What Do All Of Those Real Estate Acronyms In The Ads Mean?


If you find yourself stumbling over weird acronyms in a real estate listing, don't be alarmed. There is a method to the madness of this shorthand (which is mostly adopted by sellers to save money in advertising charges). Here are some abbreviations, and their meanings, taken from a recent newspaper classified section:

* assum. fin. = assumable financing

* dk = deck

* gar = garage (garden is usually abbreviated "gard")

* expansion pot'l = may be extra space on the lot, or possibly vertical potential for a top floor or room addition. Verify actual

     potential by checking local zoning restrictions prior to purchase.

* fab pentrm = fabulous pentroom, a room on top, underneath the roof, that sometimes has views
* FDR = formal dining room (not the former president)

* frplc, fplc, FP = fireplace

* grmet kit = gourmet kitchen

* HDW, HWF, Hdwd = hardwood floors

* hi ceils = high ceilings

* In-law potential = potential for a separate apartment. Sometimes, local zoning codes restrict rentals of such units so be sure

     the conversion is legal first.

* large E-2 plan = this is one of several floor plans available in a specific building

* lsd pkg. = leased parking area, may come with an additional cost

* lo dues = find out just how low these homeowner's dues are, and in comparison to what?

* nr bst schls = near the best schools

* pvt = private

* pwdr rm = powder room, or half-bath

* upr = upper floor

* vw, vu, vws, vus = view(s)

* Wow! = better check this one out.

Resources:
* "Real Estate's Ambiguous Language You Oughtta Understand," Glennon H. Neubauer, Ethos Group Publishing, Diamond

     Bar, CA; 1993.