Glossary of Real Estate Terms

ADVANCE FEE

A fee charged by a broker to a seller to cover all or a portion of the broker's costs of promoting the property.

AMORTIZED LOAN

A loan that is completely paid off, interest and principal, by a series of regular payments that are equal or nearly equal. Also called a Level Payments Loan.

APPRAISAL

An estimate of value based upon a factual analysis of a property or home.

APPRECIATION

An increase in value of real estate.

ASSUMPTION OF MORTGAGE

The taking of title to property by a grantee, wherein he or she assumes liability for payment of an existing note secured by a mortgage or deed of trust against the property; becoming a coguarantor for the payment of a mortgage or deed of trust note.

CLOSING

The date on which a property legally changes hands from seller to buyer.

CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE

A mortgage securing a loan made by investors without governmental underwriting, i.e., which is not FHA insured or VA guaranteed.

COUNTEROFFER

A rejection of an offer by a seller along with an agreement to sell the property to the potential buyer on terms differing from the original offer.

DEED

Written instrument which, when properly executed and delivered, conveys title.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT

Deposit made by a purchaser of real estate as evidence of good faith.

EASEMENT

The right or privilege to use another individual's property.

ENCROACHMENT

A structure or portion of a structure built on another individual's property.

EQUITY

The interest or value which an owner has in real estate over and above the liens against real property.

ESCROW

The deposit of instruments and funds with instructions to a third neutral party to carry out the provisions of an agreement or contract.

EXPOSURE

The degree to which a property for sale is made noticeable to potential buyers, through advertising, multiple listing services, etc.

FHA LOAN

A loan which has been insured by the federal government guaranteeing its payment in case of default by the borrower.

FEE APPRAISAL

The act or process of estimating values of real estate or any interest therein for a fee.

HOME INSPECTION

A review of the physical condition of a home by an experienced individual.

LAND CONTRACT

A contract ordinarily used in connection with the sale of property in cases where the seller does not wish to convey title until all or a certain part of the purchase price is paid by the buyer.

LIEN

A legal claim against a property used to secure the payment of debt related to the property.

LOAN RATIO

The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the amount of a loan to the value or purchase price of real property.

MARKETABLE TITLE

Merchantable title; title free and clear of objectionable liens or encumbrances.

MULTIPLE LISTING

Multiple Listing is the name given a service performed by the Local Board of Realtors (Multiple Listing Service). MLS provides necessary information to aid in the sale of listings. It is a marketing tool used by members of the Service to expose properties to a wider market base.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Any property which is not real property (i.e. money, savings accounts, appliances, boats, etc.).

PROMISSORY NOTE

Following a loan commitment from the lender, the borrower signs a note promising to repay the loan under stipulated terms. The promissory note establishes personal liability for its repayment.

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

An agreement between a buyer and seller for the purchase of real estate.

REAL PROPERTY

Land and whatever by nature or artificial annexation is a part of it.

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

Legal charge against real estate by a public authority to pay cost of public improvements such as: street lights, sidewalks, street improvements, etc.

TRUST ACCOUNT

An account separate and apart and physically segregated from broker's own funds, in which broker is required by law to deposit all funds collected for clients.

VA LOAN

A loan guaranteed by the Veteran's Administration insuring payment in case of default by the borrower. Available to qualified veterans.

VAPOR BARRIER

The material used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls or floors.

WARRANTY DEED

A deed used to convey real property which contains warranties of title and quiet possession, and the grantor agrees to defend the premises against the lawful claims of third persons.