Now that the MLSs of the nation have opened up home listing information to
consumers, it would be nice if you could understand what the various
abbreviations mean when you read the classifieds, go on the Internet to search
for homes, or read a home's feature sheet.
Realtors are used to marketing to other Realtors. They typically use the
information that was input into the MLS database and reuse the information for
their marketing. They also write from the assumption that anyone reading the
information will have a Realtor nearby to interpret.
Dallas REALTORŽ Alex Travis, CRS, has
created a tongue-in-cheek, but informative list of the most common
abbreviations and terms for her newsletter customers. Some terms will differ
from one part of the country to another, and some additional terms have been
added to Travis' original list.
Real Estate Abbreviations Defined:
- AC or A/C - Air conditioning
- C H/A: Central heat and air
- 3-zone H/A: Three-zone heat and air, three independent air conditioning and
heating units. This is one big house!
- FP: Fire Place (gas logs possibly with no-vent technology)
- WBFP: Wood-burning fire place
- WIC: Walk-in closet, room for a bridge party
- WB: Wet bar
- Full Bath: A bathroom containing a tub, shower, sink, and commode. (In some
parts of the country, a 3/4 bath is considered a full bath.
- His/Her Baths: Hubby's a slob, divorce prevention
- 3/4 bath: A bathroom containing a shower, sink and commode.
- 1/2 Bath: A bathroom with only a commode and sink
- BR: Bed room
- Historic: Either a genuine designated historic home or hopelessly out of
date
- Cozy: Cramped
- Panel Door: A door that slides into a wall. Also, doors that ocntain panels
on the outside
- LA: Living area
- 4/3/2/2: A 4-bedroom, 3-bath, 2-car garage, and 2 living area home.
- FSBO: For sale by owner: pronounced fizz beau by Realtors.
- C/VAC: Central vacuum
- Country living - long commute
Every MLS entry has a section for agents to comment. Agents save time by
repeating their comments on the feature sheet.
Comments Section:
- TLC: Tender Loving Care: more code for you'll have a lot of work to do.
- Doll House: Too small for human habitation
- Fixer Upper: You'll have a lot of work to do
- Starter Home: Petite, usually an older home or track home built before or
during the energy crisis of the '70s. Perfect for a single, or a couple just
starting out.
- Must see!: The Realtor is desperate
- Won't Last!: There are ten more homes for sale just like this one on this
block
- Charming: Original wall paper; hasn't been updated in years.
- Unique: No one would have this home but the present owners, and even they
don't want it anymore.
Published: February 2, 1999
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
 Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment.
Blanche has been named one of the "25 Most Influential People In Real Estate" by REALTOR Magazine, and has been twice recognized as a "notable." In 2005, she was named "Top Reporter Covering the NAR" by Delahaye-Bacon's.
Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68.
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Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans.
Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR
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