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Glossary of Real Estate Terms

The language of real estate is like that of other industries. Some words and phrases may seem foreign, others are ones that you hear every day. Following is a glossary that hopefully will allow you to better understand the real estate transactions with which you are involved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
  1. Plat
  2. Point
  3. Premium
  4. Prescriptive Easement
  5. Principal
  6. Purchase Money Mortgage
  1. Plat

    Also called “plat map.” A map dividing a parcel of land into lots, as in a subdivision. A plat book contains the plat maps for a given area.

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  2. Point

    Also called “commission points” or “discount points.” One percent of the amount of the loan.

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  3. Premium

    The amount payable for an insurance policy.

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  4. Prescriptive Easement

    A right to use another’s property that is not inconsistent with the owner’s rights and that is acquired by an open, notorious, adverse and continuous use for the statutory period, for example 20 years.

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  5. Principal

    (1) A sum of money owed as a debt on which interest is payable. (2) A person who empowers another to act as his representative or agent. (3) The person having prime responsibility for an obligation as distinguished from one who acts as a surety or endorser.

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  6. Purchase Money Mortgage

    A mortgage given by a purchaser to a seller on the subject property to secure payment of a part of the purchase price.

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