Word | Definition |
T & G, tongue and groove | A joint made by a tongue (a rib on one edge of a board) that fits into a corresponding groove in the edge of another board to make a tight flush joint. Typically, the subfloor plywood is T & G. |
T bar | Ribbed, "T" shaped bars with a flat metal plate at the bottom that are driven into the earth. Normally used chain link fence poles, and to mark locations of a water meter pit. |
Tab | The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts. |
Tail beam | A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other. |
Take off | The material necessary to complete a job. |
Tap fees | Most companies charge a tap fee for hooking up utilities.
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Tap fees | Most companies charge a tap fee for hooking up utilities.
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Taping | The process of covering drywall joints with paper tape and joint compound. |
Tax deduction | A tax break given by the government. Mortgage interest, loan points and property taxes can be deducted.
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Tax deduction | A tax break given by the government. Mortgage interest, loan points and property taxes can be deducted.
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Tax lien | An impediment placed against a property, such as back taxes.
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Tax lien | An impediment placed against a property, such as back taxes.
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Tax sale | The public sale of a property by the government for nonpayment of taxes.
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Tax sale | The public sale of a property by the government for nonpayment of taxes.
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Tax Service Contract | When a lender wishes to be kept informed as to weather or not property taxes are being paid, a Realty Tax Service Contract can be purchased which entails an audit of the tax rolls and
issuance of notices when taxes are delinquent.
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Tax Service Contract | When a lender wishes to be kept informed as to weather or not property taxes are being paid, a Realty Tax Service Contract can be purchased which entails an audit of the tax rolls and
issuance of notices when taxes are delinquent.
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Tax shelter | A term often applied to real estate investment and refers to various tax advantages.
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Tax shelter | A term often applied to real estate investment and refers to various tax advantages.
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Tear-down condition | A house that requires the entire interior to be rebuilt.
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Tear-down condition | A house that requires the entire interior to be rebuilt.
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Teaser rate | An low, short-term rate offered on a mortgage to entice the borrower.
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Teaser rate | An low, short-term rate offered on a mortgage to entice the borrower.
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Teco | Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof rafters and trusses to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a hurricane clip. |
Tee | A "T" shaped plumbing fitting. |
Tempered | Strengthened. Tempered glass will not shatter nor create shards, but will "pelletize" like an automobile window. Required in tub and shower enclosures and locations, entry door glass and sidelight glass, and in a windows when the window sill is less than 16" to the floor. |
Tenancy by the entirety | |
Tenancy by the entirety | |
Tenancy in Common | A form of co-ownership of property by two or more persons in undivided interests.
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Tenancy in Common | A form of co-ownership of property by two or more persons in undivided interests.
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Tenants in common | Two or more owners who share interest in a specific property.
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Tenants in common | Two or more owners who share interest in a specific property.
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Termite shield | A shield, usually of galvanized metal, placed in or on a foundation wall or around pipes to prevent the passage of termites. |
Termites | Wood eating insects that superficially resemble ants in size and general appearance, and live in colonies. |
Terra cotta | A ceramic material molded into masonry units |
Terrace | A terrace can be several things: an unroofed paved area right next to a house; a roofed balcony; a veranda; or a raised bed of earth constructed to enhance a landscape.
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Texture Paint | One which may be manipulated by brush, trowel or other to give various patterns. |
The 72-hour clause | When a buyer has a house to sell before they can purchase another home, most sellers insist on a 72-hour clause. In the event of a better offer coming in before the contingency is settled, this clause entitles the seller to give the buyer 72 hours to remove the contingency or lose the house.
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The 72-hour clause | When a buyer has a house to sell before they can purchase another home, most sellers insist on a 72-hour clause. In the event of a better offer coming in before the contingency is settled, this clause entitles the seller to give the buyer 72 hours to remove the contingency or lose the house.
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Thermal Shock | The stress built up by sudden and appreciable changes in temperature. |
Thermoplastic Material | Solid material which is softened by increasing temperatures and hardened by decreasing temperatures. |
Thermoply ™ | Exterior laminated sheathing nailed to the exterior side of the exterior walls. Normally ¼ " thick, 4 X 8 or 4 x 10 sheets with an aluminumized surface. |
Thermostat | A device which relegates the temperature of a room or building by switching heating or cooling equipment on or off. |
Third-party origination | In a third-party origination transaction, the lender has another institution originate all or part of a mortgage.
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Third-party origination | In a third-party origination transaction, the lender has another institution originate all or part of a mortgage.
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Three-dimensional shingles | Laminated shingles. Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a shake-like appearance. May also be called "architectural shingles". |
Threshold | The bottom metal or wood plate of an exterior door frame. Generally they are adjustable to keep a tight fit with the door slab. |
THW | Moisture and heat resistant thermoplastic conductor. It is flame retardant, moisture and heat resistant and can be used in dry or wet locations. |
Tie-In | In roofing, a term used to describe the joining of a new roof with the old. |
Time and materials contract | A construction contract which specifies a price for different elements of the work such as cost per hour of labor, overhead, profit, etc. A contract which may not have a maximum price, or may state a 'price not to exceed'. |
Timeshare | Ownership that involves the acquisition of a specific period of time, or that percentage of interest, in a vacation home or resort.
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Timeshare | Ownership that involves the acquisition of a specific period of time, or that percentage of interest, in a vacation home or resort.
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Tinner | Another name for the heating contractor. |
Tinted Glass | Glass with colorants added to the basic glass batch that give the glass color as well as light and heat-reducing capabilities. The color extends throughout the thickness of the glass. |
Tip up | The downspout extension that directs water (from the home's gutter system) away from the home. They typically swing up when mowing the lawn, etc. |
Title | A document providing evidence of a persons right to or the extent of his ownership interest in a specific parcel of property.
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Title | A document providing evidence of a persons right to or the extent of his ownership interest in a specific parcel of property.
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Title | Evidence (usually in the form of a certificate or deed) of a person's legal right to ownership of a property. |
Title 24 | A federal set of laws that mandates the construction industry to conserve energy. |
Title company | Firms that ensure that the title to a piece of property is clear and provide title insurance.
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Title company | Firms that ensure that the title to a piece of property is clear and provide title insurance.
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Title Insurance | Assurance of indemnification for loss resulting from a defect in the title to the insured interest in the real property.
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Title Insurance | Assurance of indemnification for loss resulting from a defect in the title to the insured interest in the real property.
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Title risk | Possible impediments to the transfer of a title from one owner to another.
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Title risk | Possible impediments to the transfer of a title from one owner to another.
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Title Search | The research and steps required to complete the chain of title to a parcel of real property.
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Title Search | The research and steps required to complete the chain of title to a parcel of real property.
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TJI or TJ | Manufactured structural building component resembling the letter "I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts: flanges and webs. The flange or from of the I joist may be made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usually formed into a 1 ½" width. The web or center of the I-joist is commonly made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in the web to accommodate duct work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists are available in lengths up to 60'' long. |
Toenailing | To drive a nail in at a slant. Method used to secure floor joists to the plate. |
Tongue and Groove | A type of flooring where the tongue of one board is joined to the groove of another board |
Top chord | The upper or top member of a truss. |
Top plate | Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists, rafters, or other members. |
Top producer | A real state industry term that refers to agents and brokers who sell a high volume of homes.
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Top producer | A real state industry term that refers to agents and brokers who sell a high volume of homes.
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Top soil | The top layer of soil that is removed when lots are graded in preparation for construction.
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Torching | Applying direct flame to a membrane for the purpose of melting, heating or adhering. |
Total expense ratio | The percentage of monthly debt obligations relative to gross monthly income.
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Total expense ratio | The percentage of monthly debt obligations relative to gross monthly income.
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Townhouse | An attached home that is not a condominium.
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Townhouse | An attached home that is not a condominium.
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Tract home | Another term for a production home, a mass-produced house constructed by one builder in a project.
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Tract home | Another term for a production home, a mass-produced house constructed by one builder in a project.
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Trade equity | Other real estate or assets a buyer gives to a seller as part of the down payment.
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Trade equity | Other real estate or assets a buyer gives to a seller as part of the down payment.
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Trading down | A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is less expensive than their current house.
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Trading down | A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is less expensive than their current house.
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Trading up | A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is more expensive home than their current house.
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Trading up | A reference to buyers who purchase a home that is more expensive home than their current house.
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Trans-Union | Trans-Union Corp. is one of the "Big Three" credit-reporting bureaus that operate nationwide. Address: 760 Sproul Road, P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064-0390. Phone: (312) 408-1400.
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Trans-Union | Trans-Union Corp. is one of the "Big Three" credit-reporting bureaus that operate nationwide. Address: 760 Sproul Road, P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064-0390. Phone: (312) 408-1400.
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Transfer of ownership | Any legal means by which a piece of real estate changes hands.
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Transfer of ownership | Any legal means by which a piece of real estate changes hands.
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Transfer tax | An assessment by state or local authorities at the time a piece of property changes hands.
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Transfer tax | An assessment by state or local authorities at the time a piece of property changes hands.
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Transmitter (garage door) | The small, push button device that causes the garage door to open or close. |
Transom | A small hinged window directly above a door.
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Trap | A plumbing fitting that holds water to prevent air, gas, and vermin from backing up into a fixture. |
Tray ceiling | A tray ceiling has edges that slant toward the middle from the walls.
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Tread | The walking surface board in a stairway on which the foot is placed |
Treasury bills | Securities issued by the Treasury Department that have the full backing of the U.S. government.
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Treasury bills | Securities issued by the Treasury Department that have the full backing of the U.S. government.
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Treasury index | An index used to determine interest rate changes for adjustable rate mortgages.
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Treasury index | An index used to determine interest rate changes for adjustable rate mortgages.
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Treated lumber | A wood product which has been impregnated with chemical pesticides such as CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) to reduce damage from wood rot or insects. Often used for the portions of a structure which are likely to be in contact with soil and water. Wood may also be treated with a fire retardant. |
Trellis | A decorative landscape structure made of thin strips of wood or plastic.
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Trim (plumbing, heating, electrical) | The work that the "mechanical" contractors perform to finish their respective aspects of work, and when the home is nearing completion and occupancy. |
Trim work | The finishing of doors, doorways, window frames and floors.
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Trim- Interior | The finish materials in a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim) or at the floor and ceiling of rooms (baseboard, cornice, and other moldings). Also, the physical work of installing interior doors and interior woodwork, to include all handrails, guardrails, stair way balustrades, mantles, light boxes, base, door casings, cabinets, countertops, shelves, window sills and aprons, etc. Exterior- The finish materials on the exterior a building, such as moldings applied around openings (window trim, door trim), siding, windows, exterior doors, attic vents, crawl space vents, shutters, etc. Also, the physical work of installing these materials |
Trimmer | The vertical stud that supports a header at a door, window, or other opening. |
Truss | A prefabricated framework of girders, struts and other items used to support a roof or other load-bearing elements.
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Truss | An engineered and manufactured roof support member with "zig-zag" framing members. Does the same job as a rafter but is designed to have a longer span than a rafter. |
Trust account | Special accounts used by brokers and escrow agents to safeguard funds for a buyer or seller.
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Trust account | Special accounts used by brokers and escrow agents to safeguard funds for a buyer or seller.
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Trustee | A legally empowered person who holds or controls a piece of property for another person.
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Trustee | A legally empowered person who holds or controls a piece of property for another person.
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Trustee (In a deed of trust) | The entity to which to which real property is conveyed in trust, not to be confused with the beneficiary.
The fiduciary designated to hold title to real property for the benefit of another.
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Trustee (In a deed of trust) | The entity to which to which real property is conveyed in trust, not to be confused with the beneficiary.
The fiduciary designated to hold title to real property for the benefit of another.
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Trustor | The borrower in a deed of trust.
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Trustor | The borrower in a deed of trust.
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Truth-in-Lending Act | A federal law that protects consumers in a variety of ways. One of its key provisions allows a consumer to cancel a home-improvement loan, second mortgage or other loan if the home was pledged as security (except for a first mortgage or first trust deed) until midnight of the third business day after the contract was signed.
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Truth-in-Lending Act | A federal law that protects consumers in a variety of ways. One of its key provisions allows a consumer to cancel a home-improvement loan, second mortgage or other loan if the home was pledged as security (except for a first mortgage or first trust deed) until midnight of the third business day after the contract was signed.
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Tub trap | Curved, "U" shaped section of a bath tub drain pipe that holds a water seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through tubs water drain. |
Tuck-point | The process of removing old mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new mortar.
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Turnkey | A term used when the subcontractor provides all materials (and labor) for a job. |
Turpentine | A term used when the subcontractor provides all materials (and labor) for a job. |
Two- to four-family property | A piece of property that is owned by one person but provides housing for up to four households.
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Two- to four-family property | A piece of property that is owned by one person but provides housing for up to four households.
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Two-Part Sealant | A product composed of a base and curing agent or accelerator, necessarily packages in two separate containers which are uniformly mixed just prior to use. |
Two-step mortgage | An adjustable mortgage with two interest rates, one for the first five or seven years of the loan, and the other for the remainder of the loan term.
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Two-step mortgage | An adjustable mortgage with two interest rates, one for the first five or seven years of the loan, and the other for the remainder of the loan term.
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