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Real Estate Dictionary

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

H

Hazard insurance

Insurance protection for specified losses due to natural causes, such as fire, floods, earthquake, tornadoes, and other "acts of God"

Heir

An individual who will potentially inherit an interest in land from someone who dies

Hiatus

A gap or space between two parcels of lands that is not included in the legal description of either parcel

Home equity line of credit, or Home equity loan

A mortgage loan (usually not the primary mortgage) or line of credit which gives the property owner the option to obtain cash advances from the loan proceeds, using his or her residence as collateral, but which is not to exceed a pre-arranged amount of the owner's total equity in the property

Homeowners' association

A nonprofit association of individual owners of units in a multi-unit structure (either a planned unit development, or a condominium) that manages the common areas of that structure. In a planned unit development (PUD) project, the association holds title to the common elements, whereas in a condominium project, it holds no title to the common elements

Homeowner's insurance

An insurance policy available to residential real estate owners that protects homeowners against financial loss from fire, theft, public liability, and other risks

Homestead

Real estate that is owned and utilized as the primary family residence, protected in some states as exempt from the claims of creditors

Homestead deed

A document filed in the land records asserting a homestead exemption, protecting a variable amount of his assets (depending on which state) against the claims of creditors

Housing ratio, or Debt-to-income ratio

The percentage that results from dividing a borrower's housing expenses by his/her gross monthly income, used by the lender to evaluate an applicant's qualification for a loan

HUD-1 statement

The document used in closing a real estate transaction (also known as a "closing statement" or a "settlement sheet") which itemizes the funds that are payable at closing, including broker commissions, loan costs, and escrow amounts, and which provides a summary of the seller's net proceeds and the buyer's net payment at closing. It is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) whenever federally-related mortgages are being made on residential properties

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



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Real Estate Tips

First Time Buyers >Your Principal Residence

The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must prove that that the home has been your principal residence for at least two out of the last five years. The establishment of the home as a principal residence depends on the facts of each homeowner's circumstance. Here are two cases to consider.

Homeowner A has lived at 25 Pine Drive for 12 years. Although he stays at his vacation cottage in another town for up to three months out of each year (sometimes more), 25 Pine Drive is his principal residence, where he lives most of the time. When he sells the home, Homeowner A (filing as a single individual) can keep up to $250,000 in tax-free profit.

Homeowner B buys 108 Maple Street, intending to live there. He rents it out while waiting to sell his current home, where he has lived for six years. His principal residence sells at the end of two years. Homeowner B moves into his new house, lives there for three months, and then decides to travel. After a six-month trip, he regrets buying 108 Maple Street and sells it. Even though he has owned the house on Maple Street for over two years, it won't qualify as "owner-occupied", because he only lived in it for a few months. Thus Homeowner B is not eligible to claim the tax exemption when he sells the house on Maple Street.

Consult your tax advisor for advice about your particular circumstance.

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Real Estate Trivia

Q 
What famous American building was originally built in 1792, burned and rebuilt 1814-1818 and restored in 1952?

A 
The White House in Washington, D.C., modeled after an Irish palace, is a sumptuous example of post-colonial architecture.
See More Real Estate Trivia >

Karl Volkman, REALTOR®, real estate agent and broker for Appleton, Neenah, Menasha and Greenville, Wisconsin home listings, property and land for sale - NUMBER1EXPERT

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Coldwell Banker-The Real Estate Group, Inc.

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Appleton, WI 54914
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