- EnamelA paint or enamel made so that its coating, when dry, has some luster but is not very glossy. Bathrooms and kitchens are normally painted semi-gloss Read More
- EncroachmentThe extension of a structure from the real estate to which it belongs across a boundary line and onto adjoining property. Read More
- EncumbranceA claim, right or lien upon the title to real estate, held by someone other than the real estate owner. Read More
- EndorsementAddition to or modification of a title insurance policy that expands or changes coverage of the policy, fulfilling specific requirements of the(...) Read More
- Energy StarA program supported by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) that recognizes products that are energy efficient. Energy Star labels can(...) Read More
- Engineering ReportReport generated by an architect or engineer describing the current physical condition of the property and its major building systems, i.e.,(...) Read More
- Environmental ReportReport generated by an qualified environmental firm to determine potential environmental hazards in a building's region or within the building itself. Read More
- Environmental RiskRisk of loss of collateral value and of lender liability due to the presence of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, PCB's, radon or leaking(...) Read More
- Equal Credit Opportunity ActA federal law that requires lenders to make credit equally available without regard to the applicant’s race, color, religion, national origin,(...) Read More
- Equal Housing OpportunityAll American citizens can have the opportunity to live in different housing communities regardless of their age, disability, gender, familial(...) Read More
- EquifaxOne of the three major credit bureaus in the US. See Credit Reporting Bureau. Read More
- EquityA difference between a property's market value and the monetary amount owed to the lender who holds the mortgage. Equity is the amount the owner(...) Read More
- Equity MultipleThe total net profit returned over the lifetime of an investment plus the maximum equity invested, expressed as a multiple of the maximum equity(...) Read More
- Escalation ClauseWhen buyers anticipate multiple offers on a property they are looking to purchase; they can include an escalation clause in the contract that(...) Read More
- EscrowIn the title industry, refer to the deposits made to an impartial third party of anything pertaining to a real estate transaction - including(...) Read More
- Escrow AccountAn account held by the lender to which the borrower pays monthly installments, collected as part of the monthly mortgage payment, for annual(...) Read More
- Escrow AgentOr "Holder". An impartial third-party with fiduciary responsibility to the buyer and seller, or the borrower and lender, to ensure that the(...) Read More
- Escrow AgreementA written agreement setting forth the conditions and giving the escrow agent instructions regarding the disposition of the contents deposited in(...) Read More
- Escrow AnalysisThe accounting that a mortgage servicer performs to determine the appropriate balances for the escrow account, compute the borrower’s monthly(...) Read More
- EscutcheonAn ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole Read More
- EstimateThe cost estimate is a document that includes the cost of materials, equipment, job scope cost, and transportation. Read More
- Estimated Closing FeesAn estimate of the fees that must be paid on or before the closing date by the buyer and/or seller for services, taxes and items necessary to(...) Read More
- Estimated ValueThe value the assessor estimates a property would likely sell for on the open market. Read More
- EstimatingThe process of determining the cost of a project. Estimating typically results in a ballpark cost estimate and usually occurs prior to signing a(...) Read More
- European StyleEuropean or Euro-style as it is sometimes called is a clean, contemporary look without a lot of frills. Euro-style cabinets and furniture are(...) Read More
- Evaporator CoilThe part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home. Read More
- EvictionA legal process for the removal of a person from their current home. The reasons include lease agreement violations and unpaid rent or mortgage. Read More
- Eviction NoticeA legal notice from the landlord that describes the tenant’s default connected to the lease terms. Eviction notices aim to inform tenants of a(...) Read More
- ExaminationIn title industry terms, to peruse and study the instruments in a chain of title and to determine their effect and condition in order to reach a(...) Read More
- ExaminerUsually referred to, in title industry terms, as title examiner. One who examines and determines the condition and status of real estate titles. Read More
- ExceptionsInsurance policies include a list of items excluded from coverage. Items excluded from coverage can be found in section two of Schedule B of the(...) Read More
- Exclusive Right-to-Sell ListingThe contract between the listing agent and the owner of the home, wherein the seller agrees to compensate the agent’s efforts regardless of who(...) Read More
- Existing ConditionsA home's existing conditions refer to its original layout to differentiate it from suggested renovations from building plans. Read More
- Exit StrategyAn exit strategy is how an investor plans to cash out on an investment property. This can include strategies such as renting out a buy-and-hold(...) Read More
- Expansion JointA joint that allows for expansion and contraction during temperature changes. Read More
- Expansive SoilsEarth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present. ("Betonite" is an expansive soil). Read More
- ExperianOne of the three major credit bureaus in the US. See Credit Reporting Bureau. Read More
- Exposed Aggregate FinishA method of finishing concrete which washes the cement/sand mixture off the top layer of the aggregate - usually gravel. Often used in(...) Read More
- Extension of LeaseAn agreement extending or renewing the terms of a lease for a period beyond the expiration date to provide the optimum level of facility for the(...) Read More
- Exterior Grade Plywood (Water and Boil Proof / WBP)Plywood treated with durable veneers, bonded with waterproof adhesive. It is capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to even severe exterior(...) Read More