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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Mortgage Loans

Assumable Mortgage

A mortgage that a buyer can take over from the seller, often at the seller’s existing rate.

Mortgage Loans

Balloon Mortgage

A loan with smaller initial payments and a large final payment of the remaining balance.

Mortgage Loans

Bank Statement Loan

A non-QM loan that qualifies borrowers using bank statements instead of tax returns.

Mortgage Loans

Beneficiary (Trust Deed)

The lender named in a deed of trust who benefits from the security interest.

Mortgage Loans

Blanket Mortgage

A single mortgage covering multiple properties.

Mortgage Loans

Buydown

Prepaying interest at closing to temporarily reduce the loan rate.

Mortgage Loans

Cash-Out Refinance

A refinance for more than the existing loan balance, with the difference paid in cash to the borrower.

Legal & Title

Easement Appurtenant

An easement attached to the land that transfers with ownership.

Legal & Title

Easement by Necessity

An easement created when property would be landlocked without it.

Legal & Title

Easement by Prescription

An easement acquired through long-term, open, hostile use.

Legal & Title

Easement in Gross

A personal easement that doesn’t transfer with property — like utility easements.

Legal & Title

Eminent Domain

The government’s right to take private property for public use, with just compensation.