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Glossary

Absorption Rate

Absorption Rate is a ratio used to predict the volatility of demand for similar properties in a certain area compared to the demand for such properties.  It measures the markets ability to sell or lease the existing inventory of properties within the given market. Professionals use this index to spot trends in the market and determine if it is a buyers or sellers market.

Abstract of Title

A written summary of the chain of title. It contains the original grant and all subsequent conveyances, along with any encumbrances affecting the property.

Acceleration

The right of the lender to demand the immediate repayment of the mortgage loan balance upon the default of the borrower. 

Acceleration clause

A clause in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to require payment of the entire principal balance if the borrower defaults on an installment payment or other covenant

Acceptance

An offeree's consent to enter into, and be bound by the terms of, a contract

Access

The right to enter and exit a parcel of land from a public way, including the right to enter and exit via land belonging to others

Acknowledgement

A declaration by a party executing an instrument that it is his act and deed. It is usually made before a Notary Public or Attorney.

Acre

43,560 square feet of land

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Also known as a Variable Rate Mortgage, a loan secured against land, which has an interest rate that changes according to some outside index -- such as the federal prime rate or the interest rate paid on government bonds -- over the term of the mortgage. The change in interest rate will result in a change in the periodic payments due under the mortgage.

Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)

A mortgage with interest rates that may fluctuate based on market conditions; the lender is permitted to adjust the mortgage's interest rate periodically, though most ARM's are limited in the amount that the interest rates can vary

Affiant

One who swears an affidavit.

Affidavit

A sworn statement setting out facts, which the affiant states, are true. Sworn before a Commissioner for swearing Oaths, Notary Public or other public official.

Agreement for Sale

A document in which the purchaser agrees to buy certain property and the seller agrees to sell under stated terms and conditions. Also called sales contract, binder or earnest money contract.

Amortization

Gradual debt reduction. Typically, the reduction is made according to a pre-determined schedule for installment payments.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

A term used in the Truth in Lending Act to represent the full cost of a loan including interest and loan fees.

Appraisal

A written report by a qualified appraiser estimating the value of a property.

Appraised Value

An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's inspection and analysis of the property.

Appraiser

A person qualified by education, training and experience to estimate the value of real property.

Appreciation

An increase in value of the property (the opposite of depreciation).

Assessed Valuation

The value that a taxing authority places upon personal property for the purposes of taxation.

Assumption

The agreement between buyer and seller where the buyer takes over the payments on an existing mortgage from the seller.