Real Estate Dictionary
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A B CI CII D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
E & O INSURANCE
See: Errors And Omission Insurance.
EA
See: Environmental Assessment.
EARNEST MONEY
Deposit that is part of the purchase price to bind a contract for property.
EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT
A sum of money paid by a potential purchaser as proof of her intention to complete the purchase transaction. Held in trust, usually by the Listing Agent, and credited to Purchaser off purchase price. May be forfeited if Purchaser fails to complete transaction.
EARNINGS
Money received for labor or personal services rather than a return on capital, although corporate income from all sources is described as "earnings".
EASEMENT
A right created by grant, reservation, agreement, prescription, or necessary implication, which one has in the land of another.
EASEMENT APPURTENANT
An easement for the benefit of another parcel of land, such as the right to cross parcel A to reach B. The easement will pass with the transfer of property to a new owner. (See also: Dominant Tenement; Servient Tenement).
EASEMENT BY PRESCRIPTION
(See: Prescriptive Easement).
EASEMENT IN GROSS
An easement for the benefit of a person or company, rather than for the benefit of another parcel of land. Commonly, such easements as for public utilities.
EASEMENT OF NECESSITY
An easement granted by a court when it is determined that said easement is absolutely necessary for the use and enjoyment of the land. Commonly given to landlocked parcels.
EASTLAKE HOUSE
A house which is remarkable for its three-dimensional ornamentation following a nineteenth-century style.
EASY DOC LOANS
(See: Low Doc Loans).
EAVES
The margin or lower part of a roof projecting beyond an exterior wall.
EBB TIDE
The tide at its low, or the period from high to low.
ECONOMIC AGE-LIFE METHOD OF DEPRECIATION
(See: AgeLife Method of Depreciation).
ECONOMIC BASE
The commercial or industrial foundation of a community which provides opportunities for employment.
ECONOMIC DEPRECIATION
The decline in value of a property which is caused by reasons outside of the property itself.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (EDA)
Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The EDA manages grant and loan programs aid economically depressed areas.
ECONOMIC LIFE
The "profitable" life of an improvement. Generally shorter than the physical life (before it is worn out).
ECONOMIC OBSOLESCENCE
A loss in value to property (depreciation) caused by a negative influence near the property. Concerned with location rather than physical characteristics of the property. Also called External Obsolescence; Environmental Obsolescence.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 1981(ERTA)
Laws designed to stimulate the economy, including stimulation of the real estate market. (See: Accelerated Cost Recovery System).
ECONOMIC RENT
The market rental value of a property at any given time, even though the actual rent may be different.
ECONOMICS
The study of the laws and theories pertaining to the creation and distribution of wealth, either of the private sector or of governments.
EDA
See: Economic Development Administration
EFFECTIVE AGE
Age of a structure as estimated by its condition rather than actual age. Takes into account rehabilitation and maintenance.
EFFECTIVE DEMAND
A qualifying term meaning the ability to pay as well as desire to buy.
EFFECTIVE GROSS INCOME
(See: Adjusted Gross Income).
EFFECTIVE RATE
The actual rate (or interest or return) once all factors are accounted for (factors include compounding of interest or costs of earning the return).
EFFICIENCY
An apartment consisting of one room, sectioned into areas for a kitchen, bedroom, etc.
EFFICIENCY RATIO
A comparison of the space in a building available for lease to the total space of the building.
EFFICIENCY UNIT OR APARTMENT
A term for a small dwelling unit in which kitchen and sometimes bath areas are combined with the living area. Also known as "bachelor apartment" or "studio apartment".
EFFLUENT
(1) The flowing of a branch of a stream out from the main stream. (2) The flow of sewage, either from a storm sewer or sanitary sewer, after some stage of treatment.
EGRESS
The right to come and go across the land (public or private) of another.
EJECTMENT
Most commonly, a court action to recover real property, usually by eviction of a tenant. In some states, an action to enforce specific performance.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Any flow of electricity.
ELECTRIC HEATING
Any heating system using electricity as its power source. May be a water or air system.
ELEEMOSYNARY CORPORATION
A corporation created for charitable purposes. There are tax advantages accorded to such corporations. The corporation may operate the same as a profit making corporation. Commonly called a nonprofit corporation.
ELEVATION
(1) Height above sea level. (2) The exterior design of a structure, usually but not necessarily, viewed from the front. Called a horizontal elevation. (3) Height measured from any point, such as elevation from a floor. Called vertical elevation.
ELIZABETHAN OR HALF TIMBER STYLE
A two-storey or two-and-a-half storey, English-style house which has the upper storey overhanging the first, often with stone and stucco walls and half-timber beams.
ELUVIATION
The movement of soil materials, either in a downward or horizontal direction, caused by excessive water in the soil.
EMBLEMENTS
Growing crops. Considered chattels which may be removed by a tenant at the expiration of his lease.
EMINENT DOMAIN
A governmental right to acquire private property for public use by means of condemnation, and the payment of just compensation.
EMOLUMENT
Compensation for personal services, such as salary, commission, or other compensation.
EMPHYTHEUTIC LEASE
A lease in perpetuity or for a long period, freely transferable by the lessee, upon the condition that the lessee improve the property and pay rent.
EMPLOYMENT LETTER
A letter from an employer stating the time a person has been employed and income from said employment.
EMPOWERMENT ZONES AND ENTERPRISE COMMUNITIES (EZ/EC)
Targeted areas to be aided through tax incentives, grants and loans to improve economic conditions. The program was created by Title XIII of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and expanded by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
EMPTY NESTERS
Middle-aged or older couples whose children have grown up and "left the nest" to live on their own. Often looking to sell a larger house and buy a smaller one.
ENCROACHMENT
Trespass or intrusion onto another's property, usually by structure, wall or fence.
ENCUMBRANCE INCUMBRANCE
A claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding real property. Any right to, or interest in, land which may exist in one other than the owner, but which will not prevent the transfer of fee title.
END LOAN
(See: Take Out Loan).
ENDORSEMENT, INDORSEMENT
The act of the holder of a note, bill, check, or other negotiable instrument, of assigning said instrument by signing the back of the instrument, with or without qualifications.
ENDORSER
The person who signs a document to represent the transfer of property to another.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
A description of a property which has special features aimed at reducing use of electrical or heating power (i.e. insulation, double-insulated windows, high-efficiency furnace, etc.).
ENERGY TAX CREDITS
A tax break given to property owners who took steps to save energy in their property such as installing insulation.
ENGLISH ARCHITECTURE
A general term, encompassing the styles of various English design, but which have common elements. The exterior being either of large stones, or exposed timbers with large stones or brick placed between the timbers, in a decorative manner. The roof is most often of slate and windows are hinged vertically.
ENTERPRISE ZONE
See: Empowerment Zones And Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC).
ENTIRE TENANCY
(See: Tenancy by the Entirety).
ENTITY
A separate existence or being, most commonly referring to a corporation or other form of business, rather than an individual.
ENTRANCE
(1) The opening used to go into an enclosed area, such as a door, gate, etc. (2) To go upon land, such as to gain entrance to, the point of entrance not necessarily being through a door, gate, or other opening.
ENTREPRENEUR
A businessman, taking the risk of loss and gaining profit, rather than a salaried employee.
ENTITLEMENT
(1.) The legal right to a benefit or program. (2.) Name for the VA home loan benefit.
ENVIRONMENT
Surroundings. As an appraisal term, the characteristics of the area around a property which bear on the value of the property.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESMENT
A preliminary environmental analysis used to determine whether a more detailed environmental impact statement will be necessary.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEFICIENCY
Deficiency of the area surrounding a property, (environment), which decreases its value, such as poorly designed streets and traffic patterns, a high crime rate, no major sewer lines, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT)
A report of the probable effect of a development on the surrounding area (environment). The report is prepared by an independent company to federal, state, or local guide lines.
ENVIRONMENTAL LIEN
A lien to secure payment for removal of contaminants. Example: Superfund money is used for cleanup. The lien is then filed as well as a lawsuit to recover the money from the responsible parties.
ENVIRONMENTAL OBSOLESCENCE
(See: Economic Obsolescence).
ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
See: Environmental Site Assessment.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)
The federal agency concerned with the protection of our resources of land, water, and air.
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT
A physical inspection of a site (land and improvements) to determine if environmental problems exist. (See: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment; Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment; Phase 3 Environmental Site Assessment).
EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT
Federal law granting women certain independent status, and preventing lenders from considering such negative credit aspects as the possibility of a woman having children and dropping out of the labor market.
EQUAL DIGNITY RULE
A term used most often in contracts involving real property. The rule is that if a matter requires a writing, agency agreements concerning the matter must also be written. For example: Since a contract to sell real estate must be in writing, the agency (listing) agreement to sell real estate must be in writing
EQUALIZATION
See: Equalization Board
EQUALIZATION BOARD (BOARD OF EQUALIZATION)
Agency with a mandate to ensure fairness in property tax assessments.
EQUATOR
The imaginary circle separating the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of the Earth, and used as the starting point for measurements of latitude, its own latitude being zero degrees.
EQUIPMENT
As an industrial term, everything necessary to produce a product, such as land, improvements, machinery, etc.
EQUITABLE CONVERSION
A legal fiction applied to a land contract which treats the vendee's (buyer's) interest as a real property interest even though the seller holds legal title, and the seller's interest as a security interest (personal property). This enables the buyer to act as the "owner" of the property without having "legal" title.
EQUITABLE LIEN
A lien enforceable in a court of equity, based on evidence of an intent between debtor and creditor to create a lien on specific property of the debtor, but a failure to legally create said lien.
EQUITABLE MORTGAGE
(1) A lien against real property (mortgage) which is enforceable in a court of equity, but does not legally constitute a mortgage. (2) A deed given as security for a debt will be held to be a mortgage rather than a transfer of title. Also called a constructive mortgage.
EQUITABLE OWNERSHIP
Ownership by one who does not have legal title, such as a vendee under a land contract or, technically, a trustor under a deed of trust (legal title being in the trustee). Also called equitable title.
EQUITABLE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION
(See: Equity of Redemption).
EQUITABLE TITLE
(See: Equitable Ownership).
EQUITY
(1) A legal doctrine based on fairness, rather than strict interpretation of the letter of the law. (2) The market value of real property, less the amount of existing liens. (3) Any ownership investment (stocks, real estate, etc.) as opposed to investing as a lender (bonds, mortgages, etc.).
EQUITY BUILD-UP
The reduction of principal on a mortgage or deed of trust by periodic payments, which increases (builds-up) the difference (equity) between the property value and amount of the lien.
EQUITY CAPITALIZATION RATE/EQUITY DIVIDEND RATE
The amount of cash received compared to the amount of cash invested. See: Cash-On-Cash
EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT
A combination of a line of credit and equity loan. A maximum loan amount is established based on credit and equity. A mortgage (deed of trust) is recorded against the potential borrower's property for said maximum loan amount. The potential borrower has the right to borrow, as needed, up to the amount of the mortgage.
EQUITY LOAN
A loan based upon the equity in a property. The credit of the borrower is not a major factor. (See also: Personal Property Loan).
EQUITY OF REDEMPTION
Properly, the right to pay off the lien of a mortgage which is in default by payment of the principal, interest, and costs which are due. Often confused with the redemption period after the foreclosure sale, which is a right established by statute.
EQUITY PARTICIPATION
(See: Participation).
EQUITY PURCHASER
One who purchases the equity of another in real property, either assuming or taking subject to existing mortgages or deeds of trut.
EQUITY STAKE MORTGAGE
(See: Shared Appreciation Mortgage).
EROSION
The wearing away, over a prolonged period, of rock, earth, or other portions of land.
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE
Insurance covering losses caused by errors and omissions of pofessions other than medicine. Used by banks, real estate companies, escrow companies, etc.
ESCALATION CLAUSE
A clause in a lease providing for an increased rental at a future time. y be accomplished by several types of clauses, such as (1) Fixed increase - A clause which calls for a definite, periodic rental increase. (2) Cost of living - A clause which ties the rent to a government cost of living index, with periodic adjustments as the index changes. (3) Direct expense - The rent is adjusted according to changes in the expenses of the property paid by the lessor, such as tax increases, increased maintenance costs, etc.
ESCALATOR CLAUSE
(See: Escalation Clause).
ESCARPMENT
A cliff.
ESCHEAT
A reversion of property to the state in the absence of an individual owner. Usually occurs when a property owner dies intestate, and without heirs.
ESCROW
Procedure whereby a neutral third party handles legal documents and monies on behalf of the buyer and seller of real property.
ESCROW ACCOUNT
(See: Impound Account).
ESCROW AGENT
Any independent third party who receives items to be held in escrow, holds such items until transfer is allowed, and then delivers them.
ESCROW CLOSING
The completion of a transaction whereby documents, consideration etc. are held in trust (either by the parties and their representatives or by an independent third party) pending the completion of certain conditions, at which time the items held in escrow are released and the transaction is completed.
ESCROW COLLECTIONS
Moneys taken in by the agent and set aside for future payments as required by the contract (i.e., in a mortgage situation, for taxes, insurance, etc. on the property). Also known as "escrow deposits", "impounds" or "reserves".
ESCROW DEPOSIT
Similar to "escrow collections", the deposit of funds for the purpose of future payments required under the contract.
ESCROW DISBURSEMENTS
The payment out of escrow funds of taxes, insurance, etc. as required by the contract. Also known as "escrow payments".
ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS
Instructions which are signed by both buyer and seller, and which enable an escrow agent to carry out the procedures necessary to transfer real property, a business, or other assignable interest.
ESCROW OFFICER
An escrow agent. In some states, one who has, through experience and education, gained a certain degree of expertise in escrow matters.
ESCROW REIMBURSEMENT
The return to the borrower of left over funds held in escrow once the debt has been paid out.
ESTATE
A person's possessions.
ESTATE AT SUFFERANCE
(See: Tenant at Sufferance).
ESTATE AT WILL
(See: Tenant at Will).
ESTATE FOR LIFE
(See: Life Estate).
ESTATE FOR YEARS
Any estate for a definite period of time. Commonly, a lease.
ESTATE OF INHERITANCE
An estate which may descend to heirs. For example: A fee estate is an estate of inheritance, whereas a life estate is not.
ESTATE IN REMAINDER
(See: Remainder).
ESTATE IN REVERSION
(See: Reversion).
ESTATE TAX
A tax against the property of a deceased, based on the value of the estate.
ESTOPPEL
The prevention of one from asserting a legal right because of prior actions inconsistent with the assertion.
ESTOVERS
Old doctrine allowing use, primarily of timber, by a tenant for fuel and repair of his shelter. Not much application in the U.S. today.
ET AL
And others.
ET CON
And husband.
ETHICS
With regard to professions, a code of professional standards, containing aspects of fairness and duty to the profession and the general public.
ET UX
Latin: meaning "and wife.
ET VIR
Latin: meaning "and husband".
EVALUATION
An analysis of a property regarding its potential uses rather than its current value.
EVICTION
A court action to remove one from possession of real property. Most commonly, the removal of a tenant.
EVIDENCE OF TITLE
A document establishing ownership to property. Most commonly, a deed.
EXACT INTEREST
Interest based on a 365-day year, rather than a 30-day month (360day year).
EXAMINATION OF TITLE
Similar to a subsearch: a review of the current title to a property for the purposes of establishing current apparent owners and encumbrances.
EXCAVATE
To dig and then remove, leaving a pit or hollow. Used to describe the removal of earth in construction; or coal, copper, etc., in mining.
EXCAVATION
(1) A pit or other opening which remains after the removal of dirt, minerals, etc., from the surface of the Earth. (2) The process of digging and removal of dirt, minerals, etc., from land.
EXCEPTION
(1) Specific items set forth in an insurance policy which are not covered by said policy. (2) Any item specifically excluded.
EXCESS CONDEMNATION
Taking, by right of eminent domain, more property than actually necessary for the intended purpose. This happens frequently, the excess property being sold at auction after completion of the project.
EXCESS INCOME
(See: Excess Rent).
EXCESS RENT
Rental income (usually under a lease) which exceeds the fair rental value of the property.
EXCESSIVE CONDEMNATION
The taking under eminent domain of more property than is necessary for the proposed use.
EXCHANGE
A reciprocal transfer of real property which has certain tax advantages over a sale. Definite procedures must be followed in order to qualify the transfer as an exchange.
EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
Instrument (contract) used in an exchange. (See also: Exchange).
EXCLUSIVE AGENCY AGREEMENT
(See: Agency Agreement).
EXCLUSIVE AGENCY LISTING
A listing or agreement protecting the listing broker's commission against the sale of the property by another agent but not against the sale by the principal. The term is not universal, as some areas use the term, nonexclusive listing, to describe this agreement.
EXCLUSIVE LISTING
A written contract between a property owner and a real estate broker, whereby the owner promises to pay a fee or commission to the broker if certain real property of the owner is sold during a stated period, regardless of whether the broker is or is not the cause of the sale. Te broker promises to put forth his or her best efforts to sell the property, and may make specific promises as to advertising or other promotion in certain instances.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO SELL
(See: Exclusive Listing).
EXCULPATORY
Holding free from or limiting guilt or liability.
EXCULPATORY CLAUSE
The term of a mortgage giving the borrower the right simply to surrender the property to the lender as payment for the loan without personal liability to the borrower for any shortfall.
EXECUTE
To complete to fulfill a purpose, such as to execute an instrument, meaning to sign, seal (modernly, to notarize), and deliver.
EXECUTED CONTRACT
(1.) A contract which has been completely carried out by the parties. (2.) A contract which has been signed by the parties.
EXECUTED SALE
One which is final and completed.
EXECUTION SALE
Sale of real property under a writ of execution by a court. A judicial mortgage foreclosure sale is in this category.
EXECUTOR
One who is appointed under a will to carry out (execute) the terms of the will.
EXECUTOR'S DEED
A deed issued by the executor of an estate. (See: Executor).
EXECUTORY CONTRACT
A contract under which there is still to be performance. (See also: Executory Sale).
EXECUTORY SALE
A sale not fully completed, such as (at least in theory) a land contract sale. (See also: Executed Sale).
EXECUTRIX
A female executor.
EXEMPLARY DAMAGES
Damages to punish (make an example of) the offender. This is done when the wrong is deliberate or grossly negligent and compensatory damages do not appear to be sufficient.
EXIT
(1) The leaving or departing, usually of a person. (2) The place through which one leaves, as a door, gate, etc.
EXPANSIBLE HOUSE
A house specifically designed for later additions or expansion.
EXPANSION JOINT
Any connection of two members which allows for movement of the members when effected by pressure toward or away from the connecting area (joint). A joint in a bridge, building, or similar structure, allowing for expansion or contraction of the parts of the structure from temperature changes.
EXPENSE RATIOS
Formulas to determine a potential borrower's ability to repay a mortgage loan. The ratios are (1) the monthly amount to repay all mortgage loans on the property divided by the borrower's gross monthly income and (2) the borrower's total monthly expenses divided by the gross monthly income.
EXPENSE STOP
A clause limiting the expense of one of the parties and shifting the burden to the other party at an agreed upon amount. Used primarily in leases.
EXPENSES
(See: Operating Expenses).
EXPENSES OF SALE
The costs which are attributed to the sale of real estate. They would include commission, loan points, title and escrow fees, documentary transfer tax, etc.
EXPERT TESTIMONY
Testimony by one acknowledged to have special training and knowledge in a particular subject. Only testimony on the subject in which the witness is "expert" is considered expert testimony.
EXPERT WITNESS
One acknowledged to have special training and knowledge of a particular subject, and testifying on that subject.
EXPOSURE
(1) The degree to which a property for sale, lease, etc., is made noticeable (exposed) to potential buyers, tenants, etc., through advertising, multiple listing groups, etc. (2) The direction in which a property faces. For example: Does a store depending on walk-in trade face the sun in the morning when people walk in the sun to get warm (eastern exposure), or face the sun in the afternoon when people walk in the shade to keep cool (western exposure).
EXPRESS
Clear and definite; set forth, as opposed to implied.
EXPRESS WARRANTY
A warranty given by words of the seller rather than by law or circumstances.
EXPRESSWAY (FREEWAY)
A highway (usually divided) with control of access, and with major streets crossing it at a different grade level. Distinguished from "toll roads" in that no fee is charged to those using the expressway.
EXPROPRIATION
A taking, as under eminent domain. The word has come to be used in connection with a foreign location, such as a foreign government taking an American industry located in the foreign country. The word is used instead of eminent domain in Louisiana.
EXTENDED COVERAGE
With reference to insurance, coverage beyond the normal (standard) policy.
EXTENSION
A continuing under the same conditions, as opposed to a renewal, which implies new terms or conditions.
EXTENSION OF MORTGAGE
(See: Extension).
EXTERIOR
The outside surface of any structure.
EXTERIOR FINISH
The outside covering of a structure, such as wood, brick, stucco, etc.
EXTERIOR WALL
The outer vertical surface of a structure, which encloses the entire structure, and the dimensions of which are used to find the gross area of the enclosure for appraisal purposes.
EXTERNAL OBSOLESCENCE
(See: Economic Obsolescence).
EXTRAORDINARY PROPERTY LOSS
An accounting procedure which includes the depreciated value of property from unanticipated damage not insured .
EZ/EC
See: Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities.