Today I want to talk about something that trips up a lot of people in real estate: the language.
Whether you’re buying or selling, real estate has its own weird vocabulary. And I promise, if you’ve ever nodded along pretending to know what “firm offer” means… you are not alone.
So let’s break down a few terms you’ll hear over and over — but in normal-person language.
If you’re a buyer and you hear “conditional offer,” that just means, “Yes, I want the house - if a few key things check out.” Like your mortgage getting approved or a home inspection coming back clean. Once those things are good to go? Boom. It becomes a firm offer — aka the “no backing out” kind.
Now for sellers — when a buyer is pre-approved, that’s a big deal. It means a lender has already gone through their finances and said, “Yep, we’ll give you the money.” Way more solid than just being “pre-qualified,” which is more like a guess based on rough numbers.
And here’s one that always confuses people: fixtures vs. chattels. Fixtures are anything attached to the house — like built-in shelves or light fixtures. Chattels are things that can be taken with the seller, like appliances, curtains, or that funky hallway mirror.
The truth is, these terms are all over real estate - but they don’t need to be intimidating. A big part of my job is translating the fine print so you always know exactly what’s going on. So whether you’re buying, selling, or just creeping listings at midnight, if you ever get stuck on the jargon — reach out. I’ll explain it in plain English, with zero judgment and maybe even a joke or two. And, don’t forget, read my blog this week as I dive into further details and click the link in my blog to book a 15-minute conversation about real estate, it will be worth investing your time! #RealEstateTips #RealEstateJargon #PropertyTerms #RealEstateAdvice #RealEstateEducation #RealEstateSimplified #OakvilleRealtor #GTARealtor #youtube
Welcome to Bourikas Home, where your imagination finds you settled into the perfect home. As a dedicated Broker at Century21 Miller Real Estate, I'm passionate about serving you, truly listening to your needs. With a deep-rooted understanding of this region and a genuine desire to see you sell your home with ease and settle into your perfect abode, I make your dreams of a smooth and stress free real estate transaction my mission. Specializing in residential real estate transactions in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, & nearby regions, I focus on ensuring your seamless buying or selling experience. I've mastered this through years of client-focused dedication. Drawing upon 12+ years of expertise in the local real estate landscape, I help buyers and sellers discover their ideal properties and secure the best deals. Keeping an ear to the ground on market dynamics, regulations, and upcoming opportunities is my duty, so you can sit back and trust you're in capable hands.