Real Estate Terms and What They Mean

Jaime Uziel knows that as a real estate attorney his clients depend on him to interpret the legalese that's part of any real estate transaction. He's happy to do that, he says, but he also tries to educate his clients about real estate terms and what they mean.

"They are the ones signing these documents, and they should know what it all means," says Uziel, who practices in San Francisco. "I want them to know what a title is and what exactly goes into closing costs."

Here are common real estate terms that homebuyers encounter when they work with real estate agents, mortgage brokers and real estate attorneys. Be prepared by knowing these real estate terms and what they mean before you sign on the dotted line.