Real Estate Questions & Answers

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A 1031 exchange lets you delay capital gains taxes on real estate investments. This is also known as Starker exchange after the man who won the court battle to delay tax on real estate transactions.

What is a 1099 form?

A 1099 form is a statement of income reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an independent contractor.

What is the 24-hour notice showing notice?

Most states require a 24-hour notice to the current tenant before entering a rental unit.

A

What does A/I stand for?

A/I is a contract that is pending with attorney and inspection contingencies.

What is an accompanied showing?

An accompanied showing are those showings where the listing agent must accompany an agent and their clients when viewing a listing.

What is a real estate addendum used for?

A real estate addendum is used to update an original purchase or lease agreement.

What is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are a type of mortgage loan whose interest rate is tied to an economic index, which fluctuates with the market. Typical ARM periods are one, three, five and seven years.

What is annual percentage rate (APR)?

The total costs (interest rate, closing costs and fees) that are part of a borrower's loan, expressed as a percentage rate of interest. The total costs are amortized over the term of the loan.

What's an application fee and what is it for?

An application fee is a fee that mortgage companies charge buyers at the time of written application for a loan; for example, fees for running credit reports of borrowers, property appraisal fees, and lender-specific fees.

What is an appraisal?

An appraisal documents the value of a property at a specific point in time, and it is performed by a professional appraiser during the process of obtaining a mortgage.

What does appraised price (AP) mean?

The appraised price is the price a third-party relocation company offers (under most contracts) the seller for their property. Generally, this is the average of two or more independent appraisals.

What is an "as-is" real estate contract?

When a property goes under contract "as-is," it means there is a clause in the offer stating that the seller will not repair or correct any problems with the property. This phrase may also be used in listing and marketing materials.

What is an assumable mortgage?

An assumable mortgage is one in which the buyer agrees to fulfill the obligations of the existing loan agreement that the seller made with the lender. When assuming a mortgage, a buyer becomes personally liable for the payment of principal and interest. The original mortgagor should receive a written release from the liability when the buyer assumes the original mortgage.

B

What does back on market (BOM) mean?

Back on market (BOM) may be used when a property or listing is placed back on the market after being removed from the market recently.

What is a back-up agent?

A back-up agent is a licensed agent who works with clients when their primary agent is unavailable.

What is a balloon mortgage?

A balloon mortgage is a type of mortgage that is generally paid over a short period of time, but it is amortized over a longer period. The borrower typically pays a combination of principal and interest. At the end of the loan term, the entire unpaid balance must be repaid.

What is a back-up offer?

A back-up offer is when an offer is accepted contingent on the fall through or voiding of an accepted first offer on a property.

What is a bill of sale?

The bill of sale transfers title to personal property in a transaction.

What is a local Board of Realtors?

An association of Realtors in a specific geographic area.

What is a broker of record?

The broker of record is the person registered with their state licensing authority who serves as the managing broker of a specific real estate sales office or company.

What is a broker's market analysis (BMA)?

A broker's market analysis is the real estate broker's opinion of the expected final net sale price, determined after acquisition of the property by the third-party company.

What is a broker's price opinion (BPO)?

The broker's price opinion is the real estate broker's opinion of the expected final net sale price, determined prior to the acquisition of the property.

What is a broker's tour?

A broker's tour is a preset time and day when real estate sales agents can view listings by multiple brokerages in the market.

What is a buyer's agent?

A buyer's agent is the agent who shows the buyer properties they are interested in purchasing, negotiates the contract or offer for the buyer, and works with the buyer to close the transaction.

C

What are carrying costs?

Carrying costs are the cost incurred to maintain a property (for example, taxes, interest, insurance and utilities).

What is a closing?

A closing occurs at the end of a transaction process where the deed is delivered, documents are signed and funds are dispersed.

What is a Closing Disclosure?

A Closing Disclosure is a document that gives consumers the final details about the mortgage they have chosen when buying or refinancing a property. It includes the terms of the loan, closing costs and the projected monthly payment. The lender is required to provide the Closing Disclosure to the consumer at least three business days before closing.

What does CLUE mean?

CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange and is the insurance industry's national database that assigns individuals a risk score. CLUE also has an electronic file of a property's insurance history. These files are accessible by insurance companies nationally. These files could impact the ability to sell a property as they might contain information that a prospective buyer might find objectionable, and in some cases not even insurable.

What is commission?

A real estate commission is the compensation paid to the listing brokerage by the seller for selling the property. A buyer agency agreement may require the buyer to pay a commission to their agent.

What is a commission split?

A commission split is the percentage split of commission compensation between the real estate sales brokerage and the real estate sales agent or broker.

What is a comparative, or competitive, market analysis (CMA)?

A comparative market analysis is the study done by real estate sales agents and brokers using active, pending and sold comparable properties to estimate a listing price for a property.

What is a condominium association or homeowners association?

An association of all property owners in a condominium or all property owners in a designated neighborhood. They may collect dues to help pay for the community's shared assets and amenities and make decisions on things like large-scale repairs and community appearance guidelines.

What is a condominium/homeowners association budget?

A condominium/homeowners association budget is a financial forecast and report of a condominium/homeowners association's expenses and savings.

What are condominium/homeowners association by-laws?

Condominium/homeowners association by-laws are rules passed by the condominium or homeowners association used in administration of the condominium property or properties in a neighborhood.

What are condominium/homeowners association declarations?

Condominium/homeowners association declarations are a document that legally establishes a condominium/homeowners association.

What is a condominium right of first refusal?

A condominium right of first refusal is a person or an association that has the first opportunity to purchase condominium real estate when it becomes available or the right to meet any other offer.

What are condominium/homeowners association rules and regulations?

Condominium/homeowners association rules and regulations are the rules of a condominium/homeowners association by which owners agree to abide.

What is a contingency?

A contingency is a provision in a contract requiring certain acts to be completed before the contract is binding. For example, a seller may include a contingency that they must close on their new home before the sale of their current home can close.

What does continue to show mean?

Continue to show is when a property is under contract with contingencies, but the seller requests that the property continue to be shown to prospective buyers until contingencies are released.

What is a contract for deed?

A contract for deed is a sales contract in which the buyer takes possession of the property but the seller holds title until the loan is paid. This is also known as an installment sale contract.

What is a contract of sale?

A contract of sale is an agreement between the third-party relocation company and the seller (transferee) whereby the third-party company purchases the property owned by the seller.

What is a conventional mortgage?

A conventional mortgage is a type of mortgage that has certain limitations placed on it to meet secondary market guidelines. Mortgage companies, banks, and savings and loans underwrite conventional mortgages.

What is a cooperating commission?

A cooperating commission is offered to the buyer's agent brokerage for bringing a buyer to the selling brokerage's listing.

What is a cooperative (co-op)?

A cooperative (co-op) is where the shareholders of a corporation are the inhabitants of the building. Each shareholder has the right to lease a specific unit. The difference between a co-op and a condo is in a co-op, one owns shares in a corporation; in a condo one owns the unit fee simple.

What is a corporate client?

A corporate client is the company with whom the third-party relocation company has an agreement to handle the relocating employees.

What is a counteroffer?

A counteroffer is the response to an offer or a bid by the seller or buyer after the original offer or bid.

What is a credit report?

A credit report includes all the history for a borrower's credit accounts, outstanding debts and payment timelines on past or current debts.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is the score assigned to a borrower's credit report based on the information contained therein. It provides lenders and others with a general idea of the health of someone's credit.

What is curb appeal?

Curb appeal is the visual impact a property projects from the street.

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What does days on market (DOM) mean?

Days on market is the number of days a property has been on the market for sale.

What are destination services?

Destination services are services provided to a transferee at their new location, typically during a corporate relocation. These can include familiarization tours, temporary housing and school searches, among similar services.

What are direct home-selling costs (DHSC)?

Direct home-selling costs include carrying costs, loss on sale, repairs and improvements, commission, closing costs, principal, interest, taxes and insurance, interest on equity loans, and utilities.

What are disclosures (on a contract)?

Disclosures forms or statements are often required by federal, state, county and local authorities, and in these documents, the seller must disclose certain defects, problems or issues with a property and the buyer acknowledges these items.

What is a down payment?

A down payment is the amount of cash put toward a purchase by a buyer, or borrower.

What does dual agent mean?

A dual agent is a state-licensed individual who represents both the seller and the buyer in a single transaction. Some states do not allow dual agents.

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What is an earnest money deposit?

An earnest money deposit is the money given to the seller at the time the offer is made as a sign of the buyer's good faith.

What is an escrow account for real estate taxes and insurance?

This type of escrow account is an account into which borrowers pay monthly proration's for real estate taxes and property insurance.

What are exclusions?

Exclusions are fixtures or personal property in a home that are excluded from the contract or offer to purchase.

What is an expired listing?

An expired listing is a property listing that has expired per the terms of the listing agreement.

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What does fee simple mean?

Fee simple is a form of property ownership where the owner has the right to use and dispose of property at will.

What is the FHA?

FHA is the acronym for the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency that provides mortgage insurance on property loans made through FHA-approved lenders.

What is an FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan guarantee?

An FHA loan guarantee is a guarantee by the FHA that a percentage of a loan will be underwritten by a mortgage company or banker.

What's a fixture in a home?

A fixture is personal property that has become part of the property through permanent attachment, such as a ceiling fan.

What does flat fee mean?

Flat fee is a predetermined amount of compensation received, or paid, for a specific service in a real estate transaction.

What does for sale by owner (FSBO) mean?

For sale by owner (FSBO) means that a property is for sale by its owner without representation from a real estate agent or brokerage.

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What is a gift letter?

A gift letter is a letter to a lender stating that a gift of cash has been made to a buyer and that the person gifting the cash is not expecting the gift to be repaid. The exact wording of the gift letter should be requested of the lender.

What is a good faith estimate?

Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, within three days of an application submission, lenders are required to provide in writing to potential borrowers a good faith estimate of closing costs.

What is gross closed commission income?

Gross closed commission income is the total amount of commission income a real estate sales agent or broker receives from closed transactions.

What is gross sale price?

Gross sale price is the sale price before any concessions.

What is a guaranteed offer?

Often used in employee relocations, a guaranteed offer is the amount, after appraisals, the employer offers the transferring employee for their property.

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What is hazard insurance?

Hazard insurance is insurance that covers losses to real estate from damages that might affect its value.

What is home-finding assistance?

Home-finding assistance is additional assistance provided by a third-party relocation company that can include information about the destination community.

What is homeowner's insurance?

Homeowner's insurance is insurance coverage that includes personal liability and theft insurance, as well as hazard insurance, to protect a person's house.

What is HUD?

HUD is the acronym for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a federal agency that enforces fair housing laws and oversees national policies and programs that work to address housing needs of Americans.

What is a hybrid-adjustable rate?

A hybrid-adjustable rate offers a fixed rate on the mortgage for the first 5 years and then adjusts annually for the next 25 years.

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What is IDX?

IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange and allows real estate brokers to advertise each other's listings posted to listing databases such as the multiple listing service.

What are inclusions?

Inclusions are fixtures or personal property in a home that are included in a contract or offer to purchase.

What is an independent contractor?

A real estate sales agent who conducts real estate business through a broker is an independent contractor. This agent does not receive salary or benefits from the broker.

What is an inspection contingency or inspection rider?

An inspection contingency, or inspection rider, allows the home buyer to have the home they have made an offer on inspected by a professional. The contingency can be for information purposes only or give the buyer an opportunity to further negotiate the terms of the sale or void the contract entirely.

What is an installment land contract?

An installment land contract is a contract in which the buyer takes possession of the property while the seller retains the title to the property until the loan is paid.

What does interest rate float mean?

Interest rate float is when the borrower decides to delay locking their interest rate on their loan. They can float their rate in expectation of the rate moving down. At the end of the float period, they must lock a rate.

What does interest rate lock mean?

Interest rate lock is when the borrower and lender agree to lock a rate on loan. Terms and conditions may be attached to the lock.

What is inventory?

In general real estate terms, inventory refers to the number of available homes on the market. In terms of relocation, inventory is a transferee's property that a third-party relocation company has acquired.

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What is a list date?

A list date is the actual date a property was listed for sale with the current broker.

What is a list price?

A list price is the price of a property agreed upon in a listing agreement.

What is a listing?

When a property is listed for sale with a real estate agent who has a written agreement with the sellers to represent them and their property, it is referred to by agents as a listing.

What is a listing agent?

A listing agent is the real estate sales agent that is representing the sellers and their property, through a listing agreement.

What is a listing agreement?

A listing agreement is a document that establishes the real estate agent's agreement with the sellers to represent their property in the market.

What is a listing appointment?

A listing appointment is the time when a real estate sales agent meets with potential clients selling a property to try to secure a listing agreement for them and their property.

What is a listing exclusion?

A listing exclusion is a clause included in the listing agreement in which the seller requests that if a specific person or persons purchases their home, the agent's listing commission won't apply to the sale.

What is a loan?

A loan is an amount of money that is lent to a borrower who agrees to repay the amount plus interest.

What is a loan application?

A loan application is a document that buyers who are requesting a loan complete and submit to a lender.

What are loan closing costs?

Loan closing costs are the costs a lender charges to close a borrower's loan. These costs vary from lender to lender and from market to market.

What is a loan commitment?

A loan commitment is a written document telling the borrowers that the mortgage company has agreed to lend them a specific amount of money at a specific interest rate for a specific period. The loan commitment may also contain conditions upon which the loan commitment is based.

What is a loan package?

A loan package is the group of mortgage documents that the borrower's lender sends to the closing or escrow.

What is a loan processor?

A loan processor is an administrative individual who checks, verifies and assembles all the documents and the buyer's funds and the borrower's loan for closing.

What is a loan underwriter?

A loan underwriter is one who underwrites a loan for another. Some lenders have investors underwrite a buyer's loan.

What is a lockbox?

A lockbox is a tool that allows secure storage of property keys on the premises for agent use. A combo uses a rotating dial to gain access with a combination; a Supra (electronic lockbox or ELB) features a keypad.

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What is a managing broker?

A managing broker is a person licensed by the state as a broker who is also the broker of record for a real estate sales office or company. This person manages the daily operations of a real estate sales office.

What is a market familiarization trip?

In a relocation, a market familiarization trip is a visit by the transferee to the new location to view housing market options and location highlights.

What is a marketing period?

In a relocation, the marketing period is a period in which the transferee may market their property (typically 45, 60 or 90 days), as directed by the third-party company's contract with the employer.

What is a mortgage banker?

A mortgage banker is one who lends the bank's funds to borrowers and brings lenders and borrowers together.

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker is a business that (or an individual who) unites lenders and borrowers and processes mortgage applications.

What is a mortgage loan servicing company?

A mortgage loan servicing company is a company that collects monthly mortgage payments from borrowers.

What is a multiple listing service (MLS)?

An MLS is a service that compiles available properties for sale by member brokers.

What does multiple offers mean?

Multiple offers mean more than one buyer broker has presented an offer on one property where all offers are negotiated at the same time.

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What is the National Association of Realtors (NAR)?

NAR is a national association comprised of real estate professionals. Only real estate agents who are members of NAR can call themselves Realtors.

What is the net sales price?

The net sales price is the gross sales price, less concessions, to the buyers.

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O

What does off market mean?

Off market means a property listing has been removed from the sale inventory in a market. A property can be temporarily or permanently off market.

What is an offer to purchase?

An offer to purchase is when a buyer proposes certain terms and presents these terms to the seller, often through their real estate agent.

P

What is a public open house?

A public open house is when a listing that is on market is available to the public for viewings and showings.

What is a private open house?

A private open house is when people must request an appointment to view a home.

What is a parcel identification number (PIN)?

A parcel identification number is a taxing authority's tracking number for a property. Typically, the taxing authority is a town, city or county.

What is a payoff letter?

A payoff letter is a written document from a seller's mortgage company stating the amount of money needed to pay the loan in full.

What does pending mean?

Pending means a real estate contract has been accepted on a property, but the transaction has not yet closed.

What is a planned unit development (PUD)?

A planned unit development is a mixed-use development that sets aside areas for residential use, commercial use and public areas such as schools and parks.

What is a preapproval?

Preapproval is a higher level of buyer/borrower prequalification required by a mortgage lender. Some preapprovals have conditions the borrower must meet.

What is prepaid interest?

Prepaid interest is when funds are paid by the borrower at closing based on the number of days left in the month of closing.

What is a prepayment penalty?

A prepayment penalty is a fine imposed on the borrower by the lender when the loan is paid off before it comes due.

What is prequalification?

Prequalification is when the mortgage company tells a buyer, in advance of the formal mortgage application, how much money they can afford to borrow. Some pre-qualifications have conditions that the borrower must meet.

What is a preview appointment?

A preview appointment is when a buyer's agent views a property alone to see if it meets their buyer's needs.

What is principal?

The principal is the amount of money a buyer borrows.

What is PITI?

PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance, which are the four parts that make up a borrower's monthly mortgage payment.

What is private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

Private mortgage insurance is a special insurance paid by a borrower in monthly installments, typically on loans of more than 80% of the value of the property.

What is a professional designation?

Professional designations are additional educational courses completed by a real estate professional that don't contribute to becoming licensed but offer helpful supplemental education.

What is professional regulation?

A state licensing authority that oversees and disciplines licensees is a professional regulation body.

What is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a promise-to-pay document used with a contract or an offer to purchase.

What are property or home-finding assistance status reports?

These types of reports are filed weekly or monthly by the listing or buying agent representing a transferee in a relocation.

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R

What does R & I stand for?

R & I stands for the estimated and actual repair and improvement costs.

What is a real estate agent?

A real estate agent, or agent, is an individual who is licensed by the state and who acts on behalf of their client, the buyer or seller. A real estate agent who does not have a broker's license must work for a licensed broker.

What is a real estate contract?

A real estate contract is a binding agreement between buyer and seller, which consists of an offer and an acceptance as well as consideration (that is, money).

What does Realtor mean?

Realtor is a registered trademark of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that can be used only by its members. Only real estate agents who are members of NAR can call themselves Realtors.

What is a release deed?

A release deed is a written document stating that a seller or buyer has satisfied their obligation on a debt. This document is usually recorded.

What does relist mean?

A property that was listed with another broker but has been relisted with a new broker is a relist.

What is RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act)?

RESPA refers to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, which provides home buyers and sellers with thorough disclosures of settlement costs and eliminates abusive real estate practices such as kickbacks. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforces RESPA.

What is a rider?

A rider is a separate document that is attached to a contract after the contract is written. This is done so that the entire contract does not need to be rewritten.

S

What is a salaried agent?

A salaried real estate sales agent or broker is an agent who receives all or part of their compensation on their real estate sales in the form of a salary.

What does sale price mean?

Sale price refers to the final price paid for a listing or property.

What is secondary market?

A secondary market is a market where mortgage lenders and investors buy and sell existing mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. For example, when a homeowner pays their mortgage payments to one financial institution then is notified that they will make their mortgage payments to a different financial institution, their mortgage has been sold on the secondary market.

Who is a seller?

A seller is the owner of a property who has signed a listing agreement or a potential listing agreement to sell their property.

What is a showing?

A showing is when a listing is shown to prospective buyers or the buyer's agent.

What is a sign rider?

A sign rider is an additional sign placed on a brokerage yard sign, which may include the agent's name, as well as the status of the listing (for example, "Sold" or "Open Sunday"). It can be placed above the signpost or hang below the main sign.

What's a special assessment?

A special assessment is an additional charge to a unit in a condominium or cooperative. It can also be a special real estate tax for improvements that benefit a property.

What is a state association of Realtors?

A state association of Realtors refers to an association of Realtors in a specific state.

What is Supra?

A Supra is an electronic lockbox (ELB) that holds keys to a property. The user must have a Supra keypad to use the lockbox.

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What does temporarily off market (TOM) mean?

Temporarily off market refers to a listed property that is temporarily taken off the market due to illness, travel, repairs or other similar reasons.

What is temporary housing?

Temporary housing is housing a transferee occupies until permanent housing is selected or becomes available in a relocation.

What is a third-party company?

A third-party company is a relocation company hired by an employer to coordinate an employee's move to a new location.

What is a transaction?

A transaction is the real estate process from offer to closing or escrow.

What is a transaction fee?

A transaction fee is a fixed fee in addition to the commission paid by the sellers.

What is a transaction management fee (TMF)?

A transaction management fee is a fee charged to the sellers by the listing broker as part of the listing agreement.

What are transaction sides?

Transaction sides are the two sides of a real estate transaction, the sellers and the buyers. The term is used to record the number of transactions a real estate sales agent, or broker, participated in during a specific period.

U

What does under contract mean?

A property that has an accepted real estate contract between seller and buyer is considered to be under contract.

V

What is a VA loan guarantee?

A VA loan guarantee is a guarantee on a mortgage amount backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is a vacate date?

In a relocation, a vacate date is the date on which the seller (transferee) vacates the property (generally the date when responsibility for property expense by the transferee ends) and the third-party company assumes ownership for the property through a buyout.

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is an online-based video presentation of a property.

W

What is a W-2?

A W-2 is the IRS form issued by an employer to an employee to reflect compensation and deductions to compensation.

What is a W-9?

A W-9 is the IRS form requesting taxpayer identification number and certification.

What is a walk-through?

A walk-through is a showing before closing or escrow that permits the buyers one final tour of the property they are purchasing.

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*Assumes 6.75% APR, 20% down payment, and conventional 30-year fixed rate first mortgage on a single family, primary residence. Additional required amounts such as taxes, insurance, homeowner association dues, assessments, mortgage insurance premiums, flood insurance or other such required payments should also be considered. Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) are based on current market conditions, are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables. Estimated closing costs used in the APR calculation are assumed to be paid by the borrower at closing. If the closing costs are financed, the loan, APR and payment amounts will be higher. If the down payment is less than 20%, mortgage insurance may be required and could increase the monthly payment and APR. Contact us for details. Additional loan programs may be available. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and all products may not be available in all borrower's geographical areas and are based on their individual situation. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend.

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