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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Foreclosure & Distressed

Right of Redemption

The borrower’s statutory ability to redeem the property after foreclosure by paying the debt.

Foreclosure & Distressed

Short Sale

A sale where the lender agrees to accept less than the loan balance to release the lien.

Foreclosure & Distressed

Statutory Redemption

Redemption rights provided by state law after a foreclosure sale.

Foreclosure & Distressed

Strict Foreclosure

A type of foreclosure in some states where the property goes directly to the lender without auction.

Foreclosure & Distressed

Surplus Funds

Money left over after a foreclosure sale satisfies the loan, owed to the former owner.

Foreclosure & Distressed

Trustee Sale

A public auction of foreclosed property conducted by a trustee.

Insurance & Risk

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

Replacement cost minus depreciation — what the property is worth today.

Insurance & Risk

All-Risk Policy

Insurance covering all risks except those specifically excluded.

Insurance & Risk

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Coverage protecting a structure under construction from damage.

Insurance & Risk

Builders Risk Course of Construction

Coverage during the construction period for materials and work in progress.

Insurance & Risk

Captive Insurance

Self-insurance through a subsidiary insurance company owned by the insured.

Insurance & Risk

Coinsurance Penalty

A reduction in claim payment when a property is insured for less than its required percentage of value.