Real Estate Agent

Definition

A licensed professional who represents buyers or sellers in property transactions and earns a commission (typically 5-6%) upon sale. They're part cheerleader, part negotiator, and 100% invested in closing the deal.

Example Usage

Our real estate agent showed us fifteen properties before we found the right fit.

Origin

From 'agent' meaning one who acts on behalf of another

Fun Fact

Real estate agents must be licensed in all 50 U.S. states, though licensing requirements vary widely—making some certifications more rigorous than others.

Source: Real estate industry standard

Related Terms

Intermediate

teaser rate

An artificially low introductory interest rate that lures borrowers into adjustable-rate mortgages before jumping to its true, painful level. It's the 'free trial' of the mortgage world, and the subscription auto-renews at triple the price.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

Contingent Offer

An offer with conditions that must be met—basically 'I'll buy this if it doesn't fall apart when I inspect it.'

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

metes and bounds

A property description system using distances (metes) and directions (bounds) to define boundaries, starting from a point of beginning and returning there. The most complicated way possible to say 'here's where your fence goes.'

🏠 Real Estate

Beginner

plat

A surveyed map showing property boundaries, lots, streets, and easements in a subdivision, recorded with local authorities. The official drawing that proves your neighbor's fence is definitely on your lawn.

🏠 Real Estate

Intermediate

break-even point

The moment when your total homeownership costs equal what you would have spent renting, making your purchase financially justified. It's the mathematical validation you desperately need after signing that mortgage.

🏠 Real Estate

Beginner

Equity

The theoretical money trapped inside your walls that everyone talks about but you can never actually touch without borrowing against it. It's like Monopoly money that your house keeps score with.

💰 Finance / Accounting🏠 Real Estate

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