Real Estate Development Glossary

Plain-language definitions of real estate development terms — from land entitlement and permitting to underwriting and certificate of occupancy.

ARV (After Repair Value)

The estimated value of a property after all renovations and repairs have been completed.

Acquisition

The purchase of a real estate property, including all due diligence and negotiations required to complete the purchase.

BRRRR Strategy

Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat - a real estate investment strategy for building a rental portfolio with recycled capital.

Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate)

The ratio of a property's annual net income to its purchase price. Used to estimate potential return on investment.

Cash Flow

The net amount of cash moving in and out of an investment property. Positive cash flow means more money coming in than going out.

Comps (Comparables)

Recently sold properties similar in size, location, and condition used to determine the market value of a property.

Due Diligence

The investigation and analysis of a property before purchase, including inspections, title searches, and financial review.

Equity

The difference between the market value of a property and the amount owed on any mortgages or liens against it.

Fix-and-Flip

A real estate investment strategy where an investor purchases an undervalued property, renovates it, and sells it for a profit.

Hard Money Loan

A short-term loan from private lenders used for real estate investments, typically with higher interest rates and asset-based approval.

LTV (Loan-to-Value)

A ratio comparing the loan amount to the appraised value of the property, expressed as a percentage.

Leverage

Using borrowed money (debt) to purchase an investment property to increase potential returns on the investment.

NOI (Net Operating Income)

The income generated by a rental property after all operating expenses are deducted, but before financing costs and taxes.

Property Appreciation

An increase in the value of a real estate property over time due to market conditions and improvements.

ROI (Return on Investment)

The profit generated from an investment expressed as a percentage of the total amount invested.

Rehab

The process of renovating or repairing a property to increase its value and/or make it suitable for occupancy.

Scope of Work

A detailed document outlining all the renovation work to be completed on a property, including materials and costs.

Syndication

A real estate investment structure where multiple investors pool their capital to purchase and manage larger properties.

Tenant

The person or entity that leases and occupies a rental property from the owner (landlord).

Wholesaling

A strategy where an investor contracts a property and assigns that contract to another buyer for a fee without taking ownership.

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