Basic Real Estate Terms

Navigating the world of real estate involves understanding a myriad of terms and concepts. From the initial stages of listing a property to the final steps of closing a deal, familiarity with these terms is essential. Here’s a concise overview of some fundamental real estate terms and their explanations to help you navigate the complexities of the industry effectively.

• Agent, Real Estate: A licensed professional who represents buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.
• Appraisal: An evaluation of a property’s value conducted by a qualified appraiser.
• Closing: The final step in a real estate transaction where all necessary documents are signed, and ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer.
• Deed: A legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one party to another.
• Equity: The difference between the market value of a property and the amount owed on the mortgage.
• Foreclosure: The legal process by which a lender repossesses a property due to the borrower’s failure to make mortgage payments.
• Home Inspection: A thorough examination of a property’s condition, typically conducted by a certified home inspector, to identify any issues or defects.
• Interest Rate: The percentage of the loan amount charged by the lender as interest on the loan.
• Listing: A property that is advertised for sale or rent.
• Mortgage: A loan used to finance the purchase of real estate, with the property serving as collateral for the loan.
• Multiple Listing Service (MLS): A database used by real estate agents to share information about properties available for sale or rent.
• Offer: A proposal to purchase a property at a specified price and terms.
• Principal: The original amount of money borrowed in a mortgage loan.
• Title: The legal right to ownership of a property.
• Zoning: Regulations imposed by local governments that dictate how land can be used and what types of structures can be built on it.