The Real Estate Terms to Know When You’re Looking at Home Listings

Who doesn’t get a thrill while browsing real estate on sites like Zillow or Trulia? Window-shopping for houses online is one of the most fun parts of the homebuying process. In fact, 44 percent of all buyers start their search by looking at properties on the internet. 

But with relatively new terms like “expired” and “pending” entering the lexicon, and  unclear shorthand and acronyms littering listings, deciphering real estate lingo can be tricky.  

If you’re tired of all the jargon, or just plain confused, here are some real estate terms to know so you can kick off your home search without a hitch. 

LISTING STATUSES 

Active: The property is currently on the market and available for sale. 

Active contingent: The home is under contract, meaning the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer. However, certain conditions must be met before the sale is finalized, which are known as contingencies. These might include the seller needing to receive mortgage approval or the buyer and seller needing to reach an agreement about any repairs after a home inspection is performed. 

Active with contract (AWC): While the property has a purchase agreement pending on it, it is still available and being shown to other potential buyers. Agents use this status to indicate that the seller is open to receiving backup offers because the sale may not go through. 

Back on the market (BOM): The property has become active again, after recently being taken off the market. 

Closed (CL): The property has been sold and is no longer available. 

Expired: The property is no longer available for sale — typically because the seller could not find a buyer. 

Pending: The property is under contract and all contingencies have been fulfilled, but the settlement still needs to take place. 

Temporarily off market (TOM): The home is not currently available for sale and showings are not allowed, but it will soon be back on the market. Oftentimes, a seller will take a property off the market while they make home repairs or improvements. 

Under contract (UC): This status also indicates that the seller has accepted an offer from a buyer, but the sale has not yet been completed. But unlike an AWC, the property is no longer available for showings. 

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION TERMS 

While abbreviations and acronyms for property descriptions vary by listing and source, the terms below can be used as a general guide to help you translate anything unfamiliar. If you’re still unclear what a shorthand is referring to, reach out to the listing agent. 

1C: One-car garage 

2-LV: Two living levels 

A/G PL: Above-ground swimming pool 

As-is: The owner is selling the home in its current condition and will not make any repairs or correct any flaws with the property. 

BA; BTH: Bathroom 

BB: Baseboard 

BR; BD: Bedroom 

Bsmt; Bmt: Basement 

Bstn: Brownstone 

CAC; Cen: Central air conditioning 

Cldsc: Cul-de-sac 

Col: Colonial style 

Cont: Contemporary style 

Dm; Drmn: Doorman 

DR: Dining room 

D/W; DW: Dishwasher 

EiK: Eat-in kitchen 

Fac: Facilities 

F/F: Fully furnished or fully finished 

FR; FM RM: Family room 

FP: Fireplace 

G/F: Ground floor 

HB: Half bathroom 

HP: Heat pump 

HWH: Hot-water heater 

INLW: In-law suite 

KT: Kitchen 

LA: Living area 

LR: Living room 

LL: Lower level 

LSZ: Lot size 

LUG: Lock-up garage 

MFH: Multi-family home 

MIC: Move-in condition 

NGS: Natural gas 

OFI: Open for inspection 

OH: Open house 

OLREA: Owner is a licensed real estate agent 

OP: Original price 

OFF; OSP: Off-street parking 

PGS: Propane gas 

PRMN: Privately maintained 

PW; P/W: Pre-war 

SEC: Security system 

SF: Single-family home 

SPLT: Split-level home 

TH; T/H: Townhouse 

U/F: Unfurnished or unfinished 

UNCON: Under construction 

WAR: Warranty plan 

Wbfp: Wood-burning fireplace 

W/D: Washer/dryer 

WF: Waterfront 

WIC: Walk-in closet 

YRB: Year built