Sources & Editorial Standards

Real Estate Dictionary is a reference site, so accuracy matters more than anything else. This page explains where our information comes from, how definitions are checked, and which authoritative sources we rely on. If a definition and a primary source ever disagree, the primary source wins.

How definitions are checked

Every entry is written in plain language and then checked against established real estate practice before it is published. Our process includes:

• Mortgage and closing terms. Definitions for loans, the Loan Estimate, the Closing Disclosure, TRID rules, and consumer protections are cross-checked against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal agency that oversees consumer mortgage rules.
• Housing programs and fair housing. Terms tied to FHA loans, federal housing programs, and fair housing law are checked against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Tax treatment. Terms such as capital gains, the 1031 exchange, depreciation, and the mortgage interest deduction are checked against guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• Legal terminology. Definitions for deeds, easements, titles, and other property-law terms follow the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School.

Authoritative references we rely on

These are the primary, freely accessible sources behind our entries. We link directly to many of them from individual term pages so you can read the underlying material yourself.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — federal housing programs, fair housing, and FHA lending.
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — mortgages, closing costs, the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, and consumer protection.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — the tax treatment of real estate, including capital gains, 1031 exchanges, and depreciation.
• National Association of Realtors (NAR) — industry practice and the Realtor Code of Ethics.
• American Land Title Association (ALTA) — title insurance and settlement standards.
• Appraisal Institute — valuation and appraisal standards, including USPAP.
• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — conventional loan guidelines and definitions.
• Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School — property law, deeds, easements, and legal terms.

We write for a general US audience of home buyers and sellers, agents, investors, license-exam students, and the curious. Real estate practice, law, and taxes vary by state and by local jurisdiction, so we note where specifics can differ.

What we are, and what we are not

Real Estate Dictionary is an educational reference. Our definitions are written to help you understand and use a term correctly. They are not legal, tax, financial, or investment advice, and they are not a substitute for a licensed professional. Real estate law and taxes vary by state and change over time. For any real decision, always consult a licensed attorney, agent, lender, appraiser, or tax professional about your specific situation.

Corrections and feedback

We would rather be corrected than be wrong. If you find an error, an outdated rule, or an unclear explanation, please tell us. We read every message and update entries when needed, and we note when an entry was last reviewed.