How to Read Real Estate Listings Like a Pro

If you're in the market for a home, you've probably4B/2B - This particular version of this acronym stands
spent your fair share of time pouring over real estatefor 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, but this can be used
listings online or in newspapers. As a buyer, it's verywith any numbers to represent how many bedrooms
important to understand the lingo involved in listing aand bathrooms a home has. A half bath has a toilet
home so you know exactly what you are looking at.and sink and a ¾ bath has a toilet, sink and
Instead of being surprised on the walkthrough, youshower.
can know the situation ahead of time.FDR - This is a formal dining room which differs from
Closing costs - This is an important term for allan eat-in kitchen where the dining area is attached to
buyers to know. The closing costs are variousthe kitchen.
expenses that need to be paid by the buyer andHDW, HWF, Hdwd - These are all acronyms for
seller when the home comes out of escrow. Thesehardwood floors, a very popular feature.
include things like the commissions, settlement feesIn addition to acronyms, you'll also find abbreviations
and taxes.in listings that will help you determine qualities and
Fixture - Fixtures are anything that are a permanentamenities of the home.
part of the property. Lights, wall to wall carpet, doorsUpr - This stands for upper floor.
and window frames are all examples of fixtures on aVw, vu, vws, vus - All of these mean that the house
property.has a great view or views of the area.
Lock Box - The lock box is a device that holds a keyPvt - This means private.
to the property. By getting the open code from thePwdr rm - This stands for powder room, another
selling agent, a buying agent can access the home atterm for a half bath.
anytime to show their clients the property.Frplc, fplc, FP - These are all acronyms for fireplace.
Expansion pon'tl - Expansion potential is the ability forGar - This is short for garage.
a home to be expanded at some point, whetherGard - Not to be confused with gar, this term means
through a convertible attic or extra space on thegarden.
property for an addition to the home.Grmt kitchen - This stands for gourmet kitchen
Since most newspaper ads and some online ads haveHi Ceils - These are high ceilings, a great feature of a
character limits, real estate agents frequently usehome for sale.
acronyms to save on space. These acronyms areAll of these terms will help you understand and
important to understand.interpret real estate listings better. When you know
CMA - This stands for comparative market analysisexactly what you are looking at, it will make it a lot
or competitive market analysis. The CMA reporteasier to decide whether or not you want to go
shows the prices of other homes in the area thatforward with an official walkthrough. By arming
have comparable stats. They were recently sold so ityourself with this information you'll be able to read
gives both parties an estimate of how much thelistings like a pro.
house in question should be worth.