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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Property Types

Duplex

A residential building containing two separate units, often with separate entrances.

Property Types

Flex Space

Industrial property combining office, warehouse, and light manufacturing in one unit.

Property Types

Fourplex

A residential building with four separate dwelling units — still considered residential for financing.

Property Types

Garden Apartment

A low-rise multifamily building, typically 2-3 stories surrounded by landscaped grounds.

Property Types

Garden-Style Office

Low-rise suburban office buildings, typically with surface parking.

Property Types

High-Rise

A building of 10+ stories, usually with an elevator and structured parking.

Property Types

Hospitality Property

Hotels, motels, and short-term lodging facilities operated for transient guests.

Property Management

Security Deposit

Funds held by a landlord to cover damages or unpaid rent at lease end.

Property Management

Tenant Portal

An online platform where tenants pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and communicate.

Property Management

Tenant Screening

Background, credit, and rental history checks performed on prospective tenants.

Property Management

Turnover Cost

Total cost of preparing a unit between tenants — cleaning, paint, minor repairs.

Property Types

ADU

Accessory Dwelling Unit — a secondary housing unit on a single-family lot (in-law suite, casita, garage apartment).