Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads - Even More Definitions
If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you
struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here
are explanations and definitions for more terms.
"Living Room" & "Family Room"
When a home has both a living room and a family room, we know
which is which. It used to be that when an ad mentioned a family
room, we could assume it also had a living room. Now some
builders are building houses with something akin to the first
use of "Great Room" above and calling it the "Family Room" on
the floor plan. Thus houses and their terminology seem to be
evolving. I suppose in the new builder speak we should just
think of the room as an informal family living room.
"Patio" & "Terrace"
Both are outdoor living areas paved with something like slate or
brick. A patio is level with the ground around it. A terrace has
adjoining areas of ground which are higher, or lower, or perhaps
both.
"Solarium," "Sun Room," "Florida Room"
These terms are used to describe rooms with lots of windows
(often on three sides). Many times these areas also have
skylights. The choice of what to call them seems purely
personal. They tend to be charming, bright, sunny places in
which to over winter plants and sit in the garden in chilly or
downright cold weather.
"Jack and Jill Bath"
A bathroom with two doors into it. It is frequently situated
between two bedrooms with doors to each. Sometimes the doors are
into a bedroom and into a hallway.
"Waterfront" vs. "Water View"
Waterfront property actually has a common boundary with
(frontage on) the water. Sometimes the property line actually
goes into the water. Water view just means water can be seen
from the property. Sometimes there is a beautiful view.
Sometimes it means the water can be seen from one upstairs
window when the leaves are off the trees! Also, many times a new
structure might block the view at some time in the future unless
there is a protective covenant or something to prevent it.
If you can get the verbiage down, you'll be way ahead in the
real estate game. Look for future articles on this subject or
visit our site to read more terms.