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Real Estate Dictionary

Welcome > Resources > Real Estate Dictionary - A

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

E

Earnest money

A deposit made of a portion of the purchase price by the buyer to demonstrate his or her serious intent to purchase the property, usually accompanied by an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the sale

Easement

The permanent or temporary right to use the property of another for a specific purpose -- e.g. for access over the property, putting up utility lines, etc.

Egress

The right to leave or exit over a piece of property

Eminent domain

The right of the government to take over private property for public purposes upon payment of its fair market value

Encroachment

A physical, illegal intrusion onto another's adjoining property; examples are a structure, driveway, fence

Encumbrance

Any claim against the fee simple title to a property, such as a lien, mortgage, or easement

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or receipt of income from public assistance programs

Equity

The owner's financial interest in a property, over and above any indebtedness for that property; or the difference between the fair market value of the property, and the amount still owed on its mortgage

Equity Sharing

A form of joint ownership between an owner/occupant and an owner/investor, whereby the owner/investor receives depreciation deductions as his portion of interest in the property, and the owner/occupant receives some of the tax write-offs for interest and taxes, as well as part of his monthly payment being applied against his rent. If the property were sold, the co-owners would also divide the profit

Escheat

Property that reverts to state ownership when an individual dies without a will and without heirs

Escrow

A deed, contract, or something of value deposited with a disinterested third party, to be delivered upon the performance of certain conditions by the parties involved; e.g., an attorney or escrow agent taking custody of funds and documents upon the closing of a sale of real estate

Escrow account

An account established by an escrow agent to hold funds for the agent's principal until the consummation of the transaction

Escrow instructions

A document that outlines the duties of the escrow agent and the obligations of the parties involved in an escrow transaction

Escrow payment; also "impounds" or "reserves" in some states

The portion of a mortgagor's monthly payment that is retained by the escrow agent to cover the costs of taxes, hazard or mortgage insurance, lease payments, and other costs incurred in the course of the transaction

Estate

An individual's possessions and property, relevant particularly at the time of death

Eviction

The legally directed removal of an occupant from real property

Exclusive listing, or Exclusive agency listing, or Exclusive right-to-sell listing

A written contract giving a licensed real estate broker the exclusive right to sell a property for a designated period of time, on terms stated by the owner, for a fee, while also reserving the owner's right to sell the property himself, without paying anyone a commission

Executor

A person named in a will, or in the absence of such designation, appointed by the probate court, to administer an estate and carry out its terms

Extended Mortgage

A mortgage in which the due date of payment is extended, and is usually charged at a higher interest rate than the original mortgage

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



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Real Estate Tips

Financing Your Home >When Interest Rates Rise

Many people fall out of the home buying market when interest rates start to go up. This is often a mistake. Many of the best mortgages deals become available when lenders are competing for new business and sellers are competing within a smaller buyer pool. You just have to know how to keep the costs down in order to counter the higher interest rates.

One of the best tricks is the buy-down. In a buy-down, a fee is paid at the closing to get a lower interest rate. In a soft market, an anxious seller may be lured into to paying all or part of the buy-down. Another approach is to get the seller to pay some of closing costs, thus lowering the amount of cash a buyer needs to close. Frequently the seller's costs can be used as a write-off by the buyer. Always consult with your tax advisor if you are considering such an arrangement.

If the market is softening due to rising or higher rates, the price itself becomes an area where a buyer may be able to save a lot of money on a house through skillful negotiating. Lower prices mean lower loan amounts, so don't be discouraged by higher rates--use them to your advantage.

See All Tips In The "Financing Your Home" Category >
See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Real Estate Trivia

Q 
What building has the largest windows in the world?

A 
The Palace of Industry and Technology in Paris, France has three matching windows, each 715 feet high and 164 feet wide and comprised of multiple panes of glass.
See More Real Estate Trivia >

Maurice Vaughn, REALTOR®, real estate agent and broker for Clarksville, Montgomery County TN and Fort Campbell, KY, Tennessee home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

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Over the years, Maurice has witnessed many changes and much growth in his hometown, but he knows the core values by which he was raised-independence, integrity, determination-will always remain the same. Maurice's spirit of dedication to Clarksville is always on display through his work with community groups like the Salvation Army, the Relay for Life, cookouts for Little League teams and his passion for history. Family is also a top priority for Maurice and he loves to spend time with his children and his wife Terri, at one of the nearby lakes. Perhaps nowhere is Maurice's appreciation for the spirit of Clarksville more apparent than in his career as one of the area's most experienced real estate professionals. For more than 22 years, Maurice has been the trusted source to whom more people turn when the time comes to buy or sell a home. With his knowledge of the area, business savvy and dedication to his clients, he's truly made a name for himself in the Clarksville real estate market. No matter what your real estate needs, turn to Maurice Vaughn and experience The Spirit of Clarksville. -Maurice Vaughn

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