Glossary

A comprehensive list of key terms in real estate and real estate investing to assist in understanding the jargon of the industry.

Amortization

The gradual repayment of a loan through scheduled payments.

After Repair Value (ARV)

The estimated value of a property after it has been renovated.

Appreciation

The increase in value of a property over time.

Assignment Clause

A provision in a contract that allows for the assignment of the contract to another party.

Assignment Contract

A legal agreement between the wholesaler and the seller that allows the wholesaler to assign the contract to another buyer.

Assignment of Contract

The legal transfer of rights and obligations from the wholesaler to the end buyer, typically executed through an assignment agreement.

Assignment of Interest

The transfer of the wholesaler's interest in a property or contract to another party, typically executed through an assignment agreement.

Assignment Fee

The fee charged by the wholesaler for assigning the contract to the end buyer.

Assignment Fee Disclosure

A document provided to the end buyer disclosing the amount of the assignment fee paid to the wholesaler for assigning the contract.

Bandit Sign

A type of temporary sign placed in high-traffic areas to attract potential sellers or buyers, often used by wholesalers to generate leads.

Bird Dog

An individual who scouts for potential real estate deals and passes them on to wholesalers in exchange for a finder's fee.

Broker

A licensed real estate professional who facilitates transactions between buyers and sellers.

Capital Gains

Profits earned from the sale of a property or investment.

Cash Buyer

An investor who purchases properties with cash, allowing for quicker transactions and greater flexibility.

Cash Flow

The net income generated by a rental property after deducting expenses such as mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance.

Cash Flow Analysis

A financial assessment of a property's potential income and expenses to determine its profitability as a rental or wholesale investment.

Closing Agent

A neutral third party, such as a title company or attorney, responsible for facilitating the closing process and ensuring that all legal and financial requirements are met.

Closing Costs

Fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction, including title insurance, appraisal fees, and attorney fees.

Closing Disclosure

A document provided to the buyer and seller prior to closing that outlines the final terms of the transaction, including the purchase price, closing costs, and any adjustments.

Closing Timeline

The timeframe from contract acceptance to the final closing date, which can vary depending on the terms of the agreement and any contingencies.

Comps (Comparable Sales)

Similar properties in the same area that have recently sold, used to determine the market value of a property.

Contingency Clause

A provision in a contract that specifies certain conditions that must be met for the contract to be binding, such as inspection or financing contingencies.

Contingent Offer

An offer to purchase a property that is contingent upon certain conditions being met, such as the wholesaler finding an end buyer or securing financing.

Depreciation

The decrease in value of a property over time, typically due to wear and tear.

Direct Mail Campaign

A marketing strategy involving the distribution of promotional materials, such as postcards or letters, to targeted individuals or households to generate leads.

Distressed Property

A property that is in poor condition or facing financial difficulties, making it a potential target for wholesale deals.

Double Closing

A real estate transaction where the wholesaler purchases the property from the seller and sells it to the end buyer on the same day.

Down Payment

The initial payment made by a buyer toward the purchase of a property, typically expressed as a percentage of the purchase price.

Due Diligence

The process of researching and evaluating a property to assess its potential value and risks before making an investment.

Due Diligence Period

A specified timeframe during which the buyer has the opportunity to conduct inspections, review documents, and perform other necessary investigations before finalizing the purchase of the property.

Earnest Money Deposit

A deposit made by the buyer to demonstrate their intention to purchase the property, often required in wholesaling contracts.

Escrow

A neutral third party that holds funds and documents during a real estate transaction until all conditions are met.

Escrow Account

An account held by a neutral third party, such as a title company, to hold funds and documents during a real estate transaction until all conditions are met and the transaction is closed.

Equity

The difference between the current market value of a property and the outstanding mortgage balance.

Fix and Flip

A real estate investment strategy involving purchasing properties below market value, renovating them, and selling them for a profit.

Foreclosure

The legal process by which a lender repossesses a property due to non-payment of the mortgage.

Hard Money Lender

A private individual or company that provides short-term loans secured by real estate, often used by wholesalers and investors for quick financing.

Hard Money Loan

A short-term loan secured by real estate, typically provided by private investors or companies, and used by wholesalers to finance property acquisitions.

Home Inspection

An evaluation of a property's condition conducted by a licensed inspector before purchase.

Investor Network

A group of investors and real estate professionals who collaborate to share leads, resources, and expertise in wholesaling real estate.

Joint Venture (JV) Agreement

A legal agreement between two or more parties to collaborate on a real estate investment project, sharing the risks, costs, and profits.

Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms and conditions of a rental property.

Lease Option

A real estate transaction where the buyer leases the property with an option to purchase it at a later date, providing flexibility and potential upside for both parties.

Marketing Campaign

A targeted strategy to attract potential buyers or sellers, often involving direct mail, online advertising, and networking.

Mortgage

A loan used to finance the purchase of real estate, secured by the property itself.

Motivated Buyer

An investor or end buyer who is actively seeking properties to purchase and is willing to move quickly on potential deals.

Motivated Seller

A seller who is eager to sell their property quickly, often due to financial distress or other personal reasons.

Net Profit

The amount of profit remaining after deducting all expenses and fees associated with the wholesale transaction, including the purchase price, closing costs, and assignment fee.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A legal contract between the wholesaler and the seller or buyer that prohibits the disclosure of confidential information related to the transaction.

Option Contract

A legal agreement that grants the buyer the option to purchase the property within a specified timeframe at a predetermined price, often used in wholesale transactions to secure a property before finding an end buyer.

Property Inspection

An evaluation of a property's condition conducted by a licensed inspector to identify any potential issues or repairs needed.

Property Inspection Report

A detailed report prepared by a licensed inspector outlining the condition of the property and identifying any issues or repairs needed.

Property Management

The oversight and administration of rental properties on behalf of the owner, including tenant relations, maintenance, and rent collection.

Purchase Agreement

A legal contract outlining the terms and conditions of a property sale between the buyer and seller.

Purchase and Sale Agreement

A legal contract between the wholesaler and the seller outlining the terms and conditions of the property sale, including the purchase price and closing date.

Purchase Price

The agreed-upon amount that the end buyer will pay to acquire the property from the wholesaler.

Real Estate Investment Group

An organized group of investors who pool their resources to collectively invest in real estate properties, including wholesale opportunities.

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate, typically traded on major stock exchanges.

Rent Ready

A property that is in good condition and ready for rental occupancy, often marketed by wholesalers to landlords and investors seeking rental properties.

Repair Estimate

An assessment of the cost of repairs or renovations needed to bring a property up to market standards, used to determine the potential profit margin in a wholesale deal.

Seller Financing

A financing arrangement where the seller provides a loan to the buyer to facilitate the purchase of the property, often used in creative wholesale deals.

Short Sale

A real estate transaction in which the lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on the mortgage to facilitate the sale of the property.

Subject-To Transaction (SubTo)

A real estate transaction where the buyer assumes responsibility for the existing mortgage on the property, typically used in creative financing strategies.

Tenant Screening

The process of evaluating potential tenants for a rental property, including credit checks, background checks, and rental history verification.

Title Company

A company that specializes in handling the title transfer and closing process for real estate transactions, ensuring that the property has a clear title and facilitating the transfer of ownership.

Title Insurnace

Insurance that protects the buyer and lender against any defects or claims on the title of the property, providing assurance of clear ownership.

Title Search

An examination of public records to verify the ownership and legal status of a property, ensuring there are no liens or encumbrances.

Title Transfer

The legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the seller to the buyer, typically completed at the closing table with the assistance of a title company or attorney.

Turnkey Property

A fully renovated or refurbished property that is ready for immediate occupancy or rental, often sold to investors by wholesalers as a hassle-free investment opportunity.

Underwriting

The process of assessing the creditworthiness and risk associated with a mortgage loan application.

Wholesaling

A real estate investment strategy where the wholesaler contracts a property with the seller and then assigns the contract to an end buyer for a fee.

Wholesaler Buyers List

A database of investors and buyers who are actively seeking wholesale real estate deals, compiled and maintained by wholesalers to facilitate transactions.

Wholesaling Contract

A legally binding agreement between the wholesaler and the seller that outlines the terms and conditions of the wholesale transaction, including the purchase price, assignment fee, and closing date.

Wholesale Exit Strategy

A plan devised by the wholesaler to sell or assign the contract to an end buyer, maximizing profit and minimizing risk in the wholesale transaction.

Wholesale Fee

The profit earned by the wholesaler from assigning or double closing a property.

Wholesale Market

The niche market within real estate investing focused on acquiring and selling properties at wholesale prices for a profit.

Wholesale Market Value

The estimated value of a property in its current condition, based on comparable sales and market trends, used to determine the wholesale price.