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A-Z Real Estate Terms for Buying / Selling in Venice, FL

Venice, Florida

Real Estate A-Z

Buyer & Seller Real Estate Encyclopedia

A plain-English guide to the terminology buyers and sellers encounter when purchasing, selling or owning Florida real estate – from "Appraisal" to "Zoning."

Local ExpertiseTrusted GuidanceVenice, FL & Surrounding Areas

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Real Estate Encyclopedia – A to Z

Click a letter to explore terms in our complete real estate glossary.

























227 real estate terms organized A-Z. Search, choose a topic, or open a letter.
ATerms starting with A12
Ad Valorem Tax
FLORIDA TERM

A property tax based on the assessed value of real estate.

Addendum

A document added to a real estate contract containing additional terms, conditions or information.

Amendment

An agreed change to an existing real estate contract.

Appraisal

A professional opinion of a property's value prepared by a licensed or certified appraiser.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"An appraisal and a home inspection serve different purposes. An appraisal primarily addresses value for its intended assignment.
Appraisal Contingency

A contract provision addressing specified rights or obligations if the property does not appraise as required by the agreement.

Appraisal Gap

The difference between the agreed purchase price and a lower appraised value.

Appraised Value

The value concluded by an appraiser for a particular appraisal assignment.

Appreciation

An increase in a property's value over time.

Architectural Review

A community or association process for reviewing proposed exterior changes or improvements.

"As Is"
FLORIDA TERM

A commonly used Florida contract structure under which property is generally sold in its existing condition, subject to the specific terms of the contract.

"Bill’s Bottom Line""As Is" does not mean "don't inspect the property." Understand your contractual inspection rights and deadlines.
Assessed Value
FLORIDA TERM

The value assigned to a property for property-tax purposes. It may differ substantially from market value.

Assumable Mortgage

A mortgage that may permit a qualified buyer to take over a seller's existing loan, subject to lender and loan-program requirements.

BTerms starting with B14
Backup Offer

An offer positioned behind an existing contract and generally becoming primary if the first transaction terminates according to applicable terms.

Base Flood Elevation
FLORIDA TERM

An elevation associated with FEMA's base flood and used in floodplain-management decisions.

Beneficiary

A person or entity entitled to receive assets or benefits under a trust, estate or other legal arrangement.

Bill of Sale

A document used to transfer certain personal property included in a real estate transaction.

Boat Dock
FLORIDA TERM

A structure used for access to and mooring of boats.

Boat Lift
FLORIDA TERM

Equipment designed to raise and support a boat above the water.

Boundary Survey

A survey identifying property boundaries and certain improvements or conditions affecting those boundaries.

Bridge Clearance
FLORIDA TERM

The available vertical clearance beneath a bridge, an important consideration for boaters.

Broker

A real estate licensee with qualifications and authority defined by state law.

Builder

A company or individual responsible for constructing homes or other improvements.

Builder Contract

A purchase contract used by a builder in connection with new construction or a newly completed property.

Builder Incentive

A benefit offered by a builder, such as closing-cost assistance, design credits or financing incentives.

Builder Warranty

A warranty offered in connection with newly constructed property, subject to its specific terms and limitations.

Buyer's Market

A market in which buyers generally have more negotiating leverage because available supply is relatively high compared with demand.

CTerms starting with C23
Canal
FLORIDA TERM

A man-made or modified waterway that may provide boating access, drainage or both.

Cap Rate

An investment measure comparing a property's net operating income with its value or purchase price.

Cash Offer

An offer that does not depend on obtaining mortgage financing for the purchase.

Cash-to-Close

The amount a buyer must provide to complete the transaction after deposits, loan proceeds, credits and adjustments are considered.

CDD
FLORIDA TERM

A Community Development District is a Florida special-purpose governmental district that may finance and maintain community infrastructure and services.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"A property may have both HOA fees and CDD assessments. Look at the complete cost of ownership.
Certificate of Occupancy

Government documentation indicating that a structure satisfies applicable requirements for occupancy.

Chain of Title

The historical sequence of ownership and transfers affecting a property.

"Clear to Close"

A lending term generally indicating that major underwriting requirements have been satisfied and the loan is approaching closing.

Closing

The process in which the transaction is finalized, documents are completed, funds are handled and ownership is transferred.

Closing Agent

The person or company coordinating documents, funds and other closing activities.

Closing Costs

Expenses associated with completing a real estate transaction.

Closing Disclosure

A federal disclosure used in many mortgage transactions showing final loan terms and closing costs.

Cloud on Title

A potential claim, defect, lien or irregularity that may affect ownership or transferability of title.

CMA

A Comparative Market Analysis prepared by a real estate professional using comparable properties and current market information.

Code Violation

A condition or use that does not comply with applicable governmental codes or requirements.

Common Elements
FLORIDA TERM

Parts of a condominium property owned or used collectively according to the condominium documents.

"Comp"

Common real estate shorthand for a comparable property used in market analysis or appraisal.

Comparable Sale

A recently sold property considered sufficiently similar to provide useful market-value information.

Condominium
FLORIDA TERM

A form of ownership in which an owner generally owns an individual unit along with an interest in common elements.

Contingency

A contractual provision making certain rights or obligations dependent on a specified event or condition.

Contract

A legally binding agreement establishing the rights and obligations of the parties.

Conventional Mortgage

A mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a federal government program such as FHA or VA.

Counteroffer

A response changing one or more terms of an offer and therefore creating a new offer.

DTerms starting with D10
Days on Market

The number of days a property has been marketed according to applicable MLS rules.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

A ratio comparing specified monthly debt obligations with gross monthly income.

Deed

A legal instrument used to convey an interest in real property.

Deed Restrictions

Recorded private restrictions governing the use of property.

Deposit

Money paid or held in connection with a purchase contract.

Depreciation

A decline in property value caused by physical deterioration, functional issues, external influences or market conditions.

Design Center

A builder facility or process where buyers select finishes, options and upgrades for new construction.

Documentary Stamp Tax
FLORIDA TERM

A Florida tax imposed on certain documents and transactions, including specified real estate conveyances and obligations.

Down Payment

The portion of a purchase price paid by the buyer rather than financed through the primary mortgage.

Due Diligence

The buyer's investigation of the property, documents, financing, insurance and other transaction matters.

ETerms starting with E9
Earnest Money Deposit

A buyer's good-faith deposit made according to the purchase contract.

Easement

A legal right allowing a person or entity to use another person's property for a specified purpose.

Effective Date

The contract date from which certain contractual deadlines may begin to run.

Elevation Certificate
FLORIDA TERM

A document containing elevation information concerning a property or structure.

Encroachment

An improvement extending across a property boundary or into an easement or restricted area.

Equity

The difference between a property's value and debts secured against it.

Escrow

Money or documents held by a neutral party according to an agreement.

Estoppel Certificate
FLORIDA TERM

A document commonly used in Florida association transactions providing specified information concerning amounts owed and other association matters.

Evacuation Zone
FLORIDA TERM

A geographic area used by emergency-management authorities for evacuation planning.

FTerms starting with F10
Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting specified forms of discrimination in housing.

FHA Loan

A mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Final Walkthrough

A buyer's opportunity shortly before closing to review the property's condition according to the contract.

FIRPTA
FLORIDA TERM

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act can require withholding when certain foreign persons dispose of U.S. real property interests.

Fixed Bridge
FLORIDA TERM

A bridge that does not open for marine traffic.

Flood Insurance
FLORIDA TERM

Insurance designed to cover specified losses caused by flooding.

Flood Zone
FLORIDA TERM

A geographic area identified according to flood-risk classifications.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"Being outside a high-risk flood zone does not mean a property cannot flood.
Floodplain
FLORIDA TERM

Land susceptible to flooding under specified conditions.

Foreclosure

A legal process through which a lender or lienholder may enforce rights against property after a qualifying default.

Four-Point Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

An inspection commonly requested by Florida insurers focusing on the roof, electrical system, plumbing and HVAC.

GTerms starting with G5
Gated Community

A community where access is controlled through gates, guards or electronic systems.

General Home Inspection

A broad visual inspection of accessible home systems and components within the inspector's scope.

GLA

Gross Living Area is finished residential living area measured according to applicable appraisal or measurement standards.

Gross Rental Income

Total rental income before applicable operating expenses.

Gulf Access
FLORIDA TERM

Boating access from a property or waterway to the Gulf, subject to water depth, bridges, navigation and other conditions.

HTerms starting with H10
Highest and Best Use

An appraisal concept addressing the reasonably probable legal use of property resulting in its highest value.

HOA
FLORIDA TERM

A homeowners association administering a community under governing documents and applicable law.

HOA Approval
FLORIDA TERM

An association approval process that may apply to buyers, tenants, property changes or other matters.

HOA Dues
FLORIDA TERM

Regular charges paid by homeowners to support association operations and services.

HOA Estoppel
FLORIDA TERM

A Florida association document providing specified assessment and account information related to a property.

Homeowners Insurance
FLORIDA TERM

Insurance providing specified coverage for a residence, personal property, liability and other covered risks.

Homestead Exemption
FLORIDA TERM

A Florida property-tax benefit available to qualifying homeowners who establish a property as their permanent residence and meet applicable requirements.

Hurricane Deductible
FLORIDA TERM

A special deductible that may apply to qualifying hurricane-related losses under a Florida insurance policy.

Hurricane Shutters
FLORIDA TERM

Protective coverings designed to help protect openings against windborne debris.

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

ITerms starting with I8
Impact Fee
FLORIDA TERM

A governmental charge associated with certain development intended to help fund infrastructure or public services.

Impact-Resistant Windows
FLORIDA TERM

Windows designed and tested to meet specified impact and wind requirements.

Inspection

An examination of property conditions by an inspector or other qualified professional.

Inspection Contingency

A contract provision relating to inspection rights and specified consequences or decisions following inspections.

Inspection Period

The contractual period during which a buyer may conduct inspections and exercise applicable contract rights.

Insurance Contingency

A contractual provision relating to obtaining insurance under specified conditions.

Interest Rate

The percentage charged by a lender for borrowing money.

Investment Property

Real estate purchased primarily for rental income, appreciation or another investment purpose.

JTerms starting with J4
Joint Tenancy

A form of co-ownership that may include survivorship rights depending upon how title is established and applicable law.

Judgment

A formal court decision that can affect the rights or obligations of a party.

Judgment Lien

A lien that may arise from a court judgment when applicable legal requirements are satisfied.

Jumbo Loan

A mortgage exceeding applicable conforming loan limits.

KTerms starting with K1
Kick-Out Clause

A contract provision that may permit a seller to continue marketing and require an existing buyer to act if another acceptable offer is received.

LTerms starting with L15
Lanai
FLORIDA TERM

A covered outdoor living area commonly found in Florida homes.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Federal disclosure requirements generally applicable to many residential properties built before 1978.

Lease Restriction
FLORIDA TERM

A condominium or HOA rule limiting or regulating rentals.

Legal Description

The formal description legally identifying a parcel of real estate.

Lender

A person or financial institution providing funds under a loan agreement.

Lender's Title Policy

A title insurance policy protecting a mortgage lender against specified covered title risks.

Lien

A legal claim or encumbrance against property relating to a debt or obligation.

Lis Pendens

A recorded notice indicating pending litigation involving specified real property.

List Price

The asking price at which a property is offered for sale.

Listing Agreement

A contract between a property owner and a real estate brokerage concerning the marketing and sale of property.

Littoral Rights
FLORIDA TERM

Certain rights associated with property bordering navigable lakes, seas or oceans.

Loan Estimate

A federal disclosure used in many mortgage transactions showing estimated loan terms and costs.

Loan-to-Value

A ratio comparing the mortgage amount with the property's value or purchase price under lender guidelines.

Lot

A defined parcel of land, often within a platted subdivision.

Lot Premium
FLORIDA TERM

An additional amount a builder may charge for a more desirable homesite.

MTerms starting with M12
Mangroves
FLORIDA TERM

Coastal vegetation that may be subject to significant environmental and permitting restrictions.

Market Value

The estimated value of property under defined market conditions.

Material Fact

A fact that could significantly affect property value or a party's decision concerning a transaction.

Mechanic's / Construction Lien

A potential lien relating to qualifying unpaid labor, services or materials used to improve property.

Metes and Bounds

A method of legally describing land using directions, distances and reference points.

Milestone Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

A structural inspection requirement applicable to certain Florida condominium buildings under state law.

Millage Rate
FLORIDA TERM

A rate used by taxing authorities to calculate ad valorem property taxes.

MLS

A Multiple Listing Service is a cooperative database used by real estate professionals to share listing information.

Mortgage

A security instrument creating a lien against real property to secure repayment of debt.

Mortgage Insurance

Insurance protecting the lender against specified losses under applicable mortgage programs.

Multiple Offers

A situation in which a seller receives more than one purchase offer.

Municipal Lien Search
FLORIDA TERM

A search for certain municipal charges, violations, permits or other matters affecting property.

NTerms starting with N5
Navigable Water
FLORIDA TERM

Water capable of navigation under applicable legal standards and physical conditions.

Net Operating Income

Investment-property income remaining after specified operating expenses, generally before financing costs and income taxes.

Net Proceeds

The approximate amount a seller receives after applicable debts, expenses, taxes and transaction charges are deducted.

NFIP
FLORIDA TERM

The National Flood Insurance Program.

Non-Ad Valorem Assessment
FLORIDA TERM

A charge appearing on a property-tax bill that is not based directly on property value.

OTerms starting with O5
Offer

A buyer's proposal to purchase property according to specified price, terms and conditions.

Open House

A scheduled period during which prospective buyers may tour a property.

Open Permit
FLORIDA TERM

A building permit that has not been properly finalized or closed in governmental records.

Owner's Title Insurance

A title insurance policy protecting a property owner against specified covered title defects and claims.

Ownership

The legal interest or rights a person or entity holds in property.

PTerms starting with P20
Pending

A listing status generally indicating that a property is under contract, subject to applicable MLS definitions.

Permit

Governmental authorization for specified construction, remodeling or repair work.

PITI

Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance — common components considered in a mortgage housing payment.

Plat

A recorded map showing subdivision lots, streets, easements and related information.

PMI

Private Mortgage Insurance, commonly required for certain conventional loans with higher loan-to-value ratios.

Points

Mortgage charges commonly expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.

Pool Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

An inspection evaluating pool components and equipment within the inspector's scope.

Portability
FLORIDA TERM

A Florida property-tax concept allowing eligible homeowners to transfer some accumulated Save Our Homes assessment difference to another qualifying Florida homestead, subject to applicable rules.

Possession

The right to occupy and control property according to the transaction agreement.

Power of Attorney

Legal authority allowing one person to act on behalf of another according to the document and applicable law.

Preapproval

A lender's preliminary assessment of a borrower's potential mortgage qualification based on information reviewed.

Prepaid Expenses

Certain expenses collected or paid in advance at closing, such as insurance or interest.

Price Reduction

A decrease in the asking price of a listed property.

Probate

The legal process for administering a deceased person's estate.

Proof of Funds

Documentation showing that a buyer has sufficient funds for a purchase, down payment or closing requirement.

Property Survey

A professional representation of property boundaries and other features according to the scope of the survey.

Property Tax
FLORIDA TERM

Taxes and assessments imposed on real property by applicable governmental authorities.

Proration

Allocation of expenses or income between buyer and seller according to the transaction.

Punch List

A list of incomplete or corrective items identified near completion of construction.

Purchase Agreement

A contract establishing the terms under which property will be purchased and sold.

QTerms starting with Q3
Qualified Intermediary

An independent party used to facilitate a qualifying Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange.

Quiet Title Action

A lawsuit seeking to resolve competing ownership claims or certain title defects.

Quitclaim Deed

A deed transferring whatever interest the grantor has without the title warranties associated with certain other deeds.

RTerms starting with R14
Radon
FLORIDA TERM

A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside buildings.

Rate Buydown

An arrangement in which money is paid to reduce a borrower's mortgage interest rate temporarily or permanently depending on the program.

Rate Lock

A lender agreement locking a mortgage interest rate for a specified period under stated conditions.

Real Estate Attorney

An attorney who advises on legal matters involving real estate contracts, title, ownership, disputes and related issues.

Recording

The process of placing a document into the county's official public records.

Recording Fees

Charges associated with recording specified documents in official public records.

Rental Restrictions
FLORIDA TERM

Rules limiting how, when or whether property may be rented.

REO

Real Estate Owned property, commonly property owned by a lender or institution following foreclosure.

Replacement Cost
FLORIDA TERM

The estimated cost to replace damaged property with comparable new property, subject to applicable insurance-policy terms.

Reserve Fund
FLORIDA TERM

Money maintained by an association for future major repairs or replacement of common components.

Right-of-Way

A legal right permitting passage across property.

Riparian Rights
FLORIDA TERM

Certain rights associated with property adjoining particular bodies of water.

Roof Age
FLORIDA TERM

The age of a home's roofing system.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"Roof age and condition can materially affect insurance availability and cost in Florida.
Roof Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

An inspection focusing specifically on roofing materials, condition and related components.

STerms starting with S14
Sales Contract

A legally binding agreement establishing the terms of a real estate sale.

Save Our Homes
FLORIDA TERM

Florida's constitutional limitation on annual increases in the assessed value of qualifying homestead property, subject to applicable law.

Seawall
FLORIDA TERM

A structure designed to protect shoreline property from erosion and water action.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"Seawall replacement or major repair can be expensive. Waterfront buyers should investigate condition and maintenance responsibility.
Seller Concession

An amount or benefit a seller agrees to provide toward specified buyer expenses, subject to contract and lender limitations.

Seller Disclosure
FLORIDA TERM

Information provided by a seller concerning known property conditions or facts as required by applicable law.

Seller's Market

A market in which sellers generally have more negotiating leverage because demand is strong relative to available inventory.

Septic System
FLORIDA TERM

An onsite wastewater treatment system used when property is not connected to a central sewer system.

Setback

The required minimum distance between a structure or improvement and a property line or other designated boundary.

Short Sale

A transaction in which a lender or lienholder may agree to accept less than the amount owed to permit a sale.

Showing

An appointment during which prospective buyers tour a property.

SIRS
FLORIDA TERM

A Structural Integrity Reserve Study required for certain Florida condominium associations under applicable law.

Special Assessment
FLORIDA TERM

An additional charge imposed by an association for a specified expense or project.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"Don't stop at "What is the monthly fee?" Investigate current and potential assessments and major planned projects.
Storm Surge
FLORIDA TERM

An abnormal rise in coastal water levels generated by a storm.

Survey

A professional measurement and representation of property boundaries and related features according to the survey's scope.

TTerms starting with T12
Tax Lien

A lien arising from unpaid taxes.

Tax Proration

Allocation of property taxes between buyer and seller according to the transaction.

Taxable Value
FLORIDA TERM

The property value remaining after applicable exemptions and assessment limitations for a particular taxing authority.

Tenancy by the Entirety
FLORIDA TERM

A form of ownership that may be available to married couples under Florida law.

Termite Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

An inspection for evidence of termites or other qualifying wood-destroying organisms.

Title

The legal rights and interests associated with ownership of real property.

Title Company

A company that may provide title research, title insurance and closing-related services.

Title Insurance

Insurance protecting against specified covered title defects and claims.

Title Search

An examination of public records and applicable information concerning ownership, liens and title matters.

Townhome
FLORIDA TERM

A residential housing style often involving attached multi-level homes. The legal ownership structure should be verified rather than assumed from appearance.

Transaction Broker
FLORIDA TERM

A brokerage relationship recognized under Florida law providing limited representation subject to applicable requirements.

TRID

Federal mortgage-disclosure rules integrating specified loan and closing disclosures.

UTerms starting with U5
Under Contract

A property for which the buyer and seller have entered into a purchase agreement.

Underwriting

A lender's evaluation of the borrower, property, documentation and loan risk before final approval.

Unpermitted Improvement
FLORIDA TERM

Construction or alteration completed without permits or approvals that were required.

USDA Loan

A mortgage program associated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eligible borrowers and qualifying properties.

Utility Easement

An easement permitting specified utility access to property.

VTerms starting with V3
VA Loan

A mortgage program guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible borrowers.

Variance

Governmental approval permitting a deviation from certain zoning or land-use requirements.

Villa
FLORIDA TERM

A term commonly used in Southwest Florida for certain attached or detached residential properties. The legal form of ownership should be verified.

WTerms starting with W8
Walkthrough

Common shorthand for a final walkthrough before closing.

Warranty Deed

A deed containing specified warranties by the grantor concerning title.

Water Heater
FLORIDA TERM

Equipment used to provide hot water to a home and commonly reviewed during inspections.

Waterfront Property
FLORIDA TERM

Property directly bordering a body of water.

"Bill’s Bottom Line""Waterfront" does not necessarily mean unrestricted boating access to the Gulf.
WDO
FLORIDA TERM

Wood-Destroying Organisms such as termites and certain other organisms capable of damaging wood.

Well
FLORIDA TERM

A private groundwater source used where central water service is unavailable or not used.

Wind Mitigation Inspection
FLORIDA TERM

A Florida inspection documenting qualifying construction features that may reduce windstorm risk.

Windstorm Coverage
FLORIDA TERM

Insurance protection against specified wind-related losses, subject to policy terms and deductibles.

XTerms starting with X1
X Flood Zone
FLORIDA TERM

A FEMA flood-zone designation generally associated with areas outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.

"Bill’s Bottom Line"An X flood-zone designation does not mean "no flood risk."
YTerms starting with Y2
Year Built
FLORIDA TERM

The year a structure was originally constructed.

Yield

The income return generated by an investment relative to its cost or value.

ZTerms starting with Z2
Zoning

Government regulation of permitted land uses and development standards.

Zoning Verification

Confirmation from the applicable governmental authority regarding a property's zoning classification and permitted uses.

Have a Question About Venice, Florida Real Estate?

Understanding the definition is helpful. Understanding how it applies to the particular home you are buying or selling is even more important.

Contact Bill Garrison

Bill Garrison   |   941-400-2307
This glossary is provided for general educational purposes. Real estate, legal, lending, insurance, tax and association requirements can change. Consult the appropriate licensed professional regarding your individual circumstances.