If you find yourself stumbling over strange abbreviations and acronyms in a real estate listing, don't be alarmed. There is method to the madness! If you need a little help understanding the shorthand and lingo, I've created a guide that breaks everything down for you by category. And if you don't see a certain term on the list, feel free to reach out with questions—I'm here to help!
Investing and Financial Terms
ARM:
Adjustable rate mortgage
ARV:
After-repaired value
CMA:
Comparative market analysis/value estimate
CRE:
Commercial real estate
DTI:
Debt-to-income ratio
FCRA:
Fair Credit Reporting Act
FSBO:
For sale by owner
FHA:
Federal Housing Administration
HOA:
Homeowners association
HUD:
Department of Housing and Urban Development
I/O:
Interest only (loan)
LOC:
Line of credit
LOI:
Letter of intent
PMI:
Private mortgage insurance
POF:
Proof of funds
PITI:
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance
SFR:
Single-family residence
Interior Features
BR:
Bedroom
Dk:
Deck
Clng:
Ceiling
Ctop:
Countertop
Flr:
Floor
Nsd:
Finished
Frplc, fplc, FP:
Fireplace
Rmet kit:
Gourmet kitchen
HDW, HWF, Hdwd:
Hardwood floors
Hi ceils:
High ceilings
J&J:
Jack & Jill Bath
Pwdr rm:
Powder room or half-bath
SSV:
Solid surface veneer
S/s, SS:
Stainless steel
Sty:
Story
Unfnsd:
Unfinished
Upr:
Upper floor
Vltd:
Vaulted
Vw, vu, vws, vus:
View
W/b:
Wood burning
Exterior and Property Features
Expansion pot'l:
Extra space on the lot, or possibly vertical potential for a top floor or room addition. Verify actual potential by checking local zoning restrictions prior to purchase.
Fab pentrm:
Fabulous pentroom, a room underneath the roof that sometimes has views.
Gar:
Garage—garden is usually abbreviated "gard."
In-law potential:
Potential for a separate apartment. Sometimes, local zoning codes restrict rentals of such units so be sure the conversion is legal first.
Large E-2 plan:
This is one of several floor plans available in a specific building.
Lsd pkg.:
Leased parking area, may come with an additional cost.
Nr bst schls:
Near top-rated schools
Resources:
"Real Estate's Ambiguous Language You Oughtta Understand," Glennon H. Neubauer, Ethos Group Publishing, Diamond Bar, CA; 1993.
Ready to Buy or Sell in Central Ohio?
For decades, I've been one of the top-selling agents in the Central Ohio area—so if you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Columbus or its many suburbs, just give me a call. Even if you aren't quite ready to move, I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.