Where cozy means tiny and charming means needs work.
A deceptive transaction where someone buys property on behalf of another person to hide the true buyer's identity—usually illegal and definitely unethical.
The legal equivalent of handing over property with enough paperwork to build a small forest—officially transferring ownership through a binding, notarized document. When real estate is conveyed, the deed changes hands, lawyers get paid, and one party gets keys while the other gets regret or relief.
A archaic unit of land measurement still clinging to relevance in real estate and agriculture, roughly equivalent to the amount of ground an oxen-powered farmer could plow in a day—or about 4,047 square meters if you're trying to sound metric and sophisticated.
A contract between a homeowner and a real estate agent that gives the agent the right to sell your house and keep a commission if anyone buys it.
A quantified surface extent measured in square units, or a specific geographic region that someone drew on a map and said 'that's a thing now.' In real estate, it's the magic number that determines your mortgage payment.
Finely dressed stone blocks with straight edges and flat faces, typically laid in mortar in horizontal courses to form strong masonry walls. Ashlar is prized in construction for its neat, formal appearance and structural integrity.
A mandatory document providing borrowers with loan terms and final costs before closing. It's the moment buyers realize they're paying thousands in fees they forgot about or didn't fully understand.
A lender's employee who originates loans and shepherds applicants through underwriting—basically, the friendly face of institutional caution.
A structure built into the sea or a large body of water to reduce wave force and protect a harbor, beach, or coastline from erosion. Can be made of concrete, rock, or other materials.
A dull, yellowish-green color named after the avocado fruit, extremely popular in home appliances, fixtures, and décor during the 1960s and 1970s. Avocado green was considered modern and fashionable but has largely become associated with dated retro design.
Insurance required by lenders when a borrower puts down less than 20%, protecting the lender (not the borrower) if you default. It's a tax you pay for not having enough money.
A legal right to cancel a transaction within a specific timeframe, typically 3 business days for certain refinances. Your cooling-off period before the bank officially owns your soul.
A metric unit of land area roughly the size of a small village or a very large parking lot (10,000 square meters to be precise). Beloved by environmentalists, real estate developers, and anyone trying to sound international at dinner parties.
A small holiday dwelling, typically beachside and minimally furnished, where one escapes civilized society for a few days. Named after the composer, because apparently musical genius requires cramped coastal quarters.
A government claim on a property for unpaid property taxes—Uncle Sam's way of saying 'pay up or we're taking your house.'
A bed frame with two or more sleeping surfaces stacked vertically, typically separated by a single support structure. Commonly used in children's rooms, dormitories, and small spaces to maximize sleeping capacity in a compact footprint.
Upfront payments to the lender that reduce your interest rate, banking on the assumption you'll keep the loan long enough to break even.
An escrow account where your lender holds money for property taxes and insurance, basically hostaging your funds until it's time to pay them.
Converting a rental apartment building into individually owned condos. When a landlord turns renters into homeowners, permanently ending a community.
An external angle of a wall or building, or a cornerstone. Also refers to a wedge-shaped stone used to support or level something.
A deed that has been officially filed in the county recorder's office, making it part of the public record and providing legal notice of ownership. It's how everyone officially knows who owns what.
A recently sold property similar to your target property, used to determine fair market value. Real estate agents use them to justify why your home is definitely worth exactly what you want it to be worth.
The percentage of a property's value that's financed through a loan versus down payment. Higher LTV means less cash down but more risk for the lender and more PMI for you.
A final inspection of the property before closing to ensure agreed-upon repairs were completed and nothing else broke. Your last chance to catch the seller's damage before you own the disaster.