REAL ESTATE DICTIONARY


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


damper
A movable plate in a fireplace that allows smoke and fumes to travel up the chimney's flue.
days on the market
The period of time a property is listed for sale prior to being sold or taken off the market.
deadbolt lock
A lock that requires a key to open from the outside and a turn button from the inside.
debt
Any amount one person owes to another.
debt assumption letter
The formal transfer of debt from one party to another, backed by a contract of assumption signed by both parties. Also known as assignment of debt.
D
Back to top

deck
A roofless, floored area that adjoins a house.
decorating allowance
An amount of money supplied by the seller and held in escrow for the buyer, to be applied toward negotiated decorating changes.
deed
The legal document that transfers ownership of a piece of property.
deed of trust
A document that gives a lender the right to foreclose on a piece of property if the borrower defaults on the loan.
deep-seal floor drain
A drain used to dispose of water from the basement floor to a sewer line.
default
The failure to fulfill a duty or discharge an obligation, such as making monthly mortgage payments.
D
Back to top

deferred maintenance
Any repair or maintenance of a piece of property that has been postponed, resulting in a decline in property value.
delinquent mortgage
A mortgage that involves a borrower who is behind on payments. If the borrower cannot bring the payments up to date within a specified number of days, the lender may begin foreclosure proceedings.
density test
An analysis of soil to determine if the surface can support the foundation of a house.
dentils
Small rectangular blocks that project from a building, usually under cornices or along rooflines.
deposit
Money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase property. Also called earnest money.
depreciation
The decline in value of a piece of property.
D
Back to top

design/build
A project in which the owner contracts directly with an individual or company to perform design and construction.
designer
Unlike architects, designers are limited to drawing blueprints.
digital images
Images that are incorporated into house listings to give potential buyers a view of the property.
dimension plans
Plans which show the layout of a house but are less detailed than full blueprints.
dimensional lumber
Single pieces of lumber sawed to standard dimensions.
dimmer
A light switch that controls the brightness of one or more lights. Most allow a full range of control from full off to full on.
D
Back to top

dimple
To create a slight dent with a light blow of a hammer when driving a nail. This technique is typically used when hanging drywall to provide a tiny pocket for receiving drywall compound.
dip tube
An extension of the water supply line into a storage tank. This delivers water close to the heat source on the bottom of a water heater.
disability insurance
An insurance policy that covers an individual's ability to produce income.
disclosure
A statement to a potential buyer listing information relevant to a piece of property, such as the presence of radon or lead paint.
discount points
Fees that a borrower pays when the lender makes the loan, to get a lower interest rate. Lenders offer various rate/point combinations, and borrowers pay points to adjust the interest rate to the market rate. One point equals one percent of the loan amount.
distressed property
Property that is in poor physical or financial condition.
D
Back to top

document needs list
A list of documents a lender requires from a potential borrower submitting a loan application. The required documents range from paycheck stubs to credit card statements.
documentation preparation
A fee charged by the settlement agent (escrow company or attorney) to ready the necessary paperwork for closing.
domed ceiling
A hemispherical ceiling that projects upward without support.
domicile
A person's primary or permanent home.
dormer
A window set upright in a sloping roof.
double-hung window
A window that consists of two sashes that slide up and down.
D
Back to top

dovetail joints
Joints that lock two pieces of wood together with meshed teeth.
dowel
A length of wood that is round in profile and made of hardwood (round lengths of softwood are called rounds).
dowel plug
A short piece of a wooden dowel typically fitted into a counterbored hole to hide the head of a screw.
down payment
The difference between purchase price and the portion of the purchase price financed by a lender. Most lenders require that the down payment come from the buyer's own funds, but may also allow gifts from relatives.
downspout
A vertical gutter that empties water from the roof to the ground.
drain auger
Also called a snake. A long, coiled-wire tool that you can unwind and push into a drain line to free a clog.
D
Back to top

drain flange
The round metal trim that fits into the hole at the bottom of a sink or bathtub. The stopper or pop-up fits into this flange to retain water in the sink or tub.
drain valve
A valve used to drain a water storage tank in order to perform maintenance or replacement.
drainage
A system of gutters and drainpipes that carry water away from the foundation of a house.
drainpipe
Part of a home's plumbing system that carries waste to the sewer or septic system. Most residential drainpipes are from 1½ to 4 inches in diameter.
draw
A payment made to subcontractors or suppliers from a construction loan.
drip caps
Angled strips of metal flashing that are designed to protect the eaves from water damage. With an L-shaped profile, they tuck under the first course of shingles and extend down over the fascia.
D
Back to top

drip loop
A loop in the service conductor that minimizes the chance of water penetration.
dropped ceiling
A flat ceiling built lower than the original ceiling.
dry rot
A fungal decay that causes wood to become brittle and crumble.
drywall
A construction material composed of gypsum or plaster wrapped in paper and produced in large sheets that can be nailed to wall studs.
dual agency
A relationship in which a real estate agent or broker represents both parties in a transaction.
dual agent
An agent who represents both the buyer and the seller in a transaction. Some states require strict disclosure of this arrangement to consumers.
D
Back to top

duct
A rigid metal or flexible insulated tube, designed to deliver air to and from a furnace or other air-handling unit.
duct
Any kind of pipe or channel that carries water, wiring, or conditioned air through a house.
ductwork
A system of large tubes, pipes, or channels (ducts) designed to deliver air to and from a furnace or other air-handling unit.
due-on-sale clause
Standard language in a mortgage which states that the loan must be paid when a house is sold.
duplex
A structure that consists of two separate family units.
duplex receptacle
An electrical outlet that accepts two lighting or appliance plugs.
D
Back to top

Dutch colonial style
A design that features a barn-like gambrel roof, a ground-level front porch, and dormers.
Easy as 123
1. Submit Your Project
2. Contractors Bid On It!
3. Approve the Bid You Like!

Easy!
exterior

Short Desc : painting of exterior

Bid Range : $2500

Windows and Doors
in Ashland

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have a window repaired. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $500

Windows and Doors
in Hampton

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to replace 1 window in their home. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $500

Painting and Wallcovering
in Fort Pierce

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have wallpaper installed/removed. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $5000

Roofing
in Palm Beach Gardens

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have the shingle roof replaced on their 1461 sq ft. home. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $5000

Windows and Doors
in Port Saint Lucie

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to replace 8 windows in their home. Ready to secure contractor. Spoke with Thomas. Project details were confirmed. He is looking to begin his project as soon as possible.

Bid Range : $1000

Roofing
in Stafford

Short Desc : Roof over deck low pitch small leak in corner 12 x 12 need redone probably with rolled roofing

Bid Range : $2500

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Port Saint Lucie

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have their 280 sq ft carport enclosed to form a bedroom and a bathroom. Will require plumbing work for the bathroom. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $10000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Richmond

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to add 140 sq ft onto their 1460 sq ft home. Project will be extending their 140 sq ft master bedroom into 280 sq ft. They will need help with the plans and permits.

Bid Range : $50000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Leonardtown

Short Desc : Adding a second floor to include a master bedroom, master bath, and a guest room. Would like to add a backyard deck & wrap around porch. As well as remodel current bathrooms.

Bid Range : $200000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Richmond

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have an addition built on their 2,306 sq ft home. Will need help with plans and permits. Ready to secure a contractor.

Bid Range : $5000

Decks
in Sandston

Short Desc : A deck about 3/4 the length of the back of the house. A bench built into the deck as an option. A lattice looking ceiling/roof to minimize sunlight as an option.

Bid Range : $10000

Bathroom Remodeling
in Colonial Heights

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have flooring laid in her 40 sq ft bathroom. Will need installation of bathtub, shower and sink.

Bid Range : $10000

Painting and Wallcovering
in Virginia Beach

Short Desc : We need a painter for a medical office.

Bid Range : $2500

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Colonial Beach

Short Desc : Customer needs to remodel their entire 820 sq ft home due to water damage. Project to include replacing an exterior wall, drywall, painting, flooring, and fixtures. May need minor electric. Spoke with Sean and project confirmed. Needs to remodel 820sq ft home due to water and fire damage. Need to prepare house to sell. Will include replacing an exterior wall, drywall, painting, flooring and fixtures. Would like to start ASAP and can be reached at anytime.

Bid Range : $25000

Windows and Doors
in Louisa

Short Desc : I am interested in possibly tinting the windows in the front room(s) of my Lake House, may add all windows depending on price.

Bid Range : $5000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Leonardtown

Short Desc : Adding a second floor to include a master bedroom, master bath, and a guest room. Would like to add a backyard deck & wrap around porch. As well as remodel current bathrooms.

Bid Range : $200000

Windows and Doors
in Stafford VA 22556

Short Desc : I want to install two basic, glass, sliding doors for a patio deck and basement patio in my house. I will purchase doors and have them at the site. I need professional measurement to help chose the correct size door and to install them for me. Spoken to homeowner. Looking to start as soon as in contact with a contractor. Can be contacted any time on cellphone.

Bid Range : $2500

Windows and Doors
in Port Saint Lucie

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to install windows on two of their homes. One home is 1300 sq. ft and needs eight windows installed. The other is 1000 sq. ft. and needs 7 windows installed.

Bid Range : $500

Roofing
in Newport News

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to have the tar roof on their 1,500 sq ft home replaced. Ready to secure a contractor. I spoke to Tee, who is looking to start ASAP, and can be contacted in the mornings, 1500 tar roof replaced. There was patch work done 10 years ago fixing up some rotting place`s. That wasn`t done right. Would like the whole roof done.

Bid Range : $10000

Bathroom Remodeling
in Fredericksburg

Short Desc : To

Bid Range : $10000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Petersburg

Short Desc : Remodeling kitchen. Need cabinets, counters, ceramic tile, paint, and install a new dishwasher. Currently no dishwasher.

Bid Range : $10000

Paving and Patios
in Glen Allen

Short Desc : We would like a 100 to 120 sq ft walkway/patio built between our deck and driveway made of mortorless paving stone if not too expensive Arleen would like to get her project started asap.

Bid Range : $2500

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Newport News

Short Desc : Homeowner needs to add onto their 2500 sq ft home. The addition will be a second story. They will need help with plans and permits.

Bid Range : $25000

Remodeling and Room Additions
in Mineral

Short Desc : Need to be put in touch with a contractor in the mineral area. Please call at the number provided and we can discuss the details. Thanks in advance.

Bid Range : $2500

Drywall and Plastering
in Midlothian

Short Desc : Patch job where the house is settling in family room. It has crack on side of wall and celling.some does drywall.

Bid Range : $500

Drywall and Plastering
in King George

Short Desc : 1500 sq ft garage w/ loft

Bid Range : $2500

Baby Room

Short Desc : 3 walls ne color and 1 accent wall in wide stripes.

Bid Range : $600

Painting and Wallcovering
in Aylett

Short Desc : Paint our living room, including the cathedral ceiling, as well as one wall in our kitchen.

Bid Range : $2500

Bathroom Remodeling
in Chester

Short Desc : 1970`s bathroom - needs updating - replacing ceramic tile, ceramic floor, replace counter top/sink and toilet - would like some designer help. Would like to see if possible closet beside bath can be incorporated into new bathroom (costs involved)

Bid Range : $5000
Copyright © 2007 | Privacy Policy