Real Estate Glossary (2024)

Table of Contents
4 A FAQs

Terms and concepts to improve your real estate understanding.


Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

4

4-3-2-1 rule

is a theory that the most value should be attributed to the front of the site in the following proportions. The front quarter of the standard site receives 40% of the total value. The second quarter receives 30% of the total value. The third quarter receives 20% of the total value; and the rear quarter receives just 10% of the total value.

A

abstract of title

is the worksummarizing the ownership interests and documents found during the title search of a subject property. The abstract will identify ownership transfers and liens placed against the property; and whether or not they have been released or satisfied – as well as any other pertinent information found in the search. Based on theabstract, the title insurance company or its attorney/agent will issue a certificate of title.

acceleration clause

This clause says that the lender may declare the entire debt due and payable immediately if the borrower defaults. Without this clause, the lender would have to sue the borrower every time a payment was overdue.

accession

acquiring title to additions or improvements to real property as a result of the annexation of fixtures or the accretion of alluvial deposits along the banks of streams.

accretion

is the process or natural action of wind and water occurring from a body of water, such as a lake or river, slowly depositing soil on the edges of the land which may cause an expansion of the land.

accrued depreciation

is the sum of all diminished value associated with the improvements. That is, any loss in value suffered by the improvements from any and all causes would be included in accrued depreciation. Accrued depreciation measures actual value loss and not theoretical value loss. Accrued depreciation is the difference between the cost new of improvements and the present worth of those improvements.

There are only three categories of accrued depreciation. Accrued depreciation can be categorized as physical depreciation, functional obsolescence, or economic obsolescence.

accrued items

Expenses to be prorated (such as water bills and interest on an assumed mortgage) that are owed by the seller but will be paid late by the buyer. Therefore, the seller pays for these items by giving the buyer credits for them at closing.

acknowledgment

is an affirmation by the preparer of a document in front of a notary public (or other judicial official) that the signature is that of the preparer and the signature was given freely and willingly usually for the pupose of making the document legally valid.

actual age

refers to the chronological age or actual 'physical' age of an improvement and does not account for anymaintenance,repair or upkeep of structure.

Adjustments for differences in actual age of the improvements accounts for value differences associated with different amounts of depreciation taking place in the improvements. Those differences are most notable in the first 15 to 20 years of the improvement’s existence.

actual agency

is an agency when an agent is in fact employed by a principal


Real Estate Glossary (2024)

FAQs

How many questions can I miss on the real estate? ›

The passing score for the national portion of the test is 70%, whereas the passing score for the state-specific portion is 75% (or 30 questions out of 40 questions answered correctly). Real estate license testing candidates are given four hours to complete both portions of the state exam.

Is real estate math difficult? ›

Is Real Estate Math Difficult? Real estate math is NOT difficult. Many students dread the idea of learning math and having to use math in their careers, however, real estate math is not challenging and there are only a few concepts that you need to master.

Is the Tennessee real estate exam hard? ›

Is the Tennessee real estate exam hard? While the majority of students pass their real estate exam, a passing score isn't guaranteed. In Tennessee, about 30% of students have to retake the test in order to pass. The best way to alleviate your nerves and pass the test is to work hard and prepare as much as possible.

Is the Oklahoma real estate exam hard? ›

The passing rate for the Oklahoma Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 75%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously.

What percentage of people fail in real estate? ›

Now that you know why 87% of real agents fail, it's time to look at how you can beat these odds and grow a successful business. Below, you'll find tips that can help you perfect your craft and become a leader in the real estate industry.

How many math questions are on the real estate? ›

How to Prepare for Math on the Real Estate Exam. While details vary by state, you can generally expect to encounter between 150 and 200 multiple choice questions on the real estate exam. Of those, roughly 10-15% involve math, which translates to between 15 and 30 questions per exam.

What state has the hardest real estate test? ›

Texas is largely considered the most difficult state to obtain your real estate license. Many factors go into this, primarily the sheer size of the state. Texas is also the prime destination for immigration internationally and domestically alike.

How many times can I take the TN real estate exam? ›

The passing score for one section of an examination is valid for two (2) retakes of the failed section or six (6) months, whichever comes first. The examination fee will be forfeited if the candidate does not test within six (6) months of the date their exam fee is received by PSI.

What is the pass rate for the Tennessee real estate exam? ›

The Tennessee Real Estate and Computer School had 566 students take their classroom course in 2019 with an 80% pass rate on the state exam.

What state is the easiest real estate exam? ›

According to our analysis, Massachusetts is the best state for Real Estate examinations in the US. There, most candidates have it relatively simple. This is true since the state only needs 40 hours of pre-licensing training. Before sitting for the test, you must first complete a state-approved real estate school.

How long do most people study for real estate exam? ›

You should study for the real estate exam for at least several weeks before your test date. The whole point of taking your pre-licensing courses is to prepare you, first for the exam, and then for your work as an agent, so really, you should be thinking of your courses as exam prep time as well.

How much does the average realtor make in Oklahoma? ›

Real Estate Agents with this skill earn +61.67% more than the average base salary, which is $95,439 per year.

Why is it so hard to learn real estate? ›

There are several reasons why the California real estate exam is so difficult: The questions themselves can be tricky or misleading. Questions occasionally contain unnecessary information. There are numerous concepts and terminology that you will need to familiarize yourself with.

What is the formula for real estate math? ›

More specifically its a measure of the value of an investment property that is obtained by dividing the property's sale price by its gross annual rental income. The math looks like this: Gross Rent Multiplier = Property Price / Gross Rental Income. So in our case it would be 5,000,000/225,000 which equals 22.22!

What kind of math is used in real estate? ›

Simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) is used in determining housing prices. Slightly more complicated math (using exponents) is used in calculating amortization schedules. Trigonometry and geometry is used in surveying plots of land.

What is the hardest part of real estate? ›

Here are some of the toughest struggles that every realtor has to deal with on a daily basis.
  • Uncertainty about real estate market. ...
  • Constantly being on the go. ...
  • Commission is by no means a guarantee. ...
  • Being underpaid for hard work. ...
  • Dealing with difficult clients.

How many realtors quit in 2023? ›

Even in the best of times, only about 10-15% of people who start in real estate will still be in it five years later. If you're an agent who joined the industry in 2021 and you're questioning whether this will be your forever career, it's probably not.

Why do most agents fail? ›

The most common mistakes that agents make is inadequate prospecting, failing to market properties in ways that lead to fast sales, and not following up with their contacts so that strong relationships result in returning clients.

What is the math for buying a house? ›

Conventional wisdom states that your monthly housing payment should account for between 25% to 36% of your monthly take-home pay, including supplemental costs like taxes and insurance. To find out what your monthly payment would be at each of those percentages, simply multiply your total monthly income by 0.25.

Is there a lot of math in real estate appraisal? ›

Math is used to determine the living space of a home, the size of the lot, to determine fractional increments of return on the dollar for investments made in a property.

What is the hardest real estate license to get? ›

Of all the states, Colorado and Texas have the strictest requirements for obtaining a real estate broker license. In each state, you must study and take an exam to obtain a real estate broker license. The licensing system for real estate agents and brokers varies from state to state.

What state has the highest demand in real estate? ›

Top 10 states with the most valuable residential real estate
StateMarket value (as of December 2022)Market value (as of December 2021)
California$9.52 Tr$9.37 Tr
Florida$3.62 Tr$3.01 Tr
New York$3.32 Tr$3.10 Tr
Texas$3.16 Tr$2.83 Tr
6 more rows
Mar 14, 2023

What state has the best real estate salary? ›

1. Washington. Washington state has a growing housing market with an average of 37 days on the market. The average salary for a real estate agent in Washington is $103,297, but keep in mind that the cost of living is 13% above the national average.

Is the TN real estate exam timed? ›

For the broker exam, you are allowed 2 hours 30 minutes for the national portion and 1 hour 30 minutes for the state portion, for a total of 4 hours.

What to expect on TN real estate exam? ›

The approved education includes two separate courses: a 60-hour Basic Principles course and a 30-hour New Affiliates course. The two-part exam consists of 80 questions on the national level and 40 questions on the state portion. Here's what test-takers will need to know to pass each exam section.

How much is a real estate license in Tennessee? ›

In all, expect to pay just under $700 to get your initial Tennessee real estate license, with additional renewal costs every two years. Real Estate Courses. With Aceable Agent, classes start at $429. Application Fees.

Is the Tennessee real estate exam proctored? ›

Each course includes a closed-book, non-proctored final exam. The 60-hour Basic Principles of Real Estate course includes a 60-question multiple-choice final exam, with a passing grade of 70%.

How long do you have to take the real estate exam after course in Tennessee? ›

(855) 340-3710. You will have six months to pass your exam. This 120 question test is comprised of 2 portions, covering both state and national requirements. There will be 80 national questions and 40 state questions, with a minimum passing score of 70%.

How old do you have to be to take the real estate exam Tennessee? ›

Tennessee Real Estate License: Affilate Broker

Comply with the General Tennessee Real Estate License Requirements: Be at least 18 years old. Have earned a high school diploma or GED and be able to provide proof thereof.

Is Texas real estate exam easy? ›

Is the Texas real estate exam hard? Well, given that on average 58% (26,492 passed / 45,423 taken) pass the licensing exam on the first try, as of May 1, 2023 it's safe to say it's not an easy test. Aceable, however, currently holds one of the highest pass rates in Texas. TREC Provider Exam Pass Rates.

How many times do most people take the real estate exam? ›

Most students pass the real estate exam before their third attempt. However, if you need more tries, you can usually schedule another with your state's exam test provider. It is important to note that each state has different regulations and rules around retaking exams!

How long does it take to learn everything about real estate? ›

In California, it takes an average 2-5 months to complete real estate school and earn a real estate license depending on several factors. This can vary depending on your pace and whether you choose to get your education from an online real estate school or traditional classroom courses.

What is the acronym Maria in real estate? ›

Join the 167,000+ students who chose PrepAgent for their real estate exam prep! Get Started. So when they ask you about a fixture on your exam, remember the acronym MARIA: method, adaptability, relationship, intention, agreement.

What percentage do most realtors get? ›

What percent commission do most real estate agents charge? The traditional standard commission is 6 percent of a home's purchase price, which is split evenly (3 percent each) between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent.

How much do top 1 realtors make? ›

Each real estate office sets its own standards for top producers, but it's safe to say that a top producer would have to sell at least one home per month to qualify. Top producers earn around $112,610 a year to start, according to the BLS. 1 Mega-stars could earn $500,000 per year and up.

How much do most realtors get? ›

The average realtor commission in California is 4.92% of a home's sale price. That's significantly lower than the national average commission of 5.49%. Realtor commission is typically the single largest cost you'll pay when selling your home. California has a median home value of $790,475, according to Zillow.

How many questions can you get wrong on the PA real estate exam? ›

You must get 60 or more answers right on the national portion and 30 answers right on the state portion to pass the Pennsylvania real estate salesperson exam.

What is the pass rate for the Georgia real estate exam? ›

The passing rate for the Georgia Real Estate Salesperson Exam is 72%. This test is purposefully difficult, but not impossible. Be sure to pay attention during your pre-license course and take studying seriously.

What is the pass rate for the SC real estate exam? ›

As of 2023, only 72% of agents pass the licensing exam on the first try. The good news is, the people passing the real estate exam are using a real estate exam test prep (like us!) and their pass rate goes to 93%.

Which states have the hardest real estate exams? ›

Of all states, Colorado and Texas come on top as the hardest in terms of granting a real estate license. Each of the states requires some education and a test, which you must pass before being issued with a real estate license.

What is a passing score on PA real estate? ›

To pass you must correctly answer at least 60 of the national questions and 23 of the state-specific questions. The broker exam consists of 80 national questions and 40 state-specific questions. To pass you must correctly answer at least 60 of the national questions and 30 of the state-specific questions.

How many times can I take the PA real estate exam? ›

Pennsylvania. How many times can you take the real estate exam in Pennsylvania? You can take the state exam as many times as needed until you pass. The authorization for Salespersons is good for 5 years after passing the first education course to take the exams.

How much do realtors make in Georgia? ›

On average, real estate agents make $84,459 per year according to salaries reported by Indeed users.

How do I pass the GA real estate exam for the first time? ›

5 Study Tips to Help You Ace Your Georgia Salesperson Exam
  1. #1: Know What's on the Georgia Test. ...
  2. #2: Talk to Someone Who Recently Took the Test. ...
  3. #3: Practice, Practice, Practice. ...
  4. #4: Focus on Your Strengths. ...
  5. #5: Don't Cram, Plan. ...
  6. Ace Your Georgia Real Estate Exam With Our Help.

Is it hard to pass the real estate exam in Georgia? ›

Fortunately, if you adequately prepare, the real estate exam should not feel overly difficult. Passing the real estate exam is achievable if you read all the material, pay attention in class, take notes, and complete all the practice tests.

What is the hardest insurance license exam? ›

Each insurance licensing exam presents its own challenge. Between Life and Health, students say that the Health insurance exam is the more difficult. Health insurance policies are simply more complicated than life insurance policies. The Property insurance exam is easier than the Casualty insurance exam.

What is the Series 7 pass rate? ›

What Is the Pass Rate of the Series 7 Exam? Though FINRA doesn't publish a pass rate for the Series 7 exams, it is widely accepted to be around 65%.

How many times can you fail the Tennessee real estate exam? ›

The passing score for one section of an examination is valid for two (2) retakes of the failed section or six (6) months, whichever comes first. The examination fee will be forfeited if the candidate does not test within six (6) months of the date their exam fee is received by PSI.

How easy is it to get a real estate license in Tennessee? ›

If you want to become a real estate agent in Tennessee, the process is very simple, compared to many other states in the US. Your legal title will be “affiliate broker” and you'll just have to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing courses, pass the state exam, and select a brokerage to work with.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6325

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.