A to Z · 1055 Terms

Real estate & finance, demystified.

The jargon can be exhausting. Here’s a plain-English glossary covering real estate, lending, investment, and the business-finance ecosystem that surrounds them.

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Real Estate Fundamentals

Estate

The degree, nature, and extent of an owner’s interest in real property.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Fee Simple

The most complete form of ownership in real estate — unlimited duration, freely transferable.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Fixture

An item of personal property that becomes part of real property by being permanently attached.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Functional Square Footage

Usable interior space, excluding garages, basements, or unfinished areas.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Gross Square Footage

Total measurement including all interior and structural areas.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Homestead

A legal designation that protects a primary residence from certain creditors and may provide tax benefits.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership of property with right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the others.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Latent Defect

A property defect not visible on inspection that the seller may be legally required to disclose.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Lateral Support

A landowner’s right to have adjacent land naturally support their own.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

A federal disclosure for homes built before 1978 regarding lead-based paint hazards.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Leasehold

An interest in real estate that gives the holder the right to use the property for a specified period under a lease.

Real Estate Fundamentals

Lien

A legal claim against a property used as collateral or security for a debt.