Real Estate Glossary

An authorized person who manages or transacts business for another. Laws governing real estate—especially relating to agents—vary considerably from state to state. While some standardization has been achieved, it is best to check the particulars in each state.

• Buyer Agent

  An agent who represents the buyer in a real estate transaction. A buyer agent may be paid by the buyer, seller, or listing agent at closing, provided all parties consent.

• Dual Agent

  An agent representing both parties in a transaction. In almost every state, dual agency is illegal and unethical without the written consent of both the buyer and the seller.

• Listing Agent

  The agent who represents the seller.

• Selling Agent

  The agent who obtains a buyer. A selling agent may represent the buyer, or may be a subagent of the seller.

• Subagent

  A salesperson who works for an agent.

Features that enhance the value or desirability of a property.

To pay a debt in periodic amounts until the total amount, including any interest, is paid.

A qualified party's opinion of the value of a property. This may include examples of sales of similar properties.

An increase in value.

A process where disputes are mortgage to cover processing costs. settled by referring them to a fair and neutral third party (arbitrator). The disputing parties agree in advance to agree with the decision of the arbitrator. There is a hearing where both parties have an opportunity to be heard, after which the arbitrator makes a decision.

A financing technique in which the lender can raise or lower the mortgage interest rate according to a set index, such as six-month Treasury bills

An official valuation of property for tax purposes. Payments made by condominium or cooperative owners for their share of building maintenance expenses.

A mortgage with monthly payments often based on a 30-year amortization schedule, with the unpaid balance due in a lump sum payment at the end of a specific period of time (usually 5 or 7 years). The mort-gage may contain an option to “reset” the interest rate to the current market rate and to extend the due date if certain conditions are met.

Legally declared unable to pay your debts. Bankruptcy can severely impact your credit and your ability to borrow money.

An independent business person who sets real estate office policies, hires employees, determines their compensation, and supervises their activities.

A computer network of major lenders that allows agents to initiate mortgage applications in their office. HUD has approved the procedure as long as 1) full disclosure is made of the fee; 2) multiple lenders are displayed on the computer screen to give borrowers a basis for comparison; 3) the fee charged is a dollar amount rather than a percentage of the loan.

The point at which real estate formally changes ownership. Closing costs are fees paid for services associated with a home's closing such as title insurance, surveying fees, recording fees, deeds, and affidavits.

A method of determining the value of a property by comparing the prices paid for similar properties.

A written standard of ethical conduct embraced by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, a trade organization of more than 700,000 members representing all branches of the real estate industry.

Compensation paid to a real estate agent (usually by the seller) for services rendered in connection with the sale, exchange, or lease of property.

Individual ownership of a portion of a building, with common areas shared by all owners. Maintenance fees called "assessments" are paid to the condominium association to maintain, repair, or improve the property.

A fixed-rate, fixed term loan that is not insured by the government.

An arrangement in which a corporation made up of residents owns a building. The buyer owns a proprietary lease, rather than real property, and a corresponding number of shares in the corporation.

A new offer as to price, terms, and conditions, made in response to a prior, unacceptable offer. A counter offer terminates an original offer.

A professional designation awarded to experienced agents who complete an advanced course of study in residential real estate and demonstrate proficiency in sales and production. CRS Designees are members of the Residential Sales Council, a not-for-profit affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

A legal document transferring ownership of a property from one party to another.

The voluntary surrender of property by an owner or borrower to a lien holder (such as a bank) that eliminates the need to continue foreclosure action by the lien holder. The lien holder can refuse to accept the Deed in Lieu and file a Notice of Non Acceptance with the County Recorder.

Revealing what previously was private knowledge. Any statement of fact that is required by law.

A percentage of the purchase price the buyer pays in cash.

A buyer's partial payment to the seller as a show of good faith in completing the transaction.

The difference between the current market value of a property and the claims—such as the unpaid portion of a mortgage—that exist against it.

The closing of a real estate transaction through a neutral third party who holds funds and/or documents for delivery after specific conditions have been met.

A written agreement in which the seller appoints only one agent to market the property for a specific period of time. If the owner sells the property himself, he is not required to pay a commission.

A written agreement between an agent and a property owner stating that the owner will pay a commission to the agent if the property is sold during a specific time period—whether or not the agent is responsible for the sale.

Fannie Mae purchases home mortgages, thus serving as a source of funds for mortgage lenders. It is a privately owned corporation whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, but it is subject to the strict supervision of the secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Refers to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, and stipulates that discrimination based on race, color, sex, familial status, handicap, religion, or national origin is illegal in connection with the sale or rental of most dwellings.

A federal agency established to improve housing standards and conditions. The FHA provides mortgage insurance to approved lending institutions.

An agreement between a mortgage holder and a borrower that specified a loan payment plan and halts the foreclosure action if borrower meets requirements and terms of the agreement. The payment plan generally includes provisions for repayment to the mortgage holder of all delinquent interest and fees and could include extending the life of the mortgage beyond it's original term.

The legal process by which property that is mortgaged as security for a loan may be sold to pay a defaulting borrower's loan.

A federally chartered corporation established to purchase mortgages in the secondary, or resale, market. Freddie Mac's policies are designed to serve the needs of savings and loan associations. It is subject to oversight by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

A pledge made by one person (the guarantor) to ensure that another person (the obligor) will fulfill an obligation to a third party (the obligee).

A federal department active in a variety of national housing programs including urban renewal and public housing.

Additions intended to increase the value of a property.

An examination of a property by the buyer, agent, title insurance company, or other interested party.

A charge or claim by one party on the property of another as security for the payment of a debt.

A written agreement between a property owner and a real estate broker authorizing the broker to find a buyer.

Banks and lenders look to limit losses on delinquent mortgages by working out solutions with borrowers through a Loss Mitigation Department, generally operated by the bank or lender to deal specifically with delinquent accounts.

The price a property will command on the open market.

A means by which agents are informed of the properties offered for sale by other agents.

A legal document pledging property as security for the payment of a loan.

An insurance plan that protects the lender if the borrower does not repay a loan. Mortgage insurance is required when a home buyer makes less than a 20% down payment at the time of purchase. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) covers conventional (fixed-year, fixed-rate) loans. The Federal Housing Administration charges a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) on FHA loans.

A trade organization serving over 700,000 members from all branches of the real estate industry. Members subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics which governs their conduct.

Abbreviation for Notice Of Default.

An official notice filed and recorded by a designated trustee at the request of a lender indicating lender has commenced foreclosure action.

A proposal to purchase property at a specified price and terms.

The common real estate practice of showing "For Sale" homes to the public during established hours.

A lender's charge for establishing and processing a new mortgage loan. It is generally computed as a percentage of the loan and may be tax deductible.

The person named in the public record as the owner of a property or mortgage.

A one-time charge paid to the lender for issuing a loan. Each point equals one percent of the loan amount and is used to obtain revenue in addition to the interest rate.

The amount of money upon which interest is paid.

A buyer who has demonstrated the financial ability to afford the asking price of a home. Prequalifying with a lender can expedite the home buying transaction.

A registered trade name that may only be used by members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, an organization with over 700,000 members who represent all branches of the real estate industry. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics which governs their conduct.

Obtaining a new loan to pay off an existing loan. Refinancing is a popular practice when interest rates drop.

A not-for-profit affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The Council awards the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation, to experienced members who have completed an advanced course of study in residential real estate.

A single-family mortgage that is 90 days or more past due, or a multifamily mortgage that is two months or more past due.

Short refinance is the replacement of a mortgage, usually with a reduced mortgage, when the borrower is already in default. This is done to transition the borrower to a more affordable payment structure. The lender has to write off the difference between the old mortgage and the new mortgage, but in some cases this may be preferable to foreclosure.

To sell a home through negotiation with the bank or lender, who agrees to accept less than the full amount owed to satisfy the debt allowing the debt to be ‘paid off’, short. Short sales are subject to bank approval and are often used as options in lieu of foreclosure.

Lawful ownership of property.

An insurance policy that protects against losses arising from title defects such as forged or misfiled documents.

An examination of the public records to determine whether the current title is clear or defective.

Also known as a row house, generally refers to a type of dwelling having two floors, with the living area and kitchen on the first floor, and the bedrooms on the second. Town houses share a common wall between units.

A federal agency designed to help veterans enter the housing market.

A loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans are made to honorably discharged veterans or their unremarried widows or widowers. Such loans require a minimal or no down payment and offer lower interest rates.

A final inspection of a property before it changes ownership.