Real Estate Lingo 101: Common Terms Investors and Agents Use (and What They Really Mean)

If you’ve ever talked to a real estate agent or investor and thought, “What are they even saying?” you’re not alone. The world of real estate is full of buzzwords, abbreviations, and jargon that can sound confusing if you’re not in the business every day.

At BCG Holdings, we believe knowledge is power especially when it comes to selling your home. So, let’s break down some of the most common real estate terms you’ll hear and explain what they actually mean.

The Basics: Key Real Estate Terms Everyone Should Know

1. Offer

This is the price a buyer is willing to pay for your home. When an investor says they’re “making an offer,” they’re presenting a proposed price and terms.

2. Cash Offer

A cash offer means the buyer isn’t using a loan or mortgage; they’re paying cash for the property. This usually makes the process faster, simpler, and more reliable because there’s no waiting for bank approvals.

3. As-Is

When a buyer says they’ll purchase a property “as-is,” you don’t have to make any repairs or improvements before selling. The buyer takes the home in its current condition.

4. Closing

Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction when all documents are signed, money changes hands, and ownership officially transfers from seller to buyer.

5. Closing Costs

These are the fees and expenses that come with finalizing a real estate sale, like title insurance, escrow fees, and attorney fees.

Common Investor Terms (and Why They Matter)

6. ARV (After Repair Value)

This is what a property would be worth after all necessary repairs or updates. Investors use this number to decide how much they can offer while still making a profit.

7. Equity

Equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $100,000 in equity.

8. Assignment

This happens when an investor passes the rights of a contract to another buyer before closing. It’s common in wholesale real estate deals and doesn’t affect your payout or timeline as a seller.

9. Contingency

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the deal to move forward, like a home inspection or financing approval. A cash offer with no contingencies means a faster, smoother closing.

10. Escrow

Escrow is a neutral third party that holds money and documents during the home sale until everything is finalized. Think of it as a secure middleman that protects both sides.

Other Helpful Real Estate Terms

• Appraisal: A professional estimate of a property’s market value.

• Title: A legal document showing ownership of a property.

• Deed: The paperwork that officially transfers ownership.

• Market Value: What a property is likely to sell for in the current real estate market.

• Off-Market: A property being sold privately, not listed publicly on the MLS.

• MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The online database agents use to list and find homes for sale.

  
  

Why Understanding Real Estate Terms Matters

Real estate deals can move quickly, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re not familiar with the terminology. By understanding the language, you can make smarter decisions, ask better questions, and feel confident throughout the process.

At BCG Holdings, we’re all about keeping things simple and transparent. We’ll walk you through every step, explain every term, and make sure you always understand what’s happening: no jargon, no confusion, no surprises.

Ready to Sell Without the Headache?

If you’re ready to sell your house fast, for cash, and without confusing paperwork, BCG Holdings is here to help. We buy houses in any condition, cover all closing costs, and make the process quick and stress-free.

Get your no-obligation cash offer today and see how simple selling your home can be when you have the right team on your side.