Real Estate A-Z
A plain-English guide to the terminology buyers and sellers encounter when purchasing, selling or owning Florida real estate – from "Appraisal" to "Zoning."
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Real Estate Encyclopedia – A to Z
ATerms starting with A12▼
Ad Valorem Tax
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.
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"
A commonly used Florida contract structure under which property is generally sold in its existing condition, subject to the specific terms of the contract.
Assessed Value
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
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
A structure used for access to and mooring of boats.
Boat Lift
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
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
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
A Community Development District is a Florida special-purpose governmental district that may finance and maintain community infrastructure and services.
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
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
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
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
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
A document commonly used in Florida association transactions providing specified information concerning amounts owed and other association matters.
Evacuation Zone
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
The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act can require withholding when certain foreign persons dispose of U.S. real property interests.
Fixed Bridge
A bridge that does not open for marine traffic.
Flood Insurance
Insurance designed to cover specified losses caused by flooding.
Flood Zone
A geographic area identified according to flood-risk classifications.
Floodplain
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
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
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
A homeowners association administering a community under governing documents and applicable law.
HOA Approval
An association approval process that may apply to buyers, tenants, property changes or other matters.
HOA Dues
Regular charges paid by homeowners to support association operations and services.
HOA Estoppel
A Florida association document providing specified assessment and account information related to a property.
Homeowners Insurance
Insurance providing specified coverage for a residence, personal property, liability and other covered risks.
Homestead Exemption
A Florida property-tax benefit available to qualifying homeowners who establish a property as their permanent residence and meet applicable requirements.
Hurricane Deductible
A special deductible that may apply to qualifying hurricane-related losses under a Florida insurance policy.
Hurricane Shutters
Protective coverings designed to help protect openings against windborne debris.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
ITerms starting with I8▼
Impact Fee
A governmental charge associated with certain development intended to help fund infrastructure or public services.
Impact-Resistant Windows
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
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
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
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
An additional amount a builder may charge for a more desirable homesite.
MTerms starting with M12▼
Mangroves
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
A structural inspection requirement applicable to certain Florida condominium buildings under state law.
Millage Rate
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
A search for certain municipal charges, violations, permits or other matters affecting property.
NTerms starting with N5▼
Navigable Water
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
The National Flood Insurance Program.
Non-Ad Valorem Assessment
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
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
An inspection evaluating pool components and equipment within the inspector's scope.
Portability
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
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
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
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
The estimated cost to replace damaged property with comparable new property, subject to applicable insurance-policy terms.
Reserve Fund
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
Certain rights associated with property adjoining particular bodies of water.
Roof Age
The age of a home's roofing system.
Roof Inspection
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's constitutional limitation on annual increases in the assessed value of qualifying homestead property, subject to applicable law.
Seawall
A structure designed to protect shoreline property from erosion and water action.
Seller Concession
An amount or benefit a seller agrees to provide toward specified buyer expenses, subject to contract and lender limitations.
Seller Disclosure
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
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
A Structural Integrity Reserve Study required for certain Florida condominium associations under applicable law.
Special Assessment
An additional charge imposed by an association for a specified expense or project.
Storm Surge
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
The property value remaining after applicable exemptions and assessment limitations for a particular taxing authority.
Tenancy by the Entirety
A form of ownership that may be available to married couples under Florida law.
Termite Inspection
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
A residential housing style often involving attached multi-level homes. The legal ownership structure should be verified rather than assumed from appearance.
Transaction Broker
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
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
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
Equipment used to provide hot water to a home and commonly reviewed during inspections.
Waterfront Property
Property directly bordering a body of water.
WDO
Wood-Destroying Organisms such as termites and certain other organisms capable of damaging wood.
Well
A private groundwater source used where central water service is unavailable or not used.
Wind Mitigation Inspection
A Florida inspection documenting qualifying construction features that may reduce windstorm risk.
Windstorm Coverage
Insurance protection against specified wind-related losses, subject to policy terms and deductibles.
XTerms starting with X1▼
X Flood Zone
A FEMA flood-zone designation generally associated with areas outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.
YTerms starting with Y2▼
Year Built
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.
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