Glossary of Terms in Real Estate

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Half-bath

Also called a powder room, a half-bath contains a toilet and a sink but no bathtub or shower stall.

Hazard insurance

This provision of homeowners insurance covers damage by fire, wind or other disaster. It is required by all lenders before a loan is approved.

Header

Crossbeams above windows and doors.

Heat pump

An electric cooling and heating system.

Hectare

The equivalent of 2.471 acres.

High density

The concentration of housing units in a specific area or on a specific property.

High-rise

Any building higher than six stories.

Hip roof

A pitched roof with sloping sides.

Historic preservation

The physical rehabilitation of a historic home or building, and the movement of the same name begun in the 1960s in the U.S. to preserve and protect landmarks and urban neighborhoods.

Historic structure

A home or building listed in the National Register of Historic Places and certified as historic by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

Home equity conversion mortgage

Loans made to older owners who want to convert equity into money. Because borrowers are qualified on the basis of the value of their home, e, the loan is not the same as a home equity loan. Also known as reverse mortgages.

Home equity loan

A loan that allows owners to borrow against the equity in their homes.

Home inspection

An examination of a home's construction, condition and internal systems by an inspector or contractor prior to purchase.

Homeowners' association

A group that governs a modern subdivision or planned community. An association collects monthly fees from all owners to pay for maintenance of common areas, handle legal and safety issues, and enforce the covenants, conditions and restrictions set by the developer.

Homeowners' insurance

This insurance includes hazard coverage for any damages that may affect the value of a house, in addition to personal liability and theft coverage.

Homeowners' warranty

Special insurance policies that cover certain home repairs for a specified amount of time.

Home rule

The power of a local government to adopt its own land-use regulations.

Homesteading

A document that to protects some of a home's equity from lawsuits.

Home warranty

A type of insurance that covers repairs to certain parts of a house and some fixtures.

Hopper window

A window that contains a single sash that tilts inward.

Hose Bibb

A threaded faucet connection for devices such as a washing machine.

Housing discrimination

The illegal practice of denying an individual or group the right to buy or rent a home based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or family status.

Housing expense ratio

The percentage of gross monthly income devoted to housing costs.

House wrap

A polyethylene barrier wrapped around a house to save energy.

HUD-1 Uniform Settlement Statement

A closing statement or settlement sheet that outlines all closing costs on a real estate transaction or refinancing.