Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Real Estate Terms & Abbreviations

Have you ever read a real estate ad that said something like, "Beautiful 2500SF WF home w/ 3BR/2.5BA, FROG." Before you begin worrying about reptile infestations, you might want to acquaint yourself with some basic real estate terms and abbreviations:

  • AC - acres. Not to be confused with A/C, which is air conditioning!
  • BA - bathrooms. A "half-bath" has a toilet and sink, but no tub or shower.
  • BPO - Broker Price Opinion. Not an official appraisal, but a price based on an analysis by a real estate professional.
  • BR - bedroom. Must have a closet and window to qualify as a bedroom.
  • CPT - carport
  • CVAC - central vacuum
  • DOM - days on market. How long a property has been listed for sale.
  • FP - fireplace
  • FROG - Finished room over garage, also referred to as "bonus room".
  • FSBO - For sale by owner
  • HLA - Heated living area.
  • Total Fin HLA - finished square footage.
  • HOA - Homeowners association
  • HSF - Heated square feet. Living area. Does not include garage, etc.
  • MBR - Master bedroom
  • MLS# - Identifies the property in the multi-listing service (MLS) used by area realtors.
  • Owner Agent - The owner is the real estate agent
  • REO - Real Estate Owned. Property has been foreclosed.
  • Unf SqFt - unfinished square footage - potential living area. Does not include garage.
  • W/D - washer/dryer
  • WF - waterfront
  • WV - waterview. If indicated "seasonal", water is visible only in winter!

Want to add to the list? If you'd like a term defined or want to contribute, please leave a comment! Terms and abbreviations vary by region.To return to my website: Lake Wylie Waterfront Real Estate

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