Glossary

To help you make sense of listing descriptions, we put together a list of the common and not-so-common terms and idioms you may encounter.

A listing goes through many stages before it’s sold or taken off the market. Our guide defines all the statuses so you know whether you can still make an offer.

Don't let real estate jargon overcomplicate your buying and selling experience. Our glossary is here to help you understand the most important terms.

Wondering exactly what an open house in real estate is? This post walks buyers and sellers through everything they need to know to make the most of open houses.

In Texas, an option period allows the buyer to back out of a home sale and get their earnest money back from the seller. Option fees may be nonrefundable though

If a property has an active contingent status, it means the seller has accepted an offer from a potential buyer. However, the home sale isn't finalized yet.

A contingent offer is an offer on a house that isn't finalized until certain conditions are met, usually for the buyer’s protection.