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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Legal & Title

Bargain and Sale Deed

A deed that implies the seller has title but provides no explicit warranties.

Legal & Title

Bond for Deed

An installment land contract where the buyer takes possession but the seller retains title until paid.

Legal & Title

Bylaws (HOA)

The rules governing operation of a homeowners or condo association.

Legal & Title

CC&Rs

Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions — HOA rules governing a community.

Legal & Title

Chain of Title

The historical sequence of ownership transfers for a property.

Legal & Title

Cloud on Title

Any claim or encumbrance that may impair the marketability of a property’s title.

Legal & Title

Contract for Deed

Another name for a land contract — seller financing without immediate title transfer.

Investment Strategies

Value-Add Investment

A property with upside through renovation, repositioning, or operational improvement.

Investment Strategies

Wholesaling

Contracting to buy a property then assigning the contract to another buyer for a fee.

Leasing & Operations

Assignment

Transferring lease obligations to a new tenant who steps fully into the original tenant’s place.

Leasing & Operations

Base Year

The reference year for measuring future operating expense increases in a lease.

Leasing & Operations

Cancellation Option

A tenant’s right to terminate the lease early, usually with notice and a fee.