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Say What? Home-Buying Lingo You Should Know

If you are a first-time homebuyer or even a repeat buyer, you quickly realize that real estate has a language all its own. Understanding some of the lingo can help you navigate the process a little easier. By learning a few critical terms, you will be in a better position to ask the right questions and make the best decisions.

  • Buyer’s Market – A real estate climate where the number of listings outnumbers qualified buyers.
  • Seller’s Market – A real estate climate when there are very few desirable properties listed for sale.
  • Contingencies – Specific conditions included in an offer to protect the buyer against unexpected situations, such as inspection, loan approval, and appraisal value.
  • Earnest Money – Money deposited when the offer is accepted. Subject to any contingencies, this money protects the seller from a buyer who simply changes her mind.
  • Escrow Agent – A neutral 3rd party who manages the paperwork in a state where attorneys are not used to conclude the contract.
  • Closing Costs – Fees that must be paid by both buyers to conclude the sale.
  • Conforming Loan – A conforming loan is a loan limit by which the loan can be sold on the secondary market; a jumbo loan is one which is higher than this limit.
  • PMI – PMI, private mortgage insurance is a fee paid by the borrower of a loan that they obtained with less than a 20% down payment.

These are just a few of the common terms used in real estate. If you are involved in a real estate transaction, learning a bit of the common lingo will help you understand the process better and make your home sale or purchase a smooth one.

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Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the local area.

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