Real Estate Dictionary

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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



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Real Estate Tips

First Time Buyers >Choosing A Lender

When you are buying a new home or refinancing your present one, it is wise to do some comparison shopping among lenders. A low interest rate isn't the only criterion by which to evaluate a loan. You should also consider the terms of the mortgage, what your closing costs will be and the reputation of the lender.

Real estate agents are a good source of information about loans and lenders, whether you are buying a home or just refinancing your present home. We routinely assist buyers when they need a mortgage in order to purchase a home. We know what loan packages are available and the qualifying requirements. The companies with the lowest rates sometimes have very conservative underwriting guidelines, and may not be willing to make loans on certain types of property or to buyers who are marginally qualified. We can tell you which companies and loan officers will go the extra mile to provide excellent service to make sure that the transaction closes.

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Julie Longtin, REALTORŪ, real estate agent and broker for Providence and Cranston, Rhode Island home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

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Julie Longtin has been a licensed real estate salesperson since 1991 and was also a licensed real estate appraiser from 1994-1999. Through these years of experience Julie had a large production--annually in the multi-million dollar range pertaining to the conveyance of real estate. Through her knowledge as a real estate appraiser, she procured an in-depth understanding of market value, physical components contained within homes, changing markets, and translating market indicators in order to benefit her clients.

Julie has received numerous awards and is most proud of being the youngest woman in Rhode Island inducted into the RE/Max Hall of Fame in 2004. Additionally, she was ranked 7th in Rhode Island by RE/MAX for individual sales production, recognized by national publisher "MacDonald Advertising Services" for excellence and ingenuity in Real Estate Classified advertisement, and published in "Money Magazine" June 2006 in article "After the Boom". Julie also held the position of Team Leader (CEO) of Keller Williams of Central RI.

"Whether you are a first time homebuyer or liquidating a real estate portfolio, or acquiring one, I can assist and consult with you regarding any real estate transaction." -Julie Longtin

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