
grants occupancy rights to shareholders in the corporation.
Any loans related to a cooperative residential project.
A project in which a corporation holds title and sells shares representing
individual units to buyers who then receive a proprietary lease as their title.
A horizontal molding that projects from the top of a structure or wall.
An arrangement by which employers pay to transfer and move employees.
A second party who signs a promissory note and takes responsibility for the
debt.
A response to an offer.
A reinforcement placed in the corner where two walls intersect.
The effect on the value of a property because it is situated on a corner or
near a corner.
Necessary or desired repairs to remedy problems uncovered by a home or
specialized inspection.
A construction contract that determines the builder's profit based on a
percentage of the cost of labor and materials.
A small, one-story house.
A legal assurance or promise in a deed or other document, or implied by the
law.
Rules and regulations for a development, such as acceptable landscaping or
improvements that can be made to individual units.
An architectural style that evolved as part of the Arts and Craft movement near
the turn of the century.
The space between the ground and the first floor of a home, usually no higher
than four feet.
Innovative home-financing arrangements that help sell a property.
The money a lender extends to a buyer for a commitment to repay the loan within
a certain time frame.
A record of an individual's current and past debt payments.
An individual or institution to whom a debt is owed.
Insurance that pays off a mortgage in the event of the borrower's death.
The degree of credit worthiness assigned to a person based on credit history
and financial status.
A credit bureau report that shows a loan applicant's history of payments made
on previous debts. Several companies issue credit reports, but the three
largest are Trans Union Corp., Equifax and Experian (formerly TRW ).
Large companies that gather financial and credit information from various
sources about individuals who have applied for credit.
Nonprofit cooperative organizations that provide banking and financial
services, including mortgages, home improvement loans and home equity loans, to
their members.
The strengthening of a structure by bracing cross members between beams.
A street or alley that is closed at one end.
A dome-like structure that sits on top of a roof.
A deficiency in a property that is easy or inexpensive to fix, such as chipping
paint.
The first impression of a house as seen from the street.
An exterior wall that encloses a yard or other area but does not provide any
structural support to a home.
A builder who constructs a home or building based on plans created by the
owner.
A structure designed by an architect hired by the owner.
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A movable plate in a fireplace that allows smoke and fumes to travel up the
chimney's flue.
The period of time a property is listed for sale until it is sold or taken off
the market
Locks that require a key to open from the outside and a turn button from the
inside.
Any amount one person owes to another.
A roofless, floored area that adjoins a house.
The legal document that transfers ownership of a piece of property.
A document that gives a lender the right to foreclose on a piece of property if
the borrower defaults on the loan.
A drain used to dispose of water from the basement floor to a sewer line.
The failure to fulfill a duty or promise or discharge an obligation, such as
making monthly mortgage payments.
Any repair or maintenance of a piece of property that has been postponed,
resulting in a decline in property value.
A mortgage that involves a borrower who is behind on payments. If the borrower
cannot bring the payments up to date within a specified number of days, the
lender may begin foreclosure proceedings.
An analysis of soil to determine if the surface can support the foundation of a
house.
Small rectangular blocks that project from a building, usually under cornices
or along rooflines.
Money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase property. Also called
earnest money.
The decline in value of a piece of property.
A project in which the owner contracts directly with an individual or company
to perform design and construction.
Unlike architects, designers are limited to drawing blueprints.
Images that are incorporated into house listings to give potential buyers a
view of the property.
Plans which show the layout of a house but are less detailed than full
blueprints.
An insurance policy which covers an individual's ability to produce income.
A statement to a potential buyer listing information relevant to a piece of
property, such as the presence of radon or lead paint.
Fees that a borrower pays at the time the lender makes the loan. A point equals
1 percent of the total loan amount.
Property that is in poor physical or financial condition.
A list of documents a lender requires when a potential submits a loan
application.. The required documents range from paycheck stubs to credit card
statements.
A hemispherical ceiling that projects upward without support.
A person's primary or permanent home.
A window set upright in a sloping roof.
A window that consists of two sashes that slide up and down.
Joints that lock two pieces of wood together with meshed teeth.
The amount of money a buyer agrees to give the seller when a sales agreement is
signed. Complete financing is later secured with a lender.
A vertical gutter that empties water from the roof to the ground.
A system of gutters and drainpipes that carry water away from the foundation of
a house.
A payment made to subcontractors or suppliers from a construction loan.
A flat ceiling built lower than the original ceiling.
A fungal decay that causes wood to become brittle and crumble.
A construction material composed of gypsum or plaster wrapped in paper and
produced in large sheets that can be nailed to wall studs.
A relationship in which a real estate agent or broker represents both parties
in a transaction.
Any kind of pipe or channel that carries water, wiring or conditioned air
through a house.
Standard language in a mortgage which states that the loan must be paid when a
house is sold.
A structure that consists of two separate family units.
A design that features barn-like gambrel roof, a ground-level front porch, and
dormers.
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The condition in which buyers can occupy the property before the sale is
completed.
Money a buyer gives with an offer to purchase a property. Also called a
deposit.
A policy that provides coverage against damage to a home from an earthquake.
A right given to a third party to use a portion of the property for certain
purposes, such as power lines or water mains.
The projecting overhang at the lower edge of a roof.
The age of a structure estimated by its condition rather than its actual age.
Additional income that a lender considers when assessing the loan application
of a potential borrower.
A panel that transfers power from the utility line into a house to be
distributed through fuses or circuit breakers.
The exterior view of a home design that shows the position of the house
relative to the grade of the land.
An extension or wing of a house that is at right angles to the main structure.
The government's right to condemn private land for public use, such as the
routing of a public highway.
Programs which help employees purchase homes through special plans developed
with lenders.
Potential buyers who have raised their families and want to move into a smaller
home.
Fences or other structures that extend into the property of another owner.
A claim or lien on a property which complicates the title process.
The conversion from a construction loan to permanent financing a condominium
buyer secures after all units in a project have been completed.
A person who signs over ownership of property to another party.
An architectural design that features stone or brick exterior walls and exposed
beams.
A government-mandated evaluation of all aspects and effects a development will
have on the environment of a proposed site.
A method of construction that utilizes recycled materials.
A federal law that prohibits a lender or other creditor from refusing to grant
credit based on the applicant's sex, marital status, race, religion, national
origin or age. The law also prohibits a creditor from refusing to grant credit
because the applicant receives public assistance.
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc., is one of the "Big Three"
credit-reporting bureaus that operate nationwide. Address: P.O. Box 740249,
Atlanta, GA 30374.
A determination of the value of a property after existing liens are deducted.
A policy that pays for any mistakes a builder or architect makes in a project.
A neutral third party holds the documents and money involved in a real estate
transaction and ensures that all conditions of a sale are met.. Escrow also
refers to a special account that a lender establishes to hold monthly
installments from the borrower to cover property taxes and insurance.
An account that a lender or mortgage servicer establishes to hold funds for the
payment of expenses such as homeowners insurance and property taxes. Also known
as an impound account.
A neutral third party who ensures that all conditions of a real estate
transaction are met.
A lender's periodic examination of an escrow account to determine if the lender
is withholding enough funds from a borrower's monthly mortgage payment to pay
for expenses such as property taxes and insurance.
Escrow closes when all conditions of a real estate transaction are met and the
title of the property is transferred to the buyer.
Firms that act as neutral third parties to ensure that all conditions that the
buyer, seller and lender establish in a real estate transaction are met.
Funds that a mortgage servicer withdraws from a borrower's escrow account to
pay property taxes and insurance.
The total assets of a person, including real property, at the time of death.
A legal procedure to remove a tenant for reasons including failure to pay rent.
An inspection by a title company of public records and other documents to
determine the chain of ownership of a property.
The process of clearing trees, removing topsoil and grading land before the
foundation is laid.
A contract that gives an agent the exclusive right to market a property for a
specific period of time.
A person appointed to carry out the instructions in a will. If there is no
will, a probate court will appoint an executor.
Ventilating devices that remove water vapor, undesired smells or smoke.
Experian, formerly known as TRW Information Systems & Services, is one of
the "Big Three" credit-reporting bureaus.. Address: 505 City Parkway West,
Orange, CA 92868.
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The part of a building facing the street or a courtyard.
A federal law that governs credit and charge card billing errors. If a credit
or charge card company violates any provision, consumers can sue to recover
damages.
A federal law passed in 1971 that regulates the activity of credit bureaus. It
is designed to prevent inaccurate or obsolete information from staying in a
consumer's credit file and requires credit bureaus to have reasonable
procedures for gathering, maintaining and disseminating credit information. The
act also requires credit bureaus to show a consumer their credit file if the
consumer presents proper identification, although the bureau reserves the right
to charge a fee for doing so.
A federal law passed in 1977 which outlaws debtor harassment and other types of
collection practices. The act regulates collection agencies, original creditors
who set up a separate office to collect debts, and lawyers hired by the
creditor to help collect overdue bills. An original creditor--the company or
individual that originally granted the credit--is not covered by the act, but
may be covered by similar measures approved by state governments.
Landmark federal law passed in 1965 and amended in 1988 that makes it illegal
to deny rent or refuse to sell to anyone based on race, color, religion, sex or
national origin. The 1988 amendment expanded the protections to include family
status and disability.
The official name of the Federal National Mortgage Association, it is a
congressionally chartered, shareholder-owned company that buys mortgages from
lenders and resells them as securities on the secondary mortgage market.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that provides credit to farmers and
rural residents.
A board that connects the ends of the roof rafters and provides a surface to
support gutters.
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Freddie Mac. The
company buys mortgages from lending institutions, pools them with other loans
and then sells shares to investors.
This government agency operates a variety of home-loan programs. Its most
popular is the Sec. 203(b), program, which provides low-rate mortgages to
buyers who make a down payment as small as 3 percent.
Now officially dubbed Fannie Mae, this federally chartered agency buys
mortgages from lending institutions, pools them with other loans and sells
shares to investors.
A group of economists and other experts who set the nation's monetary policy.
Its chief tool to control inflation is the power to control interest rates.
The government agency responsible for regulating a variety of companies and
industries, from credit bureaus and collection agencies to timeshare operators
and certain types of creditors. National headquarters: Sixth and Pennsylvania
Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20580. Phone: (202) 326-2222.
This type of ownership is the maximum interest a person can have in a piece of
real estate. It entitles the owner to use the property in any manner they see
fit, in accordance with state and local laws.
The owner of the property holds a fee simple title contingent upon certain
conditions.
The all-American home architecture style that evolved after the Revolutionary
War. Details include bigger windows and a front doorway surrounded by glass and
topped with an arched window.
Mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The FHA's
203(b) loan program provides low-rate mortgages to buyers who make a down
payment as small as 3 percent. The agency also operates loan plans for
investors and purchasers of rural property.
An ancient Chinese belief that the physical characteristics of a house and the
positioning of the home will affect the fortunes of the owner.
The relationship of trust that buyers and sellers expect from a real estate
agent. The term also applies to legal and business relationships.
Modifications made on the construction site that do not match blueprints.
Soil brought in to solidify a finished foundation.
An area where the ground has been raised by adding dirt, gravel or other fill
material.
A fee in any amount that is paid to someone.
A finish that prepares a lot for landscaping.
A buffer composed of fire-resistant material.
A promise made by a lender when it agrees to loan money for the purchase of
property.
The primary mortgage on a property that has priority over all other voluntary
liens.
The monthly payment on a home loan.
A home loan with an interest rate that will remain at a specific rate for the
term of the loan. About 75 percent of all home mortgages have fixed rates.
The specific weeks in a year an owner of a timeshare arrangement has access to
accommodations.
A house that needs refurbishment or remodeling It usually sells at a
below-market price.
Personal property permanently attached to a house, such as drapery rods,
toilets, built-in bookcases or a furnace.
Metal strips placed around chimneys, skylights, vents, windows, doors, beneath
shingles and along seams in the roof to prevent water seepage.
A set fee charged by a broker instead of a commission.
A roof with a level surface.
The calculation of the floor area of all homes or buildings in a project. It is
used in the planning and development of a site.
A drain that diverts water from the basement to a collection area. Water is
then removed with a sump pump.
Walls built to withstand movement in the basement floor.
Hazard coverage that is required in designated flood areas.
Flat, flood-prone areas located along waterways.
Enclosed porches built on the side or back of a home.
Concrete foundations that support a structure.
A course of action a lender may pursue to delay foreclosure or legal action
against a delinquent borrower.
The legal process reserved by a lender to terminate the borrower's interest in
a property after a loan has been defaulted. When the process is completed, the
lender may sell the property and keep the proceeds to satisfy its mortgage and
any legal costs. Any excess proceeds may be used to satisfy other liens or be
returned to the borrower.
The relinquishing of property rights by a delinquent borrower.
The owner acts as the agent to avoid paying a sales commission.
The support structure of a house.
Financial plans that allow employees to set aside tax-deferred income for
retirement or emergency purposes.
The entrance hall to a home or building.
The construction of the skeletal framework of a house.
The common name for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, a
congressionally chartered institution that buys mortgages from lenders and
resells them as securities on the secondary mortgage market.
Owners of these types of lots may hire any builder to construct their home.
Two adjoining doors inlaid with glass that open from the middle.
The portion of property that borders a roadway or body of water.
A mortgage that amortizes, or pays down, the balance of a loan.
An enclosed heating device powered by coal, oil, propane or natural gas.
A device that allows power to be channeled into a home.
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A triangular wall enclosed by the sloping ends of a ridged roof or a triangular
decorative feature.
A ridged roof that forms a triangle at each end.
A provision in contracts signed by new buyers that prohibits the owners from
publicizing complaints about the builder.
A roof with two slopes, often seen on barns.
The person who hires all of the subcontractors and suppliers for a project.
A government's long-range land-use plan.
Popular throughout the 18th century, this type of architecture is distinguished
by a symmetrical facade, prominent front entrance and quoins-decorative blocks
of masonry or wood set in the corners of the house.
A structure constructed of lightweight bars forming a grid of polygons.
A cash gift a buyer receives from a relative or other source. Lenders usually
require a "gift letter" stating that the money will not have to be repaid.
An intricate, almost lacy, wood trim.
Crossbeams that support floor joists.
An estimate from an institutional lender that shows the costs a borrower will
incur, including loan-processing charges and inspection fees.
Commonly known as Ginnie Mae, this agency buys home loans from lenders, pools
them with other loans and sells shares to investors. Ginnie Mae differs from
its cousins, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in that it only purchases loans backed
by the federal government.
A specified amount of time to make a loan payment after its due date without
penalty.
The elevation of land above level ground.
A mortgage that requires a borrower to make larger monthly payments over the
term of the loan. The payment is unusually low for the first few years but
gradually rises until year three or five, then remains fixed.
The flat or sloping surface upon which a house is built.
Slang term for a separate unit in a house or above the garage, which in the
past may have been occupied by an elderly relative.
A person conveyed an interest in a piece of property.
The person who conveys an interest in a piece of property to another person.
A style introduced in the U.S. at the end of the 18th century. Its most
prominent feature is a pillar-anchored pediment forming a portico in the front
of the house.
Any stretch of park, open space or other natural setting in a community.
The total income of a household before taxes or expenses are subtracted.
Devices that detect leakage of electrical current to the ground and prevent
accidental shock.
The amount of money paid for the use of a piece of property when it is a
leasehold estate.
A single-family residence used as a living space for unrelated, developmentally
disabled or mentally disabled people.
A fixed rate mortgage that increases payments over a specific period of time.
The extra funds are applied to the principal.
A loan guaranteed by a third party, such as a government institution.
Horizontal channels installed at the edge of a roof to carry rainwater or
melted snow away from the house.
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Also called a powder room, a half-bath contains a toilet and a sink but no
bathtub or shower stall.
This provision of homeowners insurance covers damage by fire, wind or other
disaster. It is required by all lenders before a loan is approved.
Crossbeams above windows and doors.
An electric cooling and heating system.
The equivalent of 2.471 acres.
The concentration of housing units in a specific area or on a specific
property.
Any building higher than six stories.
A pitched roof with sloping sides.
The physical rehabilitation of a historic home or building, and the movement of
the same name begun in the 1960s in the U.S. to preserve and protect landmarks
and urban neighborhoods.
A home or building listed in the National Register of Historic Places and
certified as historic by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
Loans made to older owners who want to convert equity into money. Because
borrowers are qualified on the basis of the value of their home, e, the loan is
not the same as a home equity loan. Also known as reverse mortgages.
A loan that allows owners to borrow against the equity in their homes.
An examination of a home's construction, condition and internal systems by an
inspector or contractor prior to purchase.
A group that governs a modern subdivision or planned community. An association
collects monthly fees from all owners to pay for maintenance of common areas,
handle legal and safety issues, and enforce the covenants, conditions and
restrictions set by the developer.
This insurance includes hazard coverage for any damages that may affect the
value of a house, in addition to personal liability and theft coverage.
Special insurance policies that cover certain home repairs for a specified
amount of time.
The power of a local government to adopt its own land-use regulations.
A document that to protects some of a home's equity from lawsuits.
A type of insurance that covers repairs to certain parts of a house and some
fixtures.
A window that contains a single sash that tilts inward.
A threaded faucet connection for devices such as a washing machine.
The illegal practice of denying an individual or group the right to buy or rent
a home based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or
family status.
The percentage of gross monthly income devoted to housing costs.
A polyethylene barrier wrapped around a house to save energy.
A closing statement or settlement sheet that outlines all closing costs on a
real estate transaction or refinancing.
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Fees collected from developers of new homes to pay for schools, parks and other
facilities.
Court cases which determined that all new homes are assumed to be fit for human
habitation and meet all building codes.
A portion of the monthly mortgage payment that is placed in an account and used
to pay for hazard insurance, property taxes and private mortgage insurance.
Property that is not occupied by the owner but is used to generate income.
A defect in a property that cannot be fixed, such as an adjacent hazardous
waste site, or that would cost too much to repair relative to the value of the
property.
Financial tables used by lenders to calculate interest rates on adjustable
mortgages and on Treasury bills.
Tax-deferred savings accounts that allow people to accrue retirement funds.
Computer-generated reports drawn from credit repositories that are generally
regarded as objective histories.
Any significant new construction in an established area.
Home construction in established areas.
This event occurs when there is more money available than there are goods and
services to be purchased. Mortgage rates, which are determined by the
marketplace and the actions of the Federal Reserve Board and Wall Street, are
sensitive to inflation fears.
The roads, schools, parks, utilities, bridges and communications systems in a
community.
The original interest rate on an adjustable mortgage.
An examination of a home's exterior, foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical
system, heating, air conditioning, fireplace, kitchen, bathroom, roofing and
interior.
A purchase agreement in which the buyer does not receive title to the property
until all installments are paid.
Materials including cellulose, glass fiber, rock wool, polystyrene, urethane
foam and vermiculite that slow heat loss.
Title to property that a company agrees to insure against defects and disputes.
Owners and buyers can purchase various types of insurance: hazard, private
mortgage and earthquake. The policies guarantee compensation for specific
losses.
A temporary insurance arrangement usually put in force until a permanent policy
can be obtained.
The fee borrowers pay to obtain a loan. It is calculated based on a percentage
of the total loan.
The rate at which interest accrues on a mortgage.
The pays only the interest that accrues on the loan balance each month. Because
each payment goes toward interest, the outstanding balance of the loan does not
decline with each payment.
The sum, expressed as a percentage, charged for a loan. Interest payments on
most home loans are tax- deductible.
For cash-short buyers, some sellers are willing to advance funds from the sale
of the home to buy down the interest rate and reduce the buyer's monthly
obligation.
A limit on the amount that can be charged to the monthly payment of an
adjustable-rate mortgage during an adjustment period.
The highest interest a lender can charge for an adjustable-rate mortgage.
Real estate that generates income, such as an apartment building or a rental
house.
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A window that consists of vertical rows of horizontal glass slats that operate
together by a crank mechanism that connects all the slats.
The responsibility of two or more people to fulfill the terms of a home loan or
debt.
Ownership by two or more people that gives equal shares of a piece of property.
Rights pass to the surviving owner or owners.
A floor or ceiling support member supported by foundation walls, piers or
beams. Subflooring is connected to floor joists.
The decision of a court or law. If a court decides that a person must repay a
debt, a lien may be placed against that person's property.
A procedure to handle foreclosure proceedings as civil matters.
Loans that exceed limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The current
conforming loan threshold is $252,700 in the continental U.S. and $360,000 in
Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A loan that subordinate to the primary loan.
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A structure that contains prefabricated components and is put together by a
contractor.
A wall-like structure that supports roof rafters.
An old-fashioned wiring system that has been replaced by fuses and circuit
breakers.
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A home's surroundings can range from a shrub-studded emerald lawn to a
native-plant xeriscape. It is a major component of curb appeal.
A professional who holds a degree in landscape architecture, which involves
training in horticulture, landscape design and planning.
A landscape designer has training in horticulture and landscape planning, but
does not necessarily hold a degree.
A professional who carries out the plans of a landscape architect or a
landscape designer.
A fee a lender imposes on a borrower when the borrower does not make a payment
on time.
A payment a lender receives after the due date has passed.
An invisible problem in a piece of property such as bad wiring, termite damage
or lead paint.
A metallic chemical element present in older dwellings, primarily in the form
of lead-based paint and lead plumbing. Exposure to lead has been found to be a
health risk.
A binding agreement that contains the terms and conditions of a renter's
occupancy.
An arrangement in which the borrower does not own a specific piece of property
but possesses a long-term lease.
A lease that contains the right to purchase the property for a specific price
within a certain time frame.
A bank, savings institution or mortgage company that offers home loans.
Blemishes on a piece of property, such as a zoning violation or fraudulent
title claim.
A specific way of identifying and locating a piece of real estate that is
acceptable to a court.
A formal statement that the buyer intends to purchase the property for a
certain price on a certain date.
The use of a small amount of cash--a 5 percent or 10 percent down payment--to
buy a piece of property.
A borrower's debts and financial obligations.
A policy that protects owners against any claims of negligence, personal injury
or property damage.
A claim laid by one person or company on the property of another as security
for money owed.
A limit on the amount that a loan rate can move during the term of the
mortgage. For example, the rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage that begins at 5
percent and has a lifetime cap of 6 percentage points cannot rise above 11
percent, even if rates on fixed-rate mortgages soar to 20 percent.
An analysis of a building project's expected operating, maintenance and
replacement costs, calculated by an architect.
Real estate syndicates and other investment groups use this type of ownership..
A general partner makes the group's investment decisions, oversees the
investment and is principally liable for any losses.
A horizontal piece over a door or window that carries the weight of the
structure above it.
Cash and all other assets that can be converted to cash relatively quickly.
Liquid assets can include money in savings and checking accounts, money-market
accounts, and most certificates of deposit.
When a real estate deal goes awry, one party often is entitled to liquidated
damages, a sum of money set out in the purchase contract in that event.
A piece of property placed on the market by a listing agent.
The known number of houses for sale within a given market.
An arrangement in which two unrelated people purchase a home.
An officially designated dwelling in which the occupant conducts a home-based
business or enterprise.
A wall that supports not only its own weight, but the weight of other parts of
a home. Also called a bearing wall.
The first step toward submitting a home loan requires the borrower to itemize
basic financial information.
A fee charged by lenders to for making a loan application.
A promise by a lender or other financial institution to make or insure a loan
for a specified amount and on specific terms.
An official representative of a lending institution who is empowered to act on
behalf of the lender within certain limits.
Most lenders charge borrowers an origination fee--or points--for processing a
loan. A point is 1 percent of the total loan amount.
A fee charged by some lenders for gathering information to enable the lender to
process the loan.
The amount of a time set by the lender for a buyer to pay a mortgage. Most
conventional loans have 30-year or 15-year terms.
A technical measure used by lenders to assess the relationship of the loan
amount to the value of the property
When interest rates are volatile, many borrowers want to "lock in" an interest
rate and many lenders will oblige, setting a limit on the amount of time the
lock-in is in effect.
A living space not partitioned into rooms or a small space built above a larger
room.
Homes constructed of rough-hewn timbers and a standard housing form in the
early European settlement of the U.S.
An offer made to a seller that is substantially below market value. The longer
a property stays on the market, the more likely there are to be such offers.
A low concentration of housing units in a specific area.
A mortgage that requires only minimal verification of income and assets.
A home loan that requires the borrower to make only a small down payment before
obtaining the financing needed to purchase a house.
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The primary valve that halts the flow of water from the water meter into a
home.
A roof with four sides that slope upward from the roof edge to the square peak.
Prefabricated homes that can range from simple trailers to larger dwellings.
The facing of stone, marble or other material around a fireplace.
The monthly assessment members of a homeowners' association pay for the repair
and maintenance of common areas.
Lots in which buyers choose between one of several builders.
The lender's "retail markup" on the mortgage. For example, if the index rate
for an adjustable-rate mortgage is 5 percent but the lender has a 2.5
percentage-point margin, the rate the borrower will pay is 7.5 percent.
Factors affecting the sale and purchase of homes at a particular point in time.
The price that a piece of property sells for at a particular point in time.
The brick or stone work on a building.
A suburban plan that includes homes and commercial, work, educational and
community facilities.
A loan amount within 5 percent of the highest loan-to-value ratio allowed for a
property.
A home's plumbing, wiring, heating and cooling systems.
Subcontractors or suppliers sometimes will file an encumbrance, or mechanic's
lien, against a property to seek payment.
A dispute-resolution process in which a neutral party works to resolve contract
differences.
The price of the house that falls in the middle of the total number of homes
for sale in that area.
A report that draws information from the Big Three credit-reporting companies:
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion Corp.
A time-honored land surveying method of describing land in terms of shape and
boundary dimensions.
Mint condition, or blue-ribbon condition, refers to a house that looks as close
to new as possible.
A neighborhood that contains houses of widely varying prices.
A project that combines several different functions, such as residential space
above a commercial establishment or an entire development combining commercial,
residential and public accommodations.
A change in any of the terms of the loan agreement.
Decorative trim elements applied to walls, ceilings, and window and door
openings.
Accounts that work like money market funds and allow individual investors to
participate in certain managed investments and withdraw funds under most
conditions.
A mutual fund that pools the resources of individuals to invest in certain
managed investments.
A legal document specifying a certain amount of money to purchase a home at a
certain interest rate, and using the property as collateral.
A bank or other financial institution that lends money to the borrower. The
borrower is considered the mortgagor.
The person who borrows money to purchase a house. The lender is called the
mortgagee.
A clause which allows a lender to demand that the entire balance of the loan be
repaid in a lump sum under certain circumstances. The acceleration clause is
usually triggered if the home is sold, title to the property is changed, the
loan is refinanced or the borrower defaults on a scheduled payment.
A company that provides home loans using its own money. The loans are usually
sold to investors such as insurance companies and Fannie Mae.
A company that matches lenders with prospective borrowers who meet the lender's
criteria. The mortgage broker does not make the loan, but receives payment from
the lender for services.
Required by lenders in some loans to protect them from a possible default . All
conventional loans with less than a 20 percent down payments require private
mortgage insurance, or PMI.
The tax write-off that the Internal Revenue Service allows most owners to claim
for the annual interest payments they make on their real estate loans.
A special type of insurance that will pay off a mortgage if the borrower dies
before the debt is retired.
Any buyer with a strong incentive to make a purchase.
Any seller with a strong incentive to make a deal.
A house that is ready for a new occupant.
A buyer who has purchased a home before and is looking for a bigger or more
expensive home.
A vertical dividing bar between window lights or panels.
A property that contains individual units for several households but carries
only one mortgage.
A mortgage on a multifamily dwelling with more than four families, typically an
apartment building.
The service combines the listings for all available homes in an area, except
For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) properties, in one directory or database.
Multiple purchase offers occur in hot markets or hot neighborhoods.
Inspectors employed by cities or counties to check all construction sites and
verify that contractors are meeting building codes.
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Nails in load-bearing parts of new homes that pop out slightly because of
settling of the structure.
A seller's asking price that is based on factors such as the required funds to
pay off the mortgage, the cost of remodeling or the purchase of another house.
The situation occurs when a borrower's monthly payment is not large enough to
cover both the principal and interest of a loan. As a result, the outstanding
balance of the loan actually grows larger with each payment rather than
smaller. Most fixed-rate loans are not subject to negative amortization, but
many adjustable-rate mortgages are susceptible.
A driveway that drops from street level to the garage.
Planning of a community that favors the return of new-home development with
such traditional features as grid-street patterns, prominent front porches,
backyard garages, multi-use buildings and housing clustered near commercial
service areas.
Investment property that generates income after expenses such as principal,
interest, taxes and insurance are subtracted.
The worth of a person or company based on the difference between total assets
and liabilities.
A community design philosophy that favors the return of new-home development
with such traditional features as prominent front porches, backyard garages,
multi-use buildings and housing clustered near commercial service areas.
A small recessed area in a wall, traditionally arched at the top.
The response sometimes given by neighborhoods and communities to proposed
changes or development.
The amount of the new mortgage covers the remaining balance of the first loan,
closing costs, any liens and cash no more than 1 percent of the principal on
the new loan.
A lot in which the buyer's home will be constructed by a particular builder.
A loan application that does not require verification of income but typically
is granted in cases of large down payments.
A loan provision that prohibits the transfer of a mortgage to another borrower
without lender approval.
An asset such as a house that is not easily turned into cash.
Costs that are one-time only fees for such items as an appraisal, loan points,
credit report, title insurance and a home inspection.
The legal document that requires a borrower to repay a mortgage at a certain
interest rate over a specified period of time.
The interest rate specified in a mortgage note.
A lender's initial action when a mortgage payment is late and attempts to
reconcile the issue out of court have failed.
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Properties listed for sale on the Internet.
A marketing tool in which a listing agent opens a house for view.
A property given to a number of brokers to market at the same time.
Undeveloped land or common areas in a planned community reserved for parks,
walking paths or other natural uses.
A situation in which a buyer puts down money for the right to purchase a piece
of real estate within a set time period but does not have an obligation to buy.
Contractual arrangements that are not in writing and are usually not legally
binding.
The amount of principal owed on a loan before a borrower makes any payments.
A fee charged by most lenders--also called points--for processing a loan. A
point is 1 percent of the total loan amount.
A protruding structural feature.
A transaction in which the seller of a property agrees to finance all or part
of the purchase.
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An officially described piece of land.
An interior wall.
There are several partnership options for unmarried individuals to buy a piece
of property, such as live-in partnerships (in which both buyers share the
residence) or a shared-equity partnership (in which one buyer lives in the home
and the other is an investor in the property).
A tax term that refers to any loss from a passive activity, such as the
ownership but not the operation of a piece of rental real estate.
A system that supplies solar heat without the use of electric fans or pumps.
A visible deficiency in a piece of property, such as a cracked basement slab or
a sagging porch.
A legal limit on the amount a monthly payment can increase on an
adjustable-rate mortgage.
A test used to determine the ability of soil to accommodate a septic system.
Interest charged or accrued daily.
A section or division of a wall, ceiling or a flat piece of building material
that forms the part of the surface of a wall, door or cabinet.
Strips of wood or wood material applied as a finish to a wall.
The strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street in front of a house.
Any kind of structure dividing one room or space from another.
An interior courtyard or a paved backyard area.
Any plant that produces leaves, flowers and seeds from year to year, such as
irises or peonies.
An arbor with an open roof of rafters supported by posts or columns.
Any moveable property in a house such as furniture or appliances.
A common pest-control inspection is a termite inspection, which is required in
some states, such as California.
A rectangular masonry support column.
When a buyer applies for a loan, the lender will calculate the principal,
interest, taxes and insurance. The figure is designed to represent the
borrower's actual monthly mortgage-related expenses.
The concept began in the 19th century and describes any town or neighborhood
built with certain guidelines and goals.
Residents own the home and the land, and share the use and financial
responsibility for common areas.
A labor-intensive and more costly wall finish.
A sliding door that retreats into the wall when opened.
Fees charged by lenders at the time a loan is originated. A point is equal to 1
percent of the total loan amount.
The structure can be a simple covered entrance to a home or a fully enclosed
room on the outside of a residence.
A porch-like roof extending over a driveway.
A lender who makes loans with its own funds and keeps the loans on the
company's books--in other words, inside the institution's "portfolio"--rather
than selling the loan on the secondary market.
A porch supported by a row of columns.
When a buyer signs the papers and receives the keys to the house, the buyer
officially takes possession.
A document that authorizes an individual to act on behalf of someone else.
A letter from a lender that informs a seller about the amount of money that a
potential buyer can obtain.
The costs for taxes, insurance and assessments paid before the due date.
Interest paid before it is due. For example, at the close of a real estate
transaction borrowers usually pay for the interest on their loan that falls
between the closing period and the first monthly payment.
Lenders can impose a penalty on a borrower who pays a loan off before its
expected end date.
Many lenders will prequalify a borrower who is shopping for a loan by
completing a preliminary assessment of the buyer's ability to pay for a home.
Homes that are sold before they are built.
A safety vent that relieves excess pressure in a water heater.
The range of how much a buyer is willing to pay for a home.
The initial coat of paint that is applied before the final topcoat.
The amount of money that the borrower owes on a mortgage.
The idea that a house will more likely appreciate in value if its size, age,
condition and style are similar to, or conform to, other houses in the
neighborhood.
An appraisal term which states that real estate of lower value is enhanced by
the proximity of higher-end properties.
An appraisal term which states that the value of higher-end real estate can be
brought down by the proximity of too many lower-end properties.
A structure erected between two pieces of property.
A special type of loan insurance that many lenders require borrowers to
purchase if the borrower's down payment is less than 20 percent of the home's
purchase price.
A real estate sale triggered by the death of the owner, with proceeds to be
divided among heirs or creditors.
Homes that are mass-produced by one builder in a project.
A written summation by an architect of a project's design objectives,
constraints and criteria.
A fiscal outline that includes the construction budget and all costs for land,
furniture, equipment, financing, professional services, contingencies and
owner-furnished goods and services.
The official dividing line between properties.
A disclosure issued by the state when a time-share project is located or sold.
Property taxes are calculated at about 1.5 percent of the current market value.
The U.S. tax code allows homeowners to deduct the amount they have paid in
property taxes.
The value of a piece of property is based on the price a buyer will pay at a
certain time.
Agreed-upon percentages of certain expenses associated with a piece of property
that must be paid by the buyer or the seller at the time of closing.
Buyers compile a punch list during the final walk-through detailing items to be
fixed before closing.
A document which details the purchase price and conditions of the transaction.
A mortgage that a borrower obtains to acquire a property.
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Lenders compute qualifying ratios to determine how much a potential buyer can
borrow.
A Victorian-era style that originated in San Francisco.
A document that releases a party from any interest in a piece of real estate.
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A construction term that refers to the resistance of to heat loss. The higher
the R-value, the slower the rate of heat loss.
A ground-generated radioactive gas that seeps into some homes through sump
pumps, cracks in the foundation and other inlets. A leading cause of lung
cancer , radon is found in mostly the northern half of the country.
Rafters form the slope of a pitched roof and are analogous to floor joists.
An alternative building process in which dirt is compacted into large
structural frames to create walls.
Modern ranch-style homes, popularized in the 1950s, were championed by such
architectural giants as Frank Lloyd Wright.
A loan with a clause that entitles a borrower to a one-time cut in the interest
rate without going through refinancing.
When interest rates are volatile, many borrowers want to "lock in" an interest
rate and many lenders will oblige, setting a limit on the amount of time the
guaranteed interest rate is in effect.
Land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings, fences and
other items attached to the structure.
A real estate agent has a state license to represent a buyer or a seller in a
real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most agents work for real
estate brokers.
A lawyers who specializes in real estate transactions.
A real estate agent who is licensed by the state to represent a buyer or seller
in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most brokers also
have agents working for them, and are entitled to a portion of their
commissions.
The trusts are publicly traded companies that own, develop and operate
commercial properties.
A federal law designed to make sellers and buyers aware of settlement fees and
other transaction-related costs. RESPA also outlaws kickbacks in the real
estate business.
Land and any permanent fixtures on it, including buildings, trees and minerals.
A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National
Association of Real Estate Brokers.
A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National
Association of Realtors.
The cancellation of a contract by law or consent by the parties involved.
When a borrower completely pays off the mortgage, the property is reconveyed to
them from the lender.
A public official responsible for keeping the records of all real estate
transactions.
The filing of a specific document to the appropriate government entity.
A fee charged by real estate agents for conveying the sale of a piece of
property into the public record.
The practice by a bank or insurance company to deny credit or insurance to
people based on ethnic background or neighborhood.
The process of replacing an older loan with a new mortgage that has better
terms.
The federal code issued under the Truth-in-Lending Act which requires that a
borrower be advised in writing of all costs associated with the credit portion
of a financial transaction.
A mortgage that provides for the costs of repairing and improving a resale home
or building.
Benefits provided by employers for new workers and can include moving costs,
reimbursement for temporary housing and transportation, real estate agent
assistance and discounted loans.
A firm that administers all aspects of moving in new employees to the
community.
The amount of unpaid principal on a home loan.
The original loan term minus the number of payments made.
A policy that covers the replacement value of possessions.
A policy that covers any loss of rent or rental value in the event of fire or
other damage that renders the property uninhabitable.
When a borrower falls behind in mortgage payments, many lenders will negotiate
a repayment plan rather than go to court.
Money that is set aside from homeowners' assessments to replace common
property, such as furniture in a planned development's community room.
When a house is repossessed, it is taken back by the lender holding the
mortgage.
The future value of a piece of property that can be affected by many factors,
including the surrounding neighborhood, school scores, and economic and housing
market conditions.
All homeowners associations set aside a certain amount of money for major
repairs or improvements.
A mortgage in which new terms are negotiated.
The amount of profit a property generates.
A special type of loan available to equity-rich, older owners. Repayment is not
necessary until the borrower sells the property or moves into a retirement
community.
A horizontal board that serves as the apex of the roof structure.
A vent located along the ridge board of the roof that allows moisture to
escape.
An agreement by a property owner to give another person the right to buy or
rent the property before it goes on the open market.
A provision in the federal Truth-in-Lending Act that allows borrowers to cancel
certain kinds of loans within three days of signing.
The installation of plumbing, electrical and other mechanical systems.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides financing to farmers and
certain borrowers to purchase rural property when other funds are not
available.
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A transaction in which the buyer leases back the property to the seller for a
specified period of time.
A contract signed by the buyer and sellerthat details the terms of a home
purchase.
A design that dates to colonial times and takes its name from the shape of
saltboxes.
The drain line in a house that carries away food and human wastewater to a
municipal sewer system or a septic system.
One of two windows in a double-hung window.
Renderings of floor plans and the exterior of a house.
Another loan placed upon a piece of property.
A market of packaged home loans that are resold as securities to investors.
Major players are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Any loan backed by collateral.
Apiece of property designated as collateral.
A seller broker represents the interest of the seller.
An agreement in which the seller provides financing for a home purchase.
An agreement in which the seller provides financing for a home purchase.
A hot real estate market in which sellers have the advantage and multiple
offers are common.
The buyer of a semi-custom home is free to make some design changes but not to
the home's structural plan.
A self-contained sewage treatment system that distributes wastewater to an
underground storage area and relies on bacterial action to decompose solid
waste matter.
A firm that collects mortgage payments and manages borrowers' escrow accounts.
The minimum distance a house or buildings must be from the lot line.
A document that details who has paid what to whom.
A loan that allows a lender or other party to share in the borrower's profits
when the home is sold.
A transaction in which two buyers purchase a property, one as a resident
co-owner and the other as an investor co-owner.
A shed ceiling pitches upward at one end.
A shed roof pitches up longer on one side than the other.
An alternative style of Victorian homes that evolved in the late 19th century
to simplify the complexity of the traditional Victorian house.
Thin, wedge-shaped pieces of wood or flat rectangular pieces of slate, mineral
fiber, glass fiber or composition asphalt installed on a roof to prevent water
seepage.
An unobtrusive finish trim between the floor and the baseboard designed to hide
any irregularities in the seam between the floor and wall or baseboard.
A horizontal piece of wood placed on top of the foundation.
An exterior threaded faucet connection for garden hoses that provides water
outside a home.
A window in a roof that allows natural light to illuminate a room.
A foundation built directly on soil with no basement or crawl space.
A window that is composed of two windows, or sashes, that glide open and closed
on a metal track.
An external area under the overhang of a roof.
A test of the subsoil to ensure that foundations can be safely constructed.
A design that is derived from the original missions established by the Spanish
in the Southwest.
When a homeowners' association needs or wants extra funds, it levies a special
assessment upon the owners.
Rehabilitation mortgages require a special deposit account from which
restoration and remodeling funds included in the loan are disbursed to the
appropriate contractors as work is completed.
The written requirements for materials, equipment, construction systems and
standards.
A home that has been built without a buyer.
A slanted block used to divert runoff water from a downspout away from the
foundation.
A home that is a ranch-style house stacked to fit on a smaller lot and perhaps
to accommodate a garage.
The number of square feet of livable space in a home or building.
Areas designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget that contain a
city of 50,000 or more.
A calculation that is used to determine the monthly payment necessary to repay
the balance of a home loan in equal installments.
Homes that fall within the lower price range of a typical first-time buyer.
A construction method used by commercial and residential builders.
A loan that allows a gradual increase in the interest rate during the first few
years of the loan.
A drain line, which is not connected to the sewer line, removes all other
wastewater from a home.
Sets of windows and screens that are installed on older double-hung windows.
The metal part of a lock that is anchored to the doorframe and holds the door
closed.
A transaction in which the buyer gives a new-home builder a deposit to begin
building and the balance when the sale of the house closes.
A mixture of sand and cement used to cover the exterior surface or interior
walls of a home or building.
The upright pieces of lumber or steel in a wall to which panels, siding,
drywall or other coverings are attached.
When an agent brings a buyer to a property, they in effect act as a subagent to
the listing agent.
Specialty construction companies hired by the general contractor to perform
certain tasks.
The process in which the owner of a large piece of property divides it into
smaller parcels.
The sheathing, usually made of plywood, placed on top of floor joists and
covered by flooring.
A second or third mortgage.
A pump that moves water from a basement sump pit.
A precise measurement of a piece of property by a licensed surveyor.
The non-cash value put into a piece of property by the owner, such as
do-it-yourself home improvements.
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Most companies charge a tap fee for hooking up utilities.
A tax break given by the government. Mortgage interest, loan points and
property taxes can be deducted.
An impediment placed against a property, such as back taxes.
The public sale of a property by the government for nonpayment of taxes.
A term often applied to real estate investment and refers to various tax
advantages.
A house that requires the entire interior to be rebuilt.
An low, short-term rate offered on a mortgage to entice the borrower.
When a married couple owns a home, it is usually considered tenancy by the
entirety If the property must be sold to pay the debts of one spouse, both must
agree.
Two or more owners who share interest in a specific property.
A terrace can be several things: an unroofed paved area right next to a house;
a roofed balcony; a veranda; or a raised bed of earth constructed to enhance a
landscape.
When a buyer has a house to sell before they can purchase another home, most
sellers insist on a 72-hour clause. In the event of a better offer coming in
before the contingency is settled, this clause entitles the seller to give the
buyer 72 hours to remove the contingency or lose the house.
In a third-party origination transaction, the lender has another institution
originate all or part of a mortgage.
Ownership that involves the acquisition of a specific period of time, or that
percentage of interest, in a vacation home or resort.
The actual legal document conferring ownership of a piece of real estate.
Firms that ensure that the title to a piece of property is clear and provide
title insurance.
A policy issued to lenders and buyers to protect any losses because of a
dispute over the ownership of a piece of property.
Possible impediments to the transfer of a title from one owner to another.
A check of public title records to ascertain that the seller is the legal owner
and that there are no claims or liens against the property.
A real state industry term that refers to agents and brokers who sell a high
volume of homes.
The top layer of soil that is removed when lots are graded in preparation for
construction.
The percentage of monthly debt obligations relative to gross monthly income.
An attached home that is not a condominium.
Another term for a production home, a mass-produced house constructed by one
builder in a project.
Other real estate or assets a buyer gives to a seller as part of the down
payment.
A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is less expensive than their
current house.
A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is more expensive home than
their current house.
Any legal means by which a piece of real estate changes hands.
An assessment by state or local authorities at the time a piece of property
changes hands.
A small hinged window directly above a door.
Trans-Union Corp. is one of the "Big Three" credit-reporting bureaus that
operate nationwide. Address: 760 Sproul Road, P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA
19064-0390. Phone: (312) 408-1400.
A tray ceiling has edges that slant toward the middle from the walls.
Securities issued by the Treasury Department that have the full backing of the
U.S. government.
An index used to determine interest rate changes for adjustable rate mortgages.
A decorative landscape structure made of thin strips of wood or plastic.
The finishing of doors, doorways, window frames and floors.
A prefabricated framework of girders, struts and other items used to support a
roof or other load-bearing elements.
Special accounts used by brokers and escrow agents to safeguard funds for a
buyer or seller.
A legally empowered person who holds or controls a piece of property for
another person.
A federal law that protects consumers in a variety of ways. One of its key
provisions allows a consumer to cancel a home-improvement loan, second mortgage
or other loan if the home was pledged as security (except for a first mortgage
or first trust deed) until midnight of the third business day after the
contract was signed.
The process of removing old mortar from between bricks and replacing it with
new mortar.
An adjustable mortgage with two interest rates, one for the first five or seven
years of the loan, and the other for the remainder of the loan term.
A piece of property that is owned by one person but provides housing for up to
four households.
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A layer of wood between the subfloor and the floor.
The process that lenders go through to evaluate the risks posed by a particular
borrower and to set appropriate conditions for the loan.
A person who claims the right to a piece of property after the death of an
owner without a will.
An unidentified marital partner who can claim the right to a piece of property.
An unrecorded deed transfers ownership from one party to another without being
officially recorded.
A federal agency that oversees the Federal Housing Administration and a variety
of housing and community development programs.
Any loan that is not backed by collateral.
Options than the standard carpeting, lighting, finish carpentry and other
amenities offered to all buyers in a new-home project.
The process in which a property is zoned from a lower to a higher use.
The unplanned expansion of development over a large area.
A reference to illegally excessive interest charged on any loan.
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A loan rate that moves up and down based on factors including changes in the
rate paid on bank certificates of deposit or Treasury bills.
A loan with an interest rate that hinges on factors such as the rate paid on
bank certificates and Treasury bills.
An interest rate that changes with fluctuations in such indexes as the U.S.
Treasury bill index.
An elongated half-cylinder that arches above the floor.
Part of the loan process, in which a lender will ask a borrower's bank to sign
a statement verifying the borrower's account balances and history.
Part of the loan process, in which a lender asks the borrower's employer for
confirmation of the borrower's position and salary.
A small entrance hall or room.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates a variety of programs to help
veterans. One of the key plans it oversees is the VA loan program, which allows
most veterans to purchase a house without a down payment.
An architectural style that dates from the mid-19th century.
Wood windows sheathed in vinyl on the outside.
A lien that a homeowner willingly gives to a lender.
A program that allows most veterans to purchase a house without a down payment.
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Wood paneling, tongue-and-groove boards or similar material installed between a
baseboard and a chair rail.
A voluntary relinquishing of certain rights or claims.
A feature that allows a door to open onto ground level.
A buyer's final inspection of the home to determine if conditions in the
purchase agreement have been satisfied.
A legally binding promise to do something in the future.
Watery areas such as swamps, marshes and floodplains.
An improperly recorded deed.
The most basic legal document outlining the disposition of a person's estate in
the event of death.
An individual pane of glass.
A bench built under an interior window.
A curved, corrugated steel insert used to isolate basement windows from
moisture if they're below the soil line.
Curved plastic covers designed to be installed on top of a window well to cover
the opening.
A loan to a buyer for the remaining balance on a seller's first mortgage and an
additional amount requested by the seller. Payments on both loans are made to
the lender who holds the wraparound loan.
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Houses built without space between them and with little or no yard.
Regulations that control the use of land within a jurisdiction..
A one-time modification of existing zoning law.
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