preventive

Definition

A measure, substance, or action that stops something bad from happening before it does—the 'ounce of prevention' approach to life's problems. Think prophylactic maintenance: fix it now so you're not crying later.

Example Usage

Installing preventive drainage systems cost more upfront but saved the foundation from catastrophic water damage.

Source: Merriam-Webster via Free Dictionary API

Related Terms

Advanced

gcfr

Ground Coverage Floor Ratio—the percentage of a lot covered by a building's footprint, regulating density and preserving open space. A municipality's way of preventing you from covering every square inch with structure.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

seller financing

When the property seller acts as the bank because either the buyer can't get a traditional loan or the seller wants to collect interest payments. It's basically a handshake agreement with paperwork, beloved by people who can't qualify for mortgages and sellers who enjoy playing banker.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

buydown

A financing technique where someone pays upfront to reduce the interest rate on a mortgage, either temporarily or permanently. It's like paying for a discount on your discount.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

broker price opinion

An estimate of a property's value provided by a licensed broker rather than a certified appraiser, often used by lenders for less critical valuations. It's the fast-food version of an appraisal—quicker, cheaper, and potentially less reliable.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

recorded plat

An official map filed with the county showing how land is divided into lots, streets, and easements. It's the government-approved blueprint that prevents you from accidentally buying someone's driveway.

🏠 Real Estate

Beginner

Inspection

A detailed examination of a property by a professional to find all the problems the owner conveniently forgot to mention.

🏠 Real Estate

Translate This Term

See “preventive” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

lecture hall

A large tiered classroom where hundreds of students gather to experience the medieval teaching method of one person talk...