Real Estate Acronyms Every Homebuyer Should Know
Reading real estate listing descriptions can sometimes feel like reading another language!
For instance, can you read this?
4440 SF home on 44 PVT AC(s). 4BR/4BA SFR. EIK w/SS APPL(s) as well as a FDR. All BR(s) have WIC(s) and FP(s). The FLR also has a FP. Home has a FR and an OFC with BLT BKCSE(s). HRDWD FL(s) throughout, except MBR, which has W/W CRPT. CH and CAC. UNF BSMT. WH SEC SYS. LRG DK off of the KIT. S/P and PAT in the BKYD w/part of YD FNCD, also a LRG GDN. 4C DET GAR. RV PRKG. SEP BLDG was GAR, now INLW STE. No HOA. Nice NBHD. WF on the RVR. Possible O/F or RTO. LUX living at only $444,444 OBO.
If not, use this video to help you while you search listings and read descriptions in pursuit of your perfect home!
Most Common RE (Real Estate) Abbreviations
- AC = Acre (a unit of land)
- BA = Bathroom
- A full BA has a toilet, sink and bathtub.
- A ½ BA or HB only has a toilet and sink, with no shower or tub.
- BKYD = Backyard (the yard space behind the home)
- BLGD = Building
- BLT BKCSE = Built-In Bookcases
- BR = Bedroom (this room typically has a closet, a window and space for a bed)
- CAC = Central Air Conditioning (helps cool off the home on warm days)
- CH = Central Heat (provides warmth throughout the home on cold days. This item and the previous item are included in the Central HVAC system, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and provides temperature comfort and indoor air quality)
- DET = Detached
- DK = Deck (entertainment space attached to the house, typically elevated and made out of wood)
- EIK = Eat-In-Kitchen (the kitchen has enough room to put a table and chairs, or a counter with seating so that the family can eat in the kitchen)
- FDR = Formal Dining Room (a separate formal room where you can dine with your family or guests. DR is just a Dining Room)
- FNCD = Fenced
- FP = Fireplace
- FSBO = For Sale By Owner
- GAR = Garage (1C, 2C etc. for how many cars can fit inside)
- GDN = Garden (space in the yard where you grow fruits and vegetables)
- HOA = Homeowners Association (find out what an HOA is here)
- HRDWD FL = Hardwood Floors
- INLW STE = In-Law Suite (a separate space where your family or guests can stay short or long term. Must have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living space)
- KIT = Kitchen (where food is prepared)
- LR = Living Room (the main living space in the home. If more than one, the LR becomes the FLM =Formal Living Room, and the smaller space becomes the FR = Family Room)
- LRG = Large
- LUX = Luxury
- MBR = Master Bedroom (the main bedroom in the home)
- NBHD = Neighborhood (the community that your home belongs in)
- O/F = Owner Finance
- OA = Owner Agent (the Agent is selling property they currently own. This information must be disclosed since they are licensed)
- OBO = Or Best Offer
- OFC = Office (separate room to use as a home office with space for a desk, chair, bookshelves, etc.)
- PAT = Patio (a paved entertainment area that joins your home, typically ground level)
- PVT = Private
- REO = Real Estate Owned (AKA Bank Owned or Foreclosure property)
- RTO = Rent to Own
- RV PRKG = RV Parking
- RVR = River
- SEP = Separate
- SF = Square Foot (the size of the home or lot)
- SFR = Single Family Residence (a single, detached, free-standing dwelling)
- S/P = Swimming Pool
- SS APPL = Stainless Steel Appliances (all appliances in the Kitchen are Stainless Steel in color)
- UNF BSMT = Unfinished Basement (when your basement has no finished material such as electricity ran, drywall, flooring,etc)
- w/ = With
- WH SEC SYS = Whole House Security System
- W/W CRPT = Wall-To-Wall Carpet (the entire room is carpeted)
- WF = Waterfront
- WIC = Walk-In-Closet (the closet is large enough to walk into and walk around inside)
Want more homebuying advice? Nestiny is a great place for homebuyer education and to help you gauge how ready you are to buy a home. Journey Homeward allows you to enter all your wants and needs while the True Affordability Tool will break down your budget, showing what you can comfortably afford. You will also receive a Ready Report that will give you a vital head start in the home buying journey, saving you valuable time and money.
