Commonly Used Terms in Real Estate
Understanding real estate lingo can make your home buying or selling journey in DFW smoother and more confident. Here’s a glossary of commonly used real estate terms:

Appraisal – A professional estimate of a home’s market value.
Closing Costs – Fees paid at the end of the transaction, including title fees, lender charges, and taxes.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – A report to help determine a home’s market value based on recent sales of similar properties.
Contingency – A condition in the contract that must be met (e.g., financing, home inspection).
Down Payment – The upfront cash paid toward the purchase of a home, typically 10-20%.
Escrow – A neutral third party that holds funds/documents until all conditions of the sale are met.
MLS (Multiple Listing Service) – A database real estate agents use to list and search available properties.
Pre-Approval – A lender’s written offer for a loan amount based on your credit, income, and assets.
Title – Legal ownership of a property.
Zoning – Local rules defining how property can be used (residential, commercial, etc.).
Knowing the language empowers you. Whether buying or selling luxury real estate in Dallas-Fort Worth, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Lori Flaherty
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