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MORTGAGE#1

A loan specifically for purchasing a home, secured by the property itself. Monthly payments typically include principal and interest.

CREDIT SCORE#2

A numerical representation of a borrower's creditworthiness, influencing loan approval and interest rates.

DOWN PAYMENT#3

The initial upfront payment made when purchasing a home, usually expressed as a percentage of the home's price.

REAL ESTATE AGENT#4

A licensed professional who assists buyers and sellers in the real estate transaction process.

HOME INSPECTION#5

A thorough examination of a property's condition, typically conducted before finalizing a purchase.

APPRAISAL#6

An assessment of a property's market value, often required by lenders to ensure the loan amount is justified.

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE#7

A mortgage with a constant interest rate throughout the loan term, providing predictable monthly payments.

ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE#8

A mortgage with an interest rate that may change over time, affecting monthly payment amounts.

PRE-APPROVAL#9

A lender's conditional commitment to loan a specific amount, based on a borrower's financial status.

ESCROW#10

A financial arrangement where a third party holds funds or documents until specific conditions are met.

TITLE INSURANCE#11

Insurance that protects against losses due to defects in the title of the property.

CLOSING COSTS#12

Fees and expenses incurred during the finalization of a real estate transaction, often including taxes, attorney fees, and title insurance.

EARNEST MONEY#13

A deposit made to demonstrate a buyer's serious intent to purchase a property, typically held in escrow.

HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE#14

Insurance that covers damages to a home and the homeowner's belongings, often required by lenders.

PROPERTY TAX#15

A tax assessed on real estate properties, usually calculated based on the property's assessed value.

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS)#16

A database that real estate agents use to share information about properties for sale.

OPEN HOUSE#17

An event where a property is open for public viewing, allowing potential buyers to explore the home.

CREDIT REPORT#18

A detailed report of an individual's credit history, used by lenders to assess creditworthiness.

REALTOR#19

A real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, adhering to a specific code of ethics.

HOME WARRANTY#20

A service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances.

DEED#21

A legal document that transfers ownership of property from one party to another.

FIXER-UPPER#22

A property that requires repairs or renovations, often purchased at a lower price.

FORECLOSURE#23

A legal process where a lender takes possession of a property due to the owner's failure to make mortgage payments.

ZONING LAWS#24

Regulations that govern how land can be used in certain areas, affecting property development and use.

REAL ESTATE MARKET#25

The economic environment in which properties are bought and sold, influenced by supply and demand.