NYC Real Estate Cheat Sheet: 130 Must-Know Terms

If you’re considering playing the New York City real estate game or learning to become a real estate agent, you’ll need to understand the terminology. While browsing properties online, you’ve probably come across some foreign words and phrases, so first things first. Learn what you’re reading and what you hear before you can wheel and deal with real estate in New York City.

Abstract of Title

A comprehensive summary of facts regarding the property title, including ownership and legal proceedings related to the title.

Adjoining

A property in contact with, or attached to, another property. Same as contiguous.

Air Rights

An owner’s property rights to the airspace above their property or ground; city ordinances and necessity determine these rights.

Alcove Studio

An alcove studio apartment has an adjacent space typically used as a bedroom. Often you can add a wall to create a bedroom.

Appraisal

An estimate of a particular property’s value is based on a comprehensive examination of its location and other related factors.

Architectural drawing

A formal illustration drafted by an architect includes all layouts for a planned building, including plot plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and other information. These exclude mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings and specialized illustrations typically created and controlled by specialists.

Assignment

The transfer, in writing, of interest in a contract from one party to another. The leaseholder effectively transfers the contract to another individual, the new tenant, for the remaining time and amount left on the lease. The new tenant is now liable for rent to the original owner of the lease.

Broker

Another term for a licensed real estate agent who lists properties for sale and rent has a minimum of two years of experience.

Brownstone

These townhouses were developed in the 19th Century and made from brown sandstone. These homes have many charming features of the times and maintain that old-fashioned feel. They have below-level entrances, sometimes called English basements, and many have a garden at the back.

Building Amenities

The specific services or perks that a building offers its tenants. Common amenities are fitness rooms, laundry facilities, doormen, and lobby attendants.

Building Permit

A state or local authority grants formal, written approval to a builder. Drawings and specifications for the proposed structure must be filed with legal authorities to issue the building permit.

Classic 6

A three-bedroom co-op with a separate living room, dining room, and a full kitchen. Often considered the ultimate NYC family residence.

Condo

A unit or part of an apartment building or large property individually owned. Common areas are shared. Also called a condominium.

Co-op

A membership-based corporation in which a person buys shares to live in a building. The square footage, more shares are owned in a co-op. Many of the apartment buildings in New York City are co-ops or condos.

Convertible

An apartment in which the floorplan can be converted to include additional bedrooms. You could turn a convertible two-bedroom into a three-bedroom.

Cash flow

The net operating income of a property (minus its debt servicing fee, interest, and other expenses). An amount, expressed in a percentage, is calculated by dividing a property’s cash flow by the total amount invested in the property and multiplying by 100. The guarantee is also called the cash yield.

Certificate of Insurance

A document issued by an insurance company and its authorized agents. Verifies a current and valid insurance policy for specific amounts and coverage for a particular property. Also, it contains the named beneficiaries of the policy.

Certificate of Occupancy

This is called COO. A document issued by the local government states that a piece of real estate is up to all proper health and building codes and can be occupied by the public.

Co-broke

When the real estate firm representing the seller states, they will split the sale commission 50/50 with the real estate firm serving the buyer.

Commission

The payment a real estate broker receives from selling a property. The broker’s commission is set by the owner selling the property and is usually 6% or 5% of the property’s value. In some cases, as the property is difficult to sell or is very valuable, they may adjust the commission rate up or down.

Common areas

Areas used by two or more tenants and third parties, not controlled by anyone tenant, are public spaces open to use by the building’s tenants.

Concierge

A concierge is a person situated inside the lobby of a building that acts as a receptionist. This individual is responsible for receiving packages or alerting tenants of visitors. The concierge may also work as security in the lobby of some buildings. This person usually does not have the same duties as the doorman.

Constructive eviction

The process by which a landlord, through negligence or a willful act, renders a property unsuitable for occupancy. The tenant is not liable for further payment of rent and may seek damages.

Contract documents

Documents consist of the agreement and contract conditions (general, supplementary, and other conditions). They include the drawings, the specifications, all addenda issued before the execution of the contract, and all modifications. A modification is (1) a written amendment to the contract signed by both parties, (2) a written interpretation issued by the architect in the form of a drawing or otherwise, (3) a change order, or (4) a written order issued by the architect for a minor change in the work.

Conversion

Change in use of a building, like from a commercial space into a residential area. It also referred to a rental building changed to a condominium or co-operative property ownership.

Convertible

A large one or two-bedroom apartment with an “L” shaped room. This room could convert into another bedroom with the addition of a wall. For the new room to be considered a bedroom, it must have a window.

Contract Out

The time at which a buyer and seller agree on a price. At this time, the seller will have their attorney write up a contract of sale for the purchaser to sign.

Deed

A legal document states the title of a property.

Default

The failure of a party to meet a financial obligation when due or to perform any provision of a lease, mortgage, or other agreement.

Diffuser

A device that reduces airflow velocity from a mechanical duct system supplying a building with air. The shape of a diffuser is usually circular or square, and it is set in the ceiling at predetermined locations to diffuse air within that space.

Duplex

An apartment with two levels joined by stairs.

Effective gross income

The scheduled gross income of a property minus the vacancy rate.

Egress

The right to leave a tract of land. They are used in connection with access.

Eminent domain

The right of a government or municipal quasi-public body to seize private property for public use. It is acquired through a court action called condemnation, in which the court determines the purpose of public use and decides upon the compensation for the owner.

Encumbrance

Any lien, such as a mortgage, tax, or judgment lien, is placed on a property. It can also be an easement of a restriction on land use or an outstanding dower right that may diminish the property’s value.

En-suite

A bathroom directly connected to the bedroom. This type of bathroom is for the bedroom occupants only and is attached to the master bedroom.

Encroachment

A building or structure that extends beyond the legal limits of the owner’s land past the borders of public or private property next to it.

Equity

The interest or value an owner has in real estate over and above the mortgage against it.

Escrow

A process by which two or more parties, through a written agreement, agree to place certain instruments, assets, or property with a third party for temporary possession until certain conditions are fulfilled. The holdings are then delivered to a designated party upon completion.

Estate Sale

The total of all property, personal and honest, a person has at the time of death.

Exclusive Listing

A listing contract in which the owner appoints a real estate broker as the exclusive agent for a designated term. The broker must sell the property on the owner’s stated terms, and the owner agrees to pay the broker a commission when the sale is complete.

Facade

One side of the exterior of a building. Typically, this refers to the front but can, at times, refer to the sides or the back. From a design standpoint, the facade sets the tone for the building and relates to the materials on the outside of the building, such as brick, marble, or brownstone.

Fiduciary

An individual to whom power or property is entrusted for the benefit of another party. A real estate broker is a fiduciary for an owner who is selling their property or representing a buyer in the case of an Exclusive Buyer Agent.

Financing Allowed

Something unique to co-operative buildings. Co-op may allow an owner to finance up to 70-80% of the purchase price. However, some buildings do not allow financing at all. The co-op’s board of directors determines whether or not this is permitted.

Flip Tax

A transfer fee or tax is charged when selling a co-op apartment in New York City and is most often paid by the seller. Flip taxes are for a co-operative to generate surplus funds for building improvements. Most coop flip taxes range between one and three percent of the purchase price.

Fixture

Personal property or improvements are attached to the property to become part of the real property. The right of the tenant to remove fixtures may be given by stipulation in the lease or by a separate written agreement.

Floor-thru

An apartment occupies an entire building level, which runs from the front of a building to the back wall. This is often seen in townhouses.

Foreclosure

Court action in which the owner of a mortgage or lien has the underlying property sold to pay a debt owed by a debtor. A landlord who does not reimburse the mortgage as stipulated in the mortgage agreement is subject to foreclosure.

Full-Service Building

A building that; employs a door attendant and concierge. In some buildings, both of these positions are staffed 24 hours.

General Contractor

An individual and firm contracted to work on construction projects. The function of the subcontractor is to perform a particular task only under the direction and coordination of the general contractor, who is generally selected through bidding procedures and is wholly responsible for the completion of the project in a skillful manner that is acceptable to both the architect and owner. The contractor also could be contracted on a time-and-material basis, which may or may not have a guaranteed maximum cost. There are different classes of contractors, typically listed under the heading of subcontractors.

Ground Lease

A land lease to a tenant who intends to occupy and develop the land for a specified period. If the tenant defaults, the owner may foreclose on the tenant (see “subordinated ground lease”).

Hazard Insurance

Insurance protects property when damages are incurred by fire, natural disasters, or vandalism. All insurance policies are written differently; be sure you know what your policy covers.

Historic District

A specific area in a community where the properties have historical significance or value. This value is not always reflected in the market value. City zoning or landmark societies usually define landmark districts.

Holdover Tenant

A tenant who remains in possession of a leased property after the lease has expired.

HVAC

An abbreviation for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.

Insured

The beneficiaries of an insurance policy in the event of insurable loss or damage.

Income approach

An approach to value estimates the value of an income-producing property by capitalizing on the annual net income expected to be produced by the property during its remaining useful life.

Interest Rate

A fee is charged to one who is borrowing money from a lender. The rate itself can vary and is ultimately set by the Federal Reserve Board.

Junior 1 bedroom (JR1)

A small one-bedroom apartment or a studio with a nook for sleeping. Similar to an alcove studio.

Junior 4 (JR4)

A one-bedroom apartment with a separate space can sometimes be converted to a second bedroom. Most often, the additional space is a dining area outside the kitchen.

Joint tenants

Two or more landowners have been specifically named in an agreement as joint tenants. Upon the death of a joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant or tenants receive the deceased tenant’s interest by the right of survivorship.

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Keyed Elevator

An elevator usually opens directly to an apartment or the foyer of an apartment. These elevators are generally seen in lofts, penthouses, or any large apartment that covers the entire floor of an apartment.

Landlord

One who leases a property to a tenant.

Lease

A written agreement between a property owner and a tenant defines each party’s responsibilities and agreements.

Lessor

The landlord is in a lease.

Lessee

The tenant is in a lease.

Loft

This usually refers to property converted from commercial use to residential use. The loft usually covers one entire floor of a building. Some benefits of a loft space are large windows, lots of open space, and high ceilings.

Lien

To a creditor, given by law, a right has a debt satisfied out of the debtor’s property, usually through a right to possession. A tax lien, for example, is a lien placed on a piece of property by the government for failure to pay taxes.

Loss Factor

Walls, elevators, etc., take up the percentage of the gross area of a given space.

Maintenance

This is another fee that is unique to co-ops. It’s comprised of: 1) The daily cost to operate the building. 2) A share of the building’s underlying mortgage, and 3) A share of the building’s real estate taxes. Combined, these three things are the monthly charges a co-operative owner pays to the co-op.

Maisonette

A ground-floor apartment is usually in a co-op with a separate street entrance from the rest of the building. Apartments like this give the tenants the feel of a townhouse in a co-op environment.

Market Price

The actual selling or leasing price of a property.

Market Value

A property’s expected price will bring it if put on the market for rent or purchase. Assumes that the property is on the market for a reasonable period with reasonably competent owners and potential tenants.

Managing Agent

An independent company hired by a co-op or condominium to manage the property. The management agents are responsible for collecting rent or dues, property maintenance, or enforcing building policies.

Mansion Tax

A one percent state tax paid by the buyers of any property costs over $1 million.

Mechanic’s lien

A lien established by law favors those who provide labor or material to improve real estate.

Mortgage

A contract between a lending institution and a borrower to ensure repayment of a loan. The components of a mortgage are the amount being lent, the period of repayment, and the interest rate set for the borrowed money.

Multiple Listing

An arrangement between real estate brokers calls for each broker to make available real estate listings to other brokers. Then, if a purchase contract or lease is written, the commission for the listing is divided between the broker who owns the listing and the broker who makes the lease.

Murphy Bed

A bed attached and built into a wall can be pulled down or out of the wall. You will usually find Murphy beds in small apartments.

No Board Approval

This can refer to one of two things. 1) When a prospective purchaser of a co-op unit does not have to be reviewed by the co-op board. Or 2) When a potential renter of a co-op unit does not have to be approved by the op-op board or owner.

Notary public

An officer appointed by a state governor with authority to formally identify and acknowledge persons executing documents, sign the certificate, and affix a seal.

Note

A legal document outlines a borrower’s obligation to pay off a mortgage at a stated interest rate over a specific period.

Oblique Views

This term refers to an apartment with somewhat panoramic views of either Central Park or the two rivers.

Offer Accepted

This is the point at which a seller accepts the terms of an offer submitted by the buyer.

On-site Broker

This is a person hired by a building owner to show the apartments, answer any questions about the units, or take care of any transactions at a building.

Open House

A real estate broker uses a sales tactic for advertising an available listing, usually on a Sunday or Wednesday, for two hours. Prospective buyers can take their time at an open house, look at the property, and question the broker about it.

Option

A contractual agreement gives one party the privilege of demanding, within a specified time, the carrying out of a transaction upon stipulated terms.

Open Kitchen

A kitchen that is not separated from the other living areas of the apartment; is a pretty standard feature in loft-style apartments.

Open listing

A listing contract under which the broker’s commission is contingent upon the broker producing a buyer before the owner or another broker sells the property.

Original Detail

This refers to original design details on the interior of a pre-war apartment. The design details refer to ceiling moldings, fireplaces, mantels or staircases, etc.

Parlor Floor

On the second floor of a townhouse, typically, a room is a room in the townhouse with the highest ceilings, and because of this, it was traditionally used for entertaining.

Partial Views

This term refers to units that offer partial views of the City Skyline, Central Park, or two rivers.

Pass-through Kitchen

A kitchen can walk through to enter another room, usually a dining area or the living room.

Penthouse

An apartment located on the top floor of a building is often quite luxurious and offers more privacy than other apartments in the same building.

Pet Policy

A building policy about what types, sizes, and how many (if any) pets a tenant may have.

Pied-á-Terre

Translated from French, Pied-a-Terre means “foot on the ground,” but we would call it a “landing pad.” These apartments are usually small but quite comfortable and often kept by business travelers who need to be in the city monthly or weekly. At times these apartments are kept by the well-to-do, so they can have a location in the city without frequently traveling from their home to enjoy the City life.

Pre-war Apartment

If a building was built before 1945, it is considered pre-war. They are mid-size at 10-20 stories tall as far as apartment buildings go. Some buildings might have a doorman. The advantages of living in a pre-war apartment often include hardwood floors, spacious rooms, and higher ceilings. Many also have a fireplace.

Post-war Apartment

Buildings were built after World War II or after about 1945. The style of these buildings and their apartments are drastically different from the pre-war apartments. The interior and exterior are less ornate, with less trim, moldings, and exterior decor.

Purchase Agreement

A written contract is signed by a buyer and a seller defining the terms under which a property will be sold.

Pullman Kitchen

A small kitchen against one wall consists of a fridge, oven, and sink room. These kitchens are often found in pre-war apartments or pre-war buildings that were originally hotels. This small kitchen does not count as a separate room. Pullman Kitchens are sometimes referred to as Petite Kitchens.

Quiet enjoyment

A clause in leases guarantee’s the tenant will be able to reside or do business on the premises in peace and without disturbance from the landlord.

Real Estate Agent

An individual employed or contracted by a real estate broker to buy, sell, or lease a property or help facilitate the negotiations involving buying, selling, or renting a property. These individuals receive compensation per the contract between the salesperson and the broker.

Real Estate Broker

The state must license real estate brokers to operate within its jurisdiction. An individual, association, or business facilitates the buying, selling, or leasing of any real estate or real estate improvements and represents interested parties involved in the process. In turn, the broker receives compensation or consideration per the terms of contractual agreements.

Real Estate Board

An organization comprised of real estate professionals, such as agents and brokers.

Realtor

A term designating an active member of a local real estate board affiliated with the National Association of Real Estate Boards. A realtor facilitates the buying, selling, and leasing of real estate.

Recessed Lighting

Lighting is set into the ceiling and not hanging from a light fixture. This style of lighting offers a continuation of clean lines in a building.

Recording

The official act of entering a record of documents representing the real estate in a county recorder’s office. Until recorded, a deed or mortgage is not effective against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees, or other third parties (see “constructive notice”).

Replacement cost

The current cost of replacing a property with a property containing the same utility (usefulness) and amenities.

Rent Control

A form of rent regulation limits the price a landlord can charge or increase rents.

Rental Commission

This refers to a real estate broker’s fee for renting an apartment. It is typical for a renter to pay the commission, and the rate is about 10-15 percent of a year’s rent.

Reserve Fund

A co-op or condo board sets a fund aside to pay for monthly or unexpected expenses.

Revocation

The act of rescinding a power or privilege previously authorized by the terms of an agreement.

Room Count

The number of rooms an apartment has. Every style of the apartment has a different number of rooms.

Styles:

• Straight Studio, Petite Kitchen: One room.
• Straight Studio, Full Kitchen: Two rooms.
• Alcove Studio, Full Kitchen: 2.5 Rooms.
• Junior-One, Full Kitchen, Wall: 3 Rooms.
• One Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen: 3 Rooms.
• Junior-Four, Living Rooms, Kitchen, Dining Alcove: 3.5 Rooms.
• Convertible-2, Living Rooms, Kitchen, Dining Alcove, No Wall: 3.5 Rooms.

Rules and Regulations

Building standards of use bind the tenants and are usually established in a part of the lease. Consequences for violating rules and regulations are generally stipulated in a lease agreement.

Security Deposit

Money deposited by a tenant to a landlord or a rental agency as a security deposit against damages and terms of the lease.

Service Entrance

An entrance is usually into the kitchen from the rear of a building or a secondary hallway. In the past, this entrance was typically done by servants and still may be used the same today.

Shares

This is something unique to a co-op building in the real estate world. Each apartment owner in a co-op owns a share in the building, like a publicly-traded company. The share represents the amount of the building a shareholder owns, which is determined by the apartment size, which floor it’s on, and any special features associated with the co-op.

Square Feet

The amount of livable space in a New York City apartment. Sometimes the amount of square footage is approximated, while the measurements are often more accurate at condos.

Sublet

A new tenant would agree with the property’s current tenant to move out and sublease. The new tenant would assume responsibility for all rental costs from the person moving out.

Sponsor Unit

The original owner (sponsor) owned an apartment and converted the building to a co-op or condo.

Super

Super is short for the superintendent. The super runs the show and is responsible for maintaining the building.

Tax Abatement

Tax breaks are offered to developers for developing residential properties in certain areas. Many developers pass along these tax breaks as incentives to home buyers that reduce monthly tax payments for a period.

Tax-Deductible

The percentage of a co-op shareholder can be deducted from their annual taxes.

Townhouse

Townhouses are usually single-family homes, up to four stories high. They can be freestanding or in a building of between 4-6 storielevMost townhouses were built in the late 19th Century through the early 20th Century. elsle who move into townhomes are afforded privacy which is rare in New York City, and as such, these homes can be quite pricey. However, many pay the price is worth it since a townhouse exudes a charm that other dwellings cannot compare. Many townhouses have “extras,” including a private backyard, eat-in kitchen, fireplace, expanded living space, and classic decor. Best of all, residents purchase townhouses without the need to go through a co-op and its lengthy application process. Unsold Shares

These are shares or apartments in a co-op that have not been purchased outright. It is common when a rental property is converted into a co-op that some renters would prefer to continue paying rent on their unit for a period instead of buying it.

Utilities Included

This refers to charges for some apartment utilities to be included in the monthly rent price. Often the utilities will be water, electricity, gas, and sometimes cable.

Vacancy Rate

Amount of unoccupied units or apartments in a building compared to all units in the building. This rate is usually expressed as a percentage.

Window Treatments

This refers to the types of coverings someone may put on windows. This can apply to blinds, shades, or curtains.

Walk-up Building

A walk-up in an apartment without an elevator can range from 4 to 7 stories. You’ll hear the terms “third-floor walk-up,” fourth-floor walk-up,” etc. You walk up to that floor number to reach the unit. For example, a fifth-floor walk-up would be on floor five.