Real Estate Glossary


A     B     C     D     E     F     G     H     I     J     K     L     M     N     O     P     Q     R     S     T     U     V     W     X     Y     Z
Enter a Word:
Acceleration clause
Stipulation in a mortgage agreement that allows the lender to demand immediate payment of the entire loan balance if any scheduled payment is missed.

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)
Mortgage loan on which the interest rate falls and rises with changes in prevailing rates. The mortgage rate is tied to a selected index and may be adjusted annually. Also called a variable rate mortgage.

Agent
Person authorized to act by and on behalf of another.

Air rights
Right to occupy and use the open space above a parcel of land or property, such as in the leasing of air space over existing buildings or highways.

Amortize
Pay a debt in monthly or other periodic installments until the total amount, along with the interest, if any, is paid.

Annual percentage rate (APR)
Combines the interest rate with other loan costs, such as points and loan fees, into a single figure that shows the true annual cost of borrowing.

Appraisal
A formal estimate of property value conducted by a professional qualified to make such an opinion.

Appreciation
Increase in property value or worth due to economic or related factors; the opposite of depreciation.

As is
Said of property offered for sale in its present condition with no guarantees as to quality and no promise of repair or fix-up by the seller; property is purchased in exactly the condition in which it is found.

Assessed value
A value placed on a property by an agency of the government for taxation and other purposes.

Assessment
Tax or charge levied on property by a taxing authority to pay for local improvements such as sidewalks, streets, and sewers.

Assumption of mortgage
Taking title to property that has an existing mortgage, and being personally liable for its payment as a condition of the sale.



We use our best efforts to present the most accurate and up-to-date information, but we are not responsible for the results of any defects that may be found to exist, or any lost profits or other consequential damages that may result from such defects. You should not assume that this content is error-free or that it will be suitable for the particular purpose that you have in mind when using it. The owner and operator of the website that displays this data makes no warranty or representation of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the information included herein.