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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

S

Sales comparison approach

The method of evaluating a property's value by comparing it to actual sales prices and values of comparable properties

Sale-leaseback

A transaction in which a seller deeds property to a buyer for a consideration, and the buyer simultaneously leases the property back to the seller

SBA

Abbreviation for the Small Business Administration

Second mortgage, or junior mortgage

A mortgage whose claim to repayment is of lesser priority than another, previously recorded mortgage, usually or shorter term and often at higher interest

Secondary market

Agents or agencies that buy mortgages from primary lenders, usually at discounted prices, to sell to investors

Section, or Section of land

A parcel of land measuring one square mile or 640 acres

Set Back Lines

The distance designated by zoning regulations that is required between the perimeter of a property and where structures can be positioned

Secured loan

A loan guaranteed by collateral

Security

The property pledged as collateral for a loan or mortgage

Seller take-back

A contract whereby the seller of a property provides financing, sometimes as part of an assumable mortgage

Severalty, or Sole ownership

Ownership of real property by only one individual

Special assessment

An additional tax imposed by the government against specific parcels of real estate that will benefit from a public improvement, such as a street

Special warranty deed

An agreement whereby the current owner/seller guarantees he has done nothing that would impair or cloud title, but does not make any guarantee for what occurred prior to his ownership of the property

Specific performance

A legal action that requires a party to honor the terms of a contract

Statute of limitations

The time period allowed for the filing of a legal suit to enforce a claim, after which any such claims are barred

Step-rate mortgage

A loan that allows for the interest rate to increase in increments according to a designated schedule for a specified period of time, at the end of which, the interest rate returns to a constant percentage

Subagent

An individual or party who is employed by someone already acting as an agent

Subdivision

A tract of property that is divided into streets and individual lots

Subject to

Taking ownership of a property with a lien (legal claim or charge) against it, but not assuming responsibility for the said lien, while the holder who forecloses the lien can take the property, but may not collect money from the owner who took "subject to"

Subsidized second mortgage

An alternative financing option for low- and moderate-income households, issued by a state or county housing foundation, agency or nonprofit corporation, whereby the buyer can purchase a first mortgage with a subsidized second mortgage behind it; payment on the second mortgage is often deferred and carries a low or no interest rate, and a portion of the mortgage may be forgiven incrementally for each year the buyer resides in the home

Survey

The process of determining property areas, by measuring its dimensions, lot lines and other physical features
Also, the map that results from such measurements taken

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

Closing or Settlement >The Inspection Before Closing

Home buyers will have an opportunity to walk through the house they purchased just before the closing to make sure it is in the same condition as when the contract was ratified. They will check the appliances and make sure that the agreed-upon repairs were completed.

Buyers usually see their new home empty for the first time just after the movers have left. Suddenly they see the dark rectangles and nail holes where pictures used to hang, and all the "dust bunnies" that were concealed by furniture. The contract calls for the house to be "broom clean" and free of trash and debris. However, real estate agents encourage sellers to leave their homes impeccably clean for the pre-closing walk-through inspection, and many homes are turned over in spotless condition.

Sometimes the seller's hectic moving schedule, fatigue, or unequal housekeeping standards require the buyers to clean the house thoroughly before they feel that they can move in. If you are afraid that a messy house could trigger problems at the closing, be sure to make your house shine for this important inspection.

See All Tips In The "Closing or Settlement" Category >
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Real Estate Trivia

Q 
In which 'Oil Sheikdom' of the Far East do the wealthy still choose to live in primitive houses on stilts?

A 
Brunei's oil wealth results in no income tax, free education and health services, and cheap housing loans for its average citizen.
See More Real Estate Trivia >

Carol Gilles, REALTOR®, real estate agent and broker for Torrance, California home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

Carol Gilles
The Real Estate Group

3480 Torrance Bl # 100
Torrance, CA. 90503
CA DRE# 00803846
Cell: 310-864-9738
Fax: 310-534-4436
Email: carol@carolgilles.com

Carol Gilles has been in real estate in the South Bay area since 1979. She has been awarded Top Producing Agent seven years, and is a multi-million dollar producer. She guides all her clients through all of their real estate need with exceptional experience and professionalism. Carol Gilles is America's NUMBER1EXPERT™ in real estate for the Torrance area. So contact her today! DRE# 00803846

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