Real Estate Glossary

If you're in the market for a new home, it's important to familiarize yourself with the terminology that real estate agents use. Understanding the language used in real estate can help you make informed decisions and navigate the process more easily. In this article, we'll cover some common terms you may encounter when working with Crider Realty.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Common Real Estate Terms
Listing Agent
Buyer's Agent
Closing Costs
Home Inspection
Appraisal
Contingency
Equity
Mortgage
Down Payment
Pre-Approval
Title
Deed
Crider Realty-Specific Terms
MLS
CMA
Open House
Exclusive Listings
Dual Agency
Buyer's Rebate
Property Management
Rent Collection
Tenant Screening
Lease Agreement
Conclusion

The listing agent is the real estate agent who represents the seller of a property. They are responsible for marketing the property, coordinating showings, negotiating offers, and closing the sale.

Buyer's Agent

The buyer's agent is the real estate agent who represents the buyer of a property. They help the buyer find properties that meet their criteria, coordinate showings, negotiate offers, and guide the buyer through the closing process.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are the fees associated with the purchase of a property, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney fees. These costs are typically paid at the closing of the sale.

Home Inspection

A home inspection is an examination of a property's condition by a qualified professional. The inspector will evaluate the property's structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and other important features to identify any issues that may need to be addressed before the sale is completed.

Appraisal

An appraisal is an estimate of a property's value by a qualified appraiser. This value is based on factors such as the property's location, condition, and comparable sales in the area.

Contingency

A contingency is a condition that must be met before a real estate transaction can be completed. For example, a buyer may make an offer on a property contingent upon the completion of a home inspection.

Equity

Equity is the difference between the market value of a property and the amount owed on any outstanding loans or mortgages.

Mortgage

A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a property. The borrower pledges the property as collateral for the loan, and the lender takes a security interest in the property.

Down Payment

The down payment is the amount of money a buyer pays upfront when purchasing a property. This payment is typically a percentage of the total purchase price.

Pre-Approval

Pre-approval is the process by which a lender determines how much money a buyer is qualified to borrow for a mortgage. This process typically involves a credit check and an assessment of the buyer's financial situation.

Title

The title refers to a legal document that establishes ownership of a property. The title outlines the rights and obligations of the owner and any liens or encumbrances on the property.

Deed

A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one party to another. It includes the names of the parties involved, a legal description of the property, and any relevant terms or conditions of the transfer.

Crider Realty-Specific Terms
MLS

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Services. This is a database of properties for sale in a particular area. Agents can use the MLS to search for properties that meet their clients' criteria, and sellers can list their properties on the MLS to reach a wider audience of potential buyers.

CMA

CMA stands for Comparative Market Analysis. This is a report that helps determine the value of a property by comparing it to similar properties in the area that have recently sold.

Open House

An open house is an event where a property is open to the public for viewing. It allows potential buyers to tour the property and ask questions.

Exclusive Listings

Exclusive listings are properties that are only listed with one brokerage. This means that only agents from that brokerage can market and sell the property.

Dual Agency

Dual agency occurs when a real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. This can create a conflict of interest, as the agent must work to negotiate the best deal for both parties.

Buyer's Rebate

A buyer's rebate is a refund of a portion of the commission paid by the buyer's agent to the buyer. This rebate is typically offered by the buyer's agent as an incentive to work with them.

Property Management

Property management involves the management of rental properties on behalf of the property owner. This includes tasks such as rent collection, tenant screening, and maintenance.

Rent Collection

Rent collection is the process of collecting rent payments from tenants. This can include setting up a payment system, sending reminders, and dealing with late payments.

Tenant Screening

Tenant screening involves the evaluation of potential tenants to determine their suitability for a rental property. This can include a credit check, reference checks, and a review of their rental history.

Lease Agreement

A lease agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant. It includes details such as the rent amount, lease term, and rules and regulations.

Conclusion

Understanding the terminology used in real estate can be overwhelming, but it's an important part of the home-buying or selling process. Familiarizing yourself with these terms can help you make informed decisions and navigate the process more easily. If you're working with Crider Realty, these terms can help you understand the services they offer and the terminology they use.