Abstract of TitleAn abstract of title is the written history of a piece of land to document all transactions associated with that land from the time(...)
Active SolarActive solar systems are those which collect solar radiation and convert it in the form of heat to water, air, or some other fluid.(...)
Actual Cash ValueActual cash value, commonly known by the acronym ACV, and also referred to as market value, is a term used in the insurance industry(...)
Ad Valorem TaxAn ad valorem tax is a form of taxation based on the value of a transaction or a property, either real estate or personal property. It(...)
AddendumAn addendum is a change to an existing contract. After signing a valid legal contract, parties use addenda to alter the terms of the(...)
AdemptionAdemption occurs when property gifted in a will is not in the estate’s possession at the time of the testator’s death. This occurs(...)
Adjustable-Rate MortgageAn adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, is a mortgage with an interest rate that can be increased or decreased from time to time,(...)
Adjusted BasisAdjusted basis refers to how much you lose or gain when you sell property. Before you can determine your profit or loss from the sale(...)
Administrator's DeedA document that transfers real estate from an intestate person (a person who dies without having a will) to his or her heirs. This(...)
Aerobic Septicis a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than(...)
AES 256-bit EncryptionThe first and only publicly accessible cipher approved by the US National Security Agency (NSA) for protecting top secret information(...)
Agreement of SaleAn agreement of sale is a legal document that outlines the terms of a real estate transaction. It lists the price and other details of(...)
AI - Artificial IntelligenceIntelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans.
Air/Development RightsUnused rights that allow developers to make changes to their property within the limitations imposed by state or local law. An example(...)
AlgorithmA process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
Alternative MortgageAn alternative mortgage is a home loan with terms that differ from conventional, fixed-rate mortgages and may come with higher(...)
AmortizationAmortization is the process of paying off debt with regular payments made over time. The fixed payments cover both the principal and(...)
Amortization TableWhether you are buying a new car, funding your education or buying property, it’s essential to understand the terms of your loan.(...)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)Annual percentage rate, or APR, is a way of measuring the full cost a lender charges per year for funds. Typically associated with(...)
Apartment StyleAn apartment is a rental property that is usually owned (not just managed) by a property management company, located in a residential(...)
AppraisalReal estateappraisal, property valuation or land valuation is the process of developing an opinion of value, for real property. Real(...)
Appraised ValueThe appraised value of a home is the value at a specific point in time as determined by a licensed appraiser. An appraisal is usually(...)
AppreciationAppreciation, or capital appreciation, is an increase in the price or value of an asset. Appreciation occurs when the market value of(...)
Architectural FeesArchitectural fees are a form of compensation paid to an individual or entity that designs buildings or structures.
Architectural StyleAn architectural style is characterized by the features that make a building or other structure notable or historically identifiable.
Asking PriceThe asking price is the amount a home seller wants a buyer to pay to purchase his home. The asking price is generally part of the(...)
AssessmentAn assessment establishes the value of an asset, such as a home or a vehicle, for taxation purposes. In some cases, an assessment is(...)
Assessment RollAn assessment roll is a public record containing the information about property and individual pieces of land within the taxing(...)
AssetsAssets are anything with monetary value owned by individuals, governments, and companies. Assets are acquired through a transaction or(...)
Assumable MortgageAn assumable mortgage is a home loan that a buyer can take over from a seller, generally with lender approval. The buyer agrees to(...)
Assumption ClauseAn assumption clause is a provision in a mortgagecontract that allows the homebuyer to take over the loan from the seller. It occurs(...)
AuditAn audit refers to the process of examining some aspect of an individual or company, be it financial or non-financial. When conducted(...)
Avigation EasementAn avigation easement, also called an aviation easement, is an agreement that compels property owners to cede air rights over their(...)