Deciphering Real Estate Listing Lingo

Though it may seem like another language, deciphering real estate listing lingo needn’t be a mystery! United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties agents know our clients don’t operate in the daily world of realty. All the different terms and expressions leave non-realty folks a bit confused. To help our clients, UCMLP agents have pulled together this quick directory of realty expressions and listing lingo.

The 411

Keeping our clients educated is the United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties agent’s number one goal. Once you get the hang of the terms and expressions, you’ll be talking like a realty pro! We’ll begin with some listing status lingo.

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

OFFER SHOW/ACTIVE CONTIGENT–Same definition, just different ways of saying it. The home is under contract. The seller has agreed to accept the buyer’s offer, and the sale of the home is contingent upon meeting certain conditions (aka contingencies).

OFFER BUMP–The seller has a Bump Clause in place with anyone making an offer to purchase. This Bump Clause allows the seller to keep showing their property if the current buyer has the contingency of having to sell their home first to buy the seller’s home. In the meantime, if the seller receives a better offer from another buyer, the seller can BUMP the previous offer.

ACTIVE WITH CONTRACT (AWC)- This type of property has an active contract and is pending (hoping to close) but this seller may have some indications this contract may not go through, so they are still allowing their property to be shown, and will allow offers to be received.

UNDER CONTRACT/PENDING–The seller of this property has accepted an offer and is waiting to close. Unlike the AWC term above, this property is no longer available to be shown.

CLOSED (CL)- This property is no longer available as it has been sold.

EXPIRED–Unfortunately, some properties don’t sell, so the listing has expired. If you like the home, this may be an opportunity to contact the listing agent to see if their client would be open to re-listing the property.

TEMPORARILY OFF THE MARKET (TOM)- Some sellers remove the listing temporarily while they make different repairs or upgrades to the home before returning it to the market.

Property Terms

The MLS limits the number of words that real estate agents can use. We assure you realtors are not talking in secret code! Here are some abbreviations and their meanings.

As Is–The owner is selling this property in its current condition. They will make no corrections or repairs.

BA/BTH: Bathroom 

BB: Baseboard 

Bsmt/Bmt: Basement

BR/ BD: Bedroom 

DR: Dining room

FR/FM RM: Family room 

KT: Kitchen 

LA: Living area 

LR: Living room 

LL: Lower level

 HB: Half bathroom

WIC: Walk-in closet 

SPLT: Split-level home 

FP: Fireplace 

Wbfp: Wood-burning fireplace 

Say what you mean to say

United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties agents understand the importance of communication. Part of communication is understanding terms and lingo. Educating our clients on realty terms and lingo is just one more way United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties agents show respect for our clients’ time and interest. Give us a call at 608-742-5000 and see why people and properties are two of United Country Midwest Lifestyle Properties’ favorite investments!