2004 May 21 | Wheatworks Blog: Financial Matters

Archive for 21st May 2004

Real Estate Abbreviations

5/21/2004, 10:23 pm

Read the real estate classifieds in your local newspaper and you may be overwhelmed by the incredible number of abbreviations used in the ads. Look at a real estate agent’s or broker’s business card and you may be stumped by the string of letters following her name. Visit your bank and you’ll be hard pressed to wade through the financial terminology and legalese in the paperwork required for a home loan.

Real estate abbreviations are a convenient shorthand, but only when everyone understands them.

While the pros typically know what the abbreviations mean, consumers are usually left to wonder. I hope this list helps. I like to categorize real estate-related abbreviations into three groups: Classifieds, Credentials, and Contracts & Financing.

Classified Abbreviations

3/4 Bath - Half + Shower or tub
4/3/2 - 4 bedroom/3 bath/2 car garage
AC - acres
AC or A/C - Air Conditioning
BA - bath
BR - bedroom
BTSA - bonus to selling agent
C H/A - central heat and air conditioning
CEIL - ceiling
DBA - doing business as
DBL - double
DR - dining room
FLRS - floors
FP - fire place
FSBO - for sale by wwner
Full Bath - half bath + shower + tub
GLFP - gas log fire place
Half Bath - toilet + sink
HDWD - hardwood
HOA - homeowner’s association
HSF - heated square feet
HVAC - heating, ventilation and air conditioning
HWH - hot water heater
KIT - kitchen
LA - living area
LR - living room
MBR - master bedroom
PL - swimming pool
RM - room
SF - square feet
SFH - square feet heated
W/D - washer/dryer
W/W CPT - wall to wall carpet
WBFP - wood burning fireplace
WD FLR - wood floor
WIC - walk in closet
YO - 6 year old

Credential Abbreviations

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative
CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
CLHMS - Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CRB - Certified Real Estate Broker
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
MAI - Member Appraisal Institute
MRA - Master Residential Appraiser
NAR - National Association of Realtors
RRC - Referral and Relocation Certified

Contract and Financing Abbreviations

APR - annual percentage rate
ARM - adjustable rate mortgage
CCR - conditions, covenants, and restrictions
CFD - contract for deed
CLTV - combined loan to value
CMA - comparative market analysis
COCR - Cash on Cash Return
COF - cost of funds
COO - certificate of occupancy
DBA - doing business as
DCR - debt coverage ratio
DOS - due on sale clause
EA - exclusive agency
EMC - earnest money contract
ERS - exclusive right to sell
FCRA - Fair Credit Reporting Act
FDIC - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FEMA - Federal Emergency Managment Agency
FFE - furniture, fixture, and equipment
FHA - Federal Housing Administration
FHLMC - “Freedie Mac” Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FMR - fair market rent
FMV - fair market value
FNMA - “Fannie Mae” Federal National Mortgage Association
FRBO - for rent by owner
GNMA - “Ginnie Mae” Government National Mortgage Association
HUD - Department of Housing and Urban Development
LIBOR - London Interbank Offering Rate
LTV - loan to value
MLS - multiple lising service
O/F - owner finance
P&S - purchase and sale
PITI - principal, interest, taxes and insurance
PMI - private mortgage insurance
POA - power of attorney
REI - real estate investor
REIA - Real Estate Investors Association
REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust
RELA - Real Estate Licensing Act
REO - real estate owned
ROI - return on investment
RTO - rent to own
TIL - Truth In Lending
VA - Veterans Administration

This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it does cover the basics. Moving beyond basic abbreviations, you’ll want to know that Wheatworks’ Real Estate Calculator Suite includes a glossary of real estate and financing terminology. Check it out by downloading a free, fully functional evaluation version of Real Estate Calculator Suite. Learn more at www.RealEstateCalculatorSuite.com.

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