Real Estate Glossary – A
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Many of the terms used during real estate transactions may be new or unfamiliar. WashMetroHomes.com has provided the real estate dictionary to assist you with better understating the terms of buying and selling real estate and the terms contained in real estate contracts and/or forms.
In light of this, WashMetroHomes.com is providing this real estate dictionary with many terms common with buying and selling real estate. Each real estate transaction is unique and the terms are all different. If you are unclear about any specific area or meaning in a real estate contract, see the help of a real estate professional such as a Realtor, Mortgage Specialist, or a competent and qualified Attorney.
Great care and research was undertaken to provide accurate definitions and explanations for the real estate terms and words in our real estate dictionary. No one real estate dictionary can be 100% accurate in all jurisdictions. The definitions provided by WashMetroHomes.com in the real estate dictionary are for general purposes only and should not be used for legal purposes. Jennifer V-E Johnson and WashMetroHomes.com disclaim any responsibility for any liability, risk or loss that may be incurred or claimed incurred as a consequence of using this information.
WashMetroHomes.com hopes you benefit from using our real estate dictionary. acceleration clause acceptance additional principal payment adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) adjusted basis adjustment date adjustment period administrator affordability analysis amenity amortization amortization schedule amortization term amortize annual mortgagor statement annual percentage rate (APR) annuity application appraisal appraised value appraiser appreciation assessed value assessment assessment rolls assessor asset assignment assumable mortgage assumption assumption clause assumption fee attorney-in-fact
A provision in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to demand payment of the entire principal balance if a monthly payment is missed.
An offeree’s consent to enter into a contract and be bound by the terms of the offer.
A payment by a borrower of more than the scheduled principal amount due in order to reduce the remaining balance on the loan.
A mortgage that permits the lender to adjust the mortgage’s interest rate periodically on the basis of changes in a specified index. Interest rates may move up or down, as market conditions change.
The original cost of a property plus the value of any capital expenditures for improvements to the property minus any depreciation taken.
The date on which the interest rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
The period that elapses between the adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
A person appointed by a probate court to administer the estate of a person who died intestate.
A detailed analysis of your ability to afford the purchase of a home. An affordability analysis takes into consideration your income, liabilities and available funds, along with the type of mortgage you plan to use, the area where you want to purchase a home and the closing costs that you might expect to pay.
A feature of real property that enhances its attractiveness and increases the occupant’s or user’s satisfaction although the feature is not essential to the property’s use. Natural amenities include a pleasant or desirable location near water, scenic views of the surrounding area, etc. Human-made amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, community buildings and other recreational facilities.
The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan by installments.
A timetable for payment of a mortgage loan. An amortization schedule shows the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and shows the remaining balance after each payment is made.
The amount of time required to amortize the mortgage loan. The amortization term is expressed as a number of months. For example, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 360 months.
To repay a mortgage with regular payments that cover both principal and interest.
A report sent to the mortgagor (the borrower) each year. The report shows how much was paid in taxes and interest during the year, as well as the remaining mortgage loan balance at the end of the year.
The cost of a mortgage stated as a yearly rate; includes such items as interest, mortgage insurance and loan origination fee (points).
An amount paid yearly or at other regular intervals, often on a guaranteed dollar basis.
A form used to apply for a mortgage loan and to record pertinent information concerning a prospective mortgagor and the proposed security. Lenders use the information on the loan application to evaluate whether or not they can give the loan, and if so, the amount of money they can lend.
A written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. Contrast with home inspection.
An opinion of a property’s fair market value, based on an appraiser’s knowledge, experience and analysis of the property.
A person qualified by education, training and experience to estimate the value of real property and personal property.
An increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions or other causes. The opposite of depreciation.
The valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor for purposes of taxation.
The process of placing a value on property for the strict purpose of taxation. May also refer to a levy against property for a special purpose, such as a sewer assessment.
The public record of taxable property.
A public official who establishes the value of a property for taxation purposes.
Anything of monetary value that is owned by a person. Assets include real property, personal property and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds and so on).
The transfer of a mortgage from one person to another.
A mortgage that can be taken over (“assumed”) by the buyer when a home is sold.
The transfer of the seller’s existing mortgage to the buyer. See assumable mortgage.
A provision in an assumable mortgage that allows a buyer to assume responsibility for the mortgage from the seller. The loan does not need to be paid in full by the original borrower upon sale or transfer of the property.
The fee paid to a lender (usually by the purchaser of real property) resulting from the assumption of an existing mortgage.
One who holds a power of attorney from another to execute documents on behalf of the grantor of the power.
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Limited consent to preprint or republish this report may be posted, reprinted, emailed or faxed as long as the copyright and credit reflect “Courtesy of Jennifer V-E Johnson and WashMetroHomes.com.”
Courtesy of Jennifer V-E Johnson, Reston Expert and www.WashMetroHomes.com
