Real Estate Terminology: Know These 8 Real Estate Terms Before You Buy or Sell a Home by Holly Budde

Home Money
a year ago

Real Estate Terminology: Know These 8 Real Estate Terms Before You Buy or Sell a Home

How well do you know real estate terminology? By familiarizing yourself with these common real estate industry terms, you will understand the jargon of the transaction, and hopefully have a pleasurable experience in real estate.

  • Pre-approval: Documentation and credit submitted to the lender.
  • Offer: A written offer to purchase the home of your choice. Usually written on the state-required contract form. Until accepted and signed by the seller, it is simply your offer.
  • Acceptance: The sellers sign and accept your offer. Now you are "under contract" with the sellers to purchase according to the agreed terms.
  • Earnest Money: Money paid to secure the consideration of contract.
  • Inspection: A home mechanical and structural inspection by a licensed real estate inspector.
  • Appraisal: An independent evaluation of the home's value, done by a licensed appraiser.
  • Closing costs: Third-party fees required to be paid over and above the down payment (loan, title, inspections fees, to name a few).
  • Closing: Signing of the final loan documents and transferring of title to buyer.

These are a few basic terms you will undoubtedly hear during the process. Ask your lender/agent to clarify anything you don't fully understand.

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Elisa Schmitz
Very helpful info, Holly Budde . It is so much better to be informed before going into a big process like this, thank you!
Holly Budde
Hi Sean ! We try to keep it a 30 second read. If I can help you w something particular, please let me know. I’m always eager to help
bepositive
Super interesting, always wondered!
Holly Budde
Often we through around real estate jargon like everyone knows. This is the big ones. If I can help you w something please reach out !!
josephgrinkorn
Thanks for sharing this information.

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