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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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KW Lonestar DFW
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701 Highlander Blvd
Suite 400
0574623

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© 2025 by Lori Flaherty | Keller Williams | Created by Meghan Thrasher of Expand Marketing.

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