Density

Definition

The number of housing units or people per unit of land, used by planners to describe everything from sprawling suburbs to vertical cities.

Example Usage

The zoning change allows for higher density development, up to 50 units per acre.

Origin

From Latin 'densus' meaning thick; applied to real estate planning in the 1960s

Fun Fact

Manhattan has a density of about 70,000 people per square mile, while the surrounding suburbs average 3,000.

Source: American Planning Association Glossary

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unencumbered

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change order

A formal document modifying the original contract, usually adding more work, more time, or more money—often all three. It's how contractors politely inform you that your 'simple request' will cost an additional $5,000. Change orders are proof that nothing is ever as simple as the original estimate suggested.

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HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

A revolving credit line that lets you borrow against your home's equity, because apparently one mortgage wasn't enough debt.

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highest and best use

The most profitable legal use of a property that's physically possible and financially feasible. It's why your residential lot might be worth more to a developer than your emotional attachment suggests.

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Earnest Money Dispute

When buyer and seller fight over who gets the deposit if the deal falls apart—the worst kind of relationship counseling.

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