West Torrance, South Torrance and Redondo Beach real estate and homes for sale in California - Sam Xavier - REALTOR® REALTORŪ Logo
www.southbayshortseller.com to learn more on avoiding foreclosure and pay nothing and save your credit today!

Special Offers

Buyers Want Your Home for as Little as Possible.
Are you thinking of selling your home? You should know exactly what it's worth before making such an important decision.
Find Out More >
View All Offers >

Testimonials

"I was so impressed! "
"We saved Thousands on Our South Torrance Home Purchase"
Christina G. Torrance, CA
Read Quote >
View All Quotes >
Compare three mortgages at one time. Download TripleCalc now. It's free. Find Out More >
Download Now >

Real Estate Dictionary

Welcome > Resources > Real Estate Dictionary - A

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

E

Earnest money

A deposit made of a portion of the purchase price by the buyer to demonstrate his or her serious intent to purchase the property, usually accompanied by an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the sale

Easement

The permanent or temporary right to use the property of another for a specific purpose -- e.g. for access over the property, putting up utility lines, etc.

Egress

The right to leave or exit over a piece of property

Eminent domain

The right of the government to take over private property for public purposes upon payment of its fair market value

Encroachment

A physical, illegal intrusion onto another's adjoining property; examples are a structure, driveway, fence

Encumbrance

Any claim against the fee simple title to a property, such as a lien, mortgage, or easement

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or receipt of income from public assistance programs

Equity

The owner's financial interest in a property, over and above any indebtedness for that property; or the difference between the fair market value of the property, and the amount still owed on its mortgage

Equity Sharing

A form of joint ownership between an owner/occupant and an owner/investor, whereby the owner/investor receives depreciation deductions as his portion of interest in the property, and the owner/occupant receives some of the tax write-offs for interest and taxes, as well as part of his monthly payment being applied against his rent. If the property were sold, the co-owners would also divide the profit

Escheat

Property that reverts to state ownership when an individual dies without a will and without heirs

Escrow

A deed, contract, or something of value deposited with a disinterested third party, to be delivered upon the performance of certain conditions by the parties involved; e.g., an attorney or escrow agent taking custody of funds and documents upon the closing of a sale of real estate

Escrow account

An account established by an escrow agent to hold funds for the agent's principal until the consummation of the transaction

Escrow instructions

A document that outlines the duties of the escrow agent and the obligations of the parties involved in an escrow transaction

Escrow payment; also "impounds" or "reserves" in some states

The portion of a mortgagor's monthly payment that is retained by the escrow agent to cover the costs of taxes, hazard or mortgage insurance, lease payments, and other costs incurred in the course of the transaction

Estate

An individual's possessions and property, relevant particularly at the time of death

Eviction

The legally directed removal of an occupant from real property

Exclusive listing, or Exclusive agency listing, or Exclusive right-to-sell listing

A written contract giving a licensed real estate broker the exclusive right to sell a property for a designated period of time, on terms stated by the owner, for a fee, while also reserving the owner's right to sell the property himself, without paying anyone a commission

Executor

A person named in a will, or in the absence of such designation, appointed by the probate court, to administer an estate and carry out its terms

Extended Mortgage

A mortgage in which the due date of payment is extended, and is usually charged at a higher interest rate than the original mortgage

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



Did I Miss the Word YOU Are Looking For? 

Is there a real estate word that I failed to explain here in my dictionary for homebuyers and sellers? Let me be your personal real estate dictionary! I'll send a brief explanation of any word or term that you encounter when buying and selling property. 

Do you have a suggestion of a real estate word that should be included? Let me know! I always appreciate feedback. 

Do any of these definitions raise questions for you? Didn't find the word you're looking for? Let me know! I'm happy to answer ANY questions. It's my job! There's no obligation, and I promise to get back to you quickly... 

About You
* Your Name:
* Your Email Address:
Your Street Address:
City:
State/Province:
Country:
Zip/Postal Code:
Phone:

Additional Info
Ask Your
Question Here!
Send Latest Listings: What is this?
Send Latest News: What is this?

*Please note that fields marked with an asterisk are required.


Quick Response Guarantee >
Your Privacy Is Guaranteed >
Free & Without Obligation >

Real Estate Tips

First Time Buyers >Insuring Your Home

Many home buyers are concerned about whether they have an insurable interest in the property before the actual closing. The answer is an unqualified "yes". Although the buyer is not yet the recorded owner of the property, he or she has an insurable interest in the property as soon as the agreement of sale is executed by both the buyer and seller.

Should you get hazard insurance before the closing? It depends. Buyers do not usually insure a property until the title passes to them from the seller. However, it's wise to know what the agreement between you and the seller stipulates with regard to insurance.

Most agreements state that the property will be insured for a specific amount. This is very important to both parties. From the buyer's point of view, it is also critical that an adequate sum or full replacement value be stipulated. Watch out for agreements which read "as now insured". This is an all-too-common practice which usually indicates that the seller does not to want to increase inadequate insurance coverage.

See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category >
See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Real Estate Trivia

Q 
What 1982 thriller featured a house that was supposedly haunted because it had been built on the site of an ancient burial ground?

A 
Steven Spielberg's "Poltergeist"was filmed in an actual home on Roxbury Street in a normal residential suburb in California's Simi Valley.
See More Real Estate Trivia >

Sam  Xavier, REALTORŪ, real estate agent and broker for West Torrance, South Torrance and Redondo Beach, California home listings, property and land for sale

Sam Xavier - The Xavier REO Team
RE/MAX Execs South Bay

1720 S. Elena Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: 310-356-4256
Mobile: 310-866-7598
Fax: 310-378-1997
SamXavier@NUMBER1EXPERT.COM

Equal Housing MLS REALTOR


www.TorranceHomeSeller.com is brought to you by Sam Xavier, real estate for
West Torrance, South Torrance and Redondo Beach, California

Read Sam Xavier's Privacy Guarantee, Terms of Service, and Free & Without Obligation Pledge




USA and Canada Real Estate
© Homes Media Solutions™, a division of Dominion Enterprises and/or its clients.
All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Latest Listings

Get the Latest Listings Before Anyone Else! As soon as I list another home for sale, I'll email you. You'll know first.
Name:
Email:
Find Out More >

From Our Affiliates

Latest News

Get the Latest Real Estate News, Hot Off the Presses! If you are buying or selling a home, you need my eNewsletter.
Name:
Email:
Why Sign Up? >