There are a number of reasons why you might need to understand the lingo of the real estate industry. You may be purchasing or selling a home, or may even be considering pursuing a career as a realtor. Whatever your reasons, you will need a convenient and easy to understand rundown of all those important terms, and this article is the perfect start. Here are some common real estate buzz words and what they really mean:
Cozy.Watch out for this word. It is most likely referring to a cramped space.
Needs some work. This could mean a number of things, but you can rest assured that if a realtor asserts that a property needs work, the property is not in great condition. The best question to ask in this circumstance is “how much work, and of what kind?”
Handyman special. Consider this term a downgrade from the last. With the handyman special, there is no illusion that you are going to be able to live with the condition of the property. It is implied that the property is nowhere near the shape you would want, and that you will have to fix it to make it livable.
Updated or Remodeled. This is an older property with some modern upgrades . . . but it may still need some fixing up.
Penthouse. Sure, the penthouse unit sounds glamorous, but the word penthouse really only means top floor. The penthouse unit in a four-story complex isn’t so grand after all.
Tree-top view. This means the property is not on the ground – but it is also not high enough above the trees to provide a dreamy view. Basically, the property is at tree level (probably somewhere around the second or third floor).
Just steps from. In the world of real estate, a property that is “just steps from” any major convenience could be as far as several blocks, or even a couple of miles away.
Charming. This usually means the property is just plain old. It may even mean that the property is outdated and needs some fixing up.
Keep in mind that realtors are trained to use words that put a positive spin on the property – and this may equate to making the not-so-great sound good. Keep these common real estate buzzwords in mind the next time you are in the market to buy or sell . . . or when it’s time to write those real estate listings.
About the Author: Talia Tanzman specializes in helping real estate agents and private sellers write the most descriptive and honest listings possible. When she’s not working she can often be found searching http://www.goldenmoontea.com for another awesome blend of oolong tea – her favorite go-to tea when she needs to relax.
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If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, then chances are you are also a handyman around the home. One way you can improve your repertoire of expertise is to learn how to do electrical repairs. Of course, there are some electrical jobs you absolutely must hire a professional for (and the law says so), but there are things you can do yourself that don’t require the hands of a licensed electrical contractor. The most important thing is that you respect the power of electricity (no pun intended), and that you learn how to perform these repairs safely. Here are guidelines for safely making minor electrical home repairs:
