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Glossary of Real Estate Terms

Forced Sale

Definition A forced sale is a real estate transaction in which a property owner is legally required to sell their property, often due to foreclosure, court orders, tax liens, or other financial or legal obligations. Unlike voluntary sales,...

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Foreclosure

Definition Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property after the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments. Once the borrower defaults on their loan, the lender can seize the property, sell it, and use the...

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Gap Financing

Definition Gap financing is a short-term loan used to cover temporary funding shortfalls in real estate transactions or development projects. It is commonly used when a borrower needs immediate capital but is waiting for permanent financi...

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Gift Funds

Definition: Gift funds refer to money given to a homebuyer by a family member, close relative, or approved donor to assist with the down payment, closing costs, or other home purchase expenses. These funds are typically used to help buyers qual...

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Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

Definition A Good Faith Estimate (GFE) was a document provided by mortgage lenders outlining the estimated costs and fees associated with obtaining a home loan. It included details such as loan terms, interest rates, closing costs, and pr...

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Hard Money Loan

Definition A hard money loan is a short-term, high-interest loan secured by real estate, typically used by real estate investors, house flippers, or borrowers who don’t qualify for traditional financing. These loans are issued by privat...

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Home Inspection

Definition: A professional evaluation of a home’s condition and safety before purchase. Explanation: A home inspection helps buyers identify potential issues such as structural damage, faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, or roofing problems. Wh...

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Homeowner’s Association (HOA)

Definition: A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a governing organization that manages and enforces community rules, regulations, and amenities for a planned neighborhood, condominium, or townhouse community. Homeowners in an HOA-managed community...

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Housing Ratio (Front-End Ratio)

Definition The Housing Ratio (Front-End Ratio) is a financial metric used by mortgage lenders to determine whether a borrower can afford a home loan. It measures the percentage of a borrower's gross monthly income that goes toward housing expe...

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Land Lease

Definition A land lease, also known as a ground lease, is a real estate agreement in which a tenant or homeowner leases the land but does not own it, while they may own or build structures on the property. This arrangement is common in mob...

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