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TermDefinition
- Adjusted BasisThe original cost of a property plus the cost of any improvements less depreciation.
- Adjusted Gross IncomeGross income of a building if fully rented, less an allowance for estimated vacancies.
- Adjustment IntervalDenotes the length of time between changes in the interest rate for an adjustable-rate mortgage. Typical adjustment intervals are six months and one year.
- Adjustment PeriodDenotes the length of time between changes in the interest rate for an adjustable-rate mortgage. Typical adjustment intervals are six months and one year.
- Adverse PossessionThe unauthorized occupation of land belonging to another, by a person who does not have the consent of the owner. Said occupier is said to hold possession adversely to the rights and interests of the owner. In most states, by operation of law, title to the land becomes vested in such occupier after a fixed number of years of peaceful occupancy.
- AeratorThe round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
- Affected Valuation BasisThe value of real estate having regard to the effect of blight or damage to the real estate for whatever reason and normally due to planning considerations (e.g., motorways, airports).
- Affordable HousingHousing governed by a federal or state agency with an aim to help people and control their rent when they meet certain criteria.
- After Repair ValueAfter Repair Value (ARV) is an estimate of a property's value after it's repaired. This serves as a proxy for the market value of the price. The most common use of ARV is in house flipping, when an investor buys a distressed house, fixes it up, and sells it. Many investors follow the 70% Rule, which states the purchase price should be 70% (or less) than the total of the ARV, minus the cost of repairs.
- ARVAfter Repair Value (ARV) is an estimate of a property's value after it's repaired. This serves as a proxy for the market value of the price. The most common use of ARV is in house flipping, when an investor buys a distressed house, fixes it up, and sells it. Many investors follow the 70% Rule, which states the purchase price should be 70% (or less) than the total of the ARV, minus the cost of repairs.
- AgentIndividuals who have a legal basis to act on behalf of another person.
- AggregateAggregate can be made up of sand, gravel, or crushed rock. It is used to create a strong foundation by being mixed into concrete.
- Agreement of SaleContract signed by buyer and seller stating the terms and conditions under which a property will be sold.
- Air ConditioningAn electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to direct current which flows only in one direction. A/C can stand for air conditioner, air conditioning, and alternating current,
- A/CAn electric current that periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time in contrast to direct current which flows only in one direction. A/C can stand for air conditioner, air conditioning, and alternating current,
- Air SpaceThe area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
- AlcoveA recessed area in a room.
- All-Inclusive RateThis is a rate that includes the insurance premium, and at least some part of the cost of the title search, examination and the cost of conducting the closing/settlement.
- AllowanceAn amount of money, or budget, captured within the construction contract that is set aside for expenses that will arise during the course of the construction project. It is typically used for details that will be decided after work has begun, such as type of tile to be used, cabinet fixtures, and similar details.
- AlterationsAlterations are additions or improvements made to homes through contractors or DIY work. This can include any task, from rearranging furniture or adding a door to installing a bigger sink in the kitchen.
- Alternative DocumentationA method of documenting a loan file that relies on information that the borrower is likely to be able to provide instead of waiting on verification sent to third parties for confirmation of statements made in the application.
- Aluminum PaintA type of paint with a metallic-looking finish. This finish comes from aluminum particles contained within the paint base.
- AmenitiesMaterial and immaterial features of a given property that increase its value or make it more desirable.
- American Land Title AssociationThe national trade association for the title insurance industry. ALTA member companies include businesses that conduct your closing and issue you an Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance.
- ALTAThe national trade association for the title insurance industry. ALTA member companies include businesses that conduct your closing and issue you an Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance.
- Americans with Disabilities ActThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) explains accessibility guidelines for building design.
- ADAThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) explains accessibility guidelines for building design.
- AmortizationAn accounting technique used to periodically lower the book value of a loan or an intangible asset over a set period of time. Concerning a loan, amortization focuses on spreading out loan payments over time. When applied to an asset, amortization is similar to depreciation.
- Amortization ScheduleA timetable for payment of a mortgage showing the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and the remaining balance.
- AmpereThe unit of measurement of electrical current as it moves through a conductor.
- Amp, AThe unit of measurement of electrical current as it moves through a conductor.
- Angle StopA shut-off valve that connects the water pipes within the wall to the fixtures (faucet, toilet, etc.) on the exterior of the wall.
- Angle SupplyA shut-off valve that connects the water pipes within the wall to the fixtures (faucet, toilet, etc.) on the exterior of the wall.
- Annual DepreciationThe depreciation of the asset in the recently finished fiscal year in dollar amount.
- Annual Percentage RateThe cost of a loan or other financing as an annual rate. The APR includes the interest rate, points, broker fees and certain other credit charges a borrower is required to pay.
- APRThe cost of a loan or other financing as an annual rate. The APR includes the interest rate, points, broker fees and certain other credit charges a borrower is required to pay.
- Anticipated Hold PeriodThis is the period of time that an investor anticipates holding each home before looking to liquidate the property. Financing terms are often matched to this hold period to optimize returns.
- ApartmentA rented residential unit that is part of one (or several) residential buildings, or a separate dwelling within a house with its own entrance, bathroom and kitchen. Similar to a condo, but rented by the tenant rather than occupied by the owner.
- ApplicantThe individual or entity who applies for a real estate loan
- Prospective MortgagorThe individual or entity who applies for a real estate loan