Essential Real Estate Abbreviations Guide: Decode Property Listing Codes

Common Property Listing Abbreviations You Need to Know

When browsing listings online or in print, you’ll encounter these frequently used terms:

Home Features

AC or A/C – Air conditioning
BA – Bathroom
BR – Bedroom
CATH – Cathedral ceilings
CAC – Central air conditioning
CH – Central heat
C/VAC – Central vacuum
D/D – Dishwasher and garbage disposal
F/BSMT – Fully finished basement
FPLC, FP, FRPLC – Fireplace
HDWD, HD, HDFL – Hardwood floors
HI CEIL(S) – High ceilings
KIT, KT – Kitchen
LR – Living room
WIC – Walk-in closet

Property Layouts and Spaces

CDS – Cul de sac
CP – Carport
DET – Detached garage
DK – Deck
FDR/DR – Dining room or formal dining room
GAR, GR – Garage
GARD – Garden
GRMET KIT, GRMT KIT – Gourmet kitchen
GRT RM – Great room
LA – Living area
OFC – Office
OSP – Off-street parking available
PL, SP, S/P – Swimming pool
PWDR RM – Powder room or half bath
UPF, UPR – Upper floor

Property Status and Features

AEK – All electric kitchen
APPLS – Appliances
FSBO – For Sale By Owner
PVT – Private
Q POS – Available for quick possession
SMART – Computer-controlled heating, cooling, alarms, lights
SPAC – Spacious
VWS, VW, VU – View or views
W/D WD – Washer and dryer

Real Estate Investment Terminology

For those interested in real estate investing, these abbreviations are essential:

Investment Analysis Terms

ARV – After-Repaired Value
COCR or CCR – Cash on Cash Return
CMA – Comparative Market Analysis
DCR, DSCR, DSR – Debt Service Coverage Ratio
DTI – Debt to Income Ratio
FMV – Fair Market Value
GRM – Gross Rent Multiplier
IRR – Internal Rate of Return
LTV – Loan to Value
MAO – Maximum Allowable Offer
NOI – Net Operating Income
ROI – Return On Investment

Property Types and Ownership Structures

CRE – Commercial Real Estate
HOA – Homeowners Association
LLC – Limited Liability Company
LLP – Limited Liability Partnership
NOO – Non-Owner Occupied
OO – Owner Occupied
O/F – Owner Finance
PUD – Planned Unit Development
REO – Real Estate Owned
SFH – Single Family House
SFR – Single Family Residence

Industry Organizations and Programs

FHA – Federal Housing Administration
GNMA – Ginnie Mae or “Government National Mortgage Association”
HML – Hard Money Lender
HUD – Housing and Urban Development
MLS – Multiple Listing Service
REIA – Real Estate Investors Association
VA – Department of Veterans Affairs / Veterans Administration

Real Estate Financing Terms

Understanding financing abbreviations is crucial when navigating mortgages and loans:

Loan Types and Terms

AMORT – Amortization
APR – Annual Percentage Rate
ARM – Adjustable Rate Mortgage
CLTV – Combined Loan To Value
I/O – Interest Only (loan)
PMI – Private Mortgage Insurance
Sub2 – Subject to existing financing

Documentation and Legal Terms

CCR – Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions
CFD – Contract for Deed
DOT – Deed of Trust
DOS – Due On Sale Clause
EMC – Earnest money contract
LOI – Letter of Intent
POA – Power of Attorney
POF – Proof of Funds
TIL – Truth In Lending

Comprehensive Real Estate Listing Abbreviations

For detailed property listings, you might encounter these specific terms:

Exterior Features

A/G PL – Above-ground Pool
AC – Acre
ALM – Aluminum Siding
ASB – Asbestos Siding
ATT – Attached Garage
BCH – Beach
BKPORCH – Back Porch
BKYD – Backyard
Brk – Brick
Bulk – Bulkhead
Chn – Chain Link Fence
Cldsc – Cul-de-sac
DWF, DWAC – Deep Water/Access
FNCD YD – Fenced Yard
GLF – Golf Course
IGSP – In-Ground Sprinkler
OCN – Ocean
PAR – Partially Fenced
PAT – Patio
RVR – River
SCRND PORCH – Screened Porch
VYL – Vinyl
WF – Waterfront
YD – Yard

Interior Features

BALC – Balcony
BB – Baseboard Heat
Brkf – Breakfast Area
Bsmt – Basement
Cdrcl – Cedar Closet
Cer – Ceramic Tile
CFan – Ceiling Fan
Cth – Cathedral Ceiling
Crwl – Crawl Space
D/W – Dishwasher
EIK – Eat in kitchen
FFBR – First Floor Bedroom
FIN LL – Finished lower level
FM RM – Family Room
Foyr – Foyer
FR – Family room
HB – Half Bath (toilet + sink)
HTUB – Hot Tub
INLW – In-Law Suite
JTUB – Jetted Tub
LFT – Loft
MBA – Master Bedroom w/Bath
Mstr – Master bedroom
WLKIN – Walk-in Closet

Property Specifics

3/4 Bath – toilet + sink + shower or tub
2/1 – 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
4/3 – 4 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms
4/3/2 – 4 bedroom / 3 bath / 2 car garage
1C, 2C – 1 or 2 car Garage
Actv – Active
APT – Apartment
ASM – Assumptions
Bung – Bungalow
Col – Colonial
Cont – Contemporary
END – End Unit
FSBO – For Sale by Owner
FXR – Fixer Upper
MULTI – 3+ Car Garage
RNCH – Ranch
SRO – Single Room Occupancy
SPLT – Split-Level
TOWN – Town House
TRAD – Traditional

Real Estate Agent Certification Abbreviations

When working with real estate professionals, these certifications indicate specialized expertise:

ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member
CBR – Certified Buyer Representative
CHMS – Certified Home Marketing Specialist
CLHMS – Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CNS – Certified Negotiation Specialist
CRS – Certified Residential Specialist
CPM – Certified Property Manager
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
NAR – National Association of Realtors
REALTOR® – Member of the National Association of Realtors
SRES – Senior Real Estate Specialist

Why Understanding Real Estate Abbreviations Matters

Knowledge of these abbreviations empowers you to:

Make informed decisions when buying or selling properties
Understand property listings completely
Communicate effectively with real estate professionals
Save time when searching for properties
Avoid misunderstandings during transactions

Whether you’re searching for your dream home or evaluating an investment property, this comprehensive guide to real estate abbreviations will help you navigate the market with confidence.

Remember: Always perform title, lien, and property record searches as part of your due diligence before finalizing any real estate transaction.

Additional Resources:
REAL ESTATE DEED ABBREVIATONS AND ACRONYMS

Guide to understanding Real Estate Abbreviations in property listings