There are many important, terms in real estate contracts. Here is an extensive summary of some common, important terms in real estate contracts. The following terms are neither legal nor complete definitions and are for general guidance purposes only. As a knowledgeable real estate attorney, Alberto Montefalcon may assist any individual who needs help with any real estate transaction.

• Acceleration

Upon one party’s breach of the real estate contract, the other party may immediately demand or accelerate the contract’s full performance.

• Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

This refers to a variable rate mortgage, a mortgage loan with a variable interest rate and payment amount based on an adjustment period dependent on the variation in a benchmark index, usually the LIBOR or the prime rate.

• Adjusted Sales Price

Adjusted sales price is the price on the contract after all of the seller’s credit concessions.

• Amortization

This is the periodic payment of principal and interest on a liability such as a mortgage. It also refers to the write-off of a non-depreciable asset over a scheduled term of years.

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

The actual effective rate of interest charged on a loan expressed on a yearly basis representing the full cost of obtaining a full mortgage. The APR may be used for making comparisons between different mortgages.

• Attorney’s Fees

This term provides that in the case of any contractual dispute, the prevailing party’s attorneys’ fees will be paid by the losing party.

• Balloon Mortgage
  A short-term mortgage with fixed installments of principal and interest that do not result in fully amortizing the mortgage loan as the mortgage balance is due in one lump sum payment at the end of the loan’s term.
• Bridge Loan
  A loan for a short duration of time that is utilized by a purchaser of a property that is dependent on the proceeds or equity from another yet unsold second property. The bridge loan is repaid when the second property is sold.
• Building Restrictions
  Requirements in building codes that affect the size and appearance of a building or structure.
• Buy Down
  The voluntary payment of discount points by a borrower that reduces the mortgage’s interest rate at the time of the loan.
• By-Laws
  These are the rules pursuant to which a cooperative corporation or condominium operates.

To learn more about real estate transactions, contact the experienced Sacramento metropolitan area/Northern California attorneys at the Montefalcon Law Offices. Contact us online or schedule a free consultation at any of our three conveniently located offices. Telephone our downtown Sacramento office at (916) 444 0440, our south Sacramento office at (916) 399-9944, or our Concord office at (925) 222-5929.