How to Buy a Home - Step 7: Real Estate Terms & Definitions

A real estate expert breaks down the confusing language of real estate so you can finally understand what lenders, agents, and lawyers are talking about. From pre-qualification to escrow, this episode is your cheat sheet to translating homebuying jargon into plain English.

If you’ve ever felt like everyone in the homebuying process was speaking another language, this episode will be your turning point.

David Sidoni, host of How to Buy a Home, demystifies the industry’s most misunderstood terms — helping first-time buyers move from “What does that even mean?” to “Got it. Let’s do this.”

Listeners learn the real difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved, what “escrow” actually means (and how it can mean ten different things depending on where you live), and why understanding your loan type matters more than you think.

David also explains how the words “accepted offer” don’t always mean you’ve sealed the deal — and how regional differences in terms like “under contract” or “option period” can trip you up if you don’t know what to expect.

By the end, you’ll understand all the acronyms (DTI, FHA, VA, LTV, CMA, and more) that once made your head spin, and you’ll feel confident speaking the language of homeownership.

This episode isn’t just about memorizing terms — it’s about empowerment. Understanding the vocabulary means understanding the process, and that’s how you stop feeling like an outsider and start acting like a confident future homeowner.

“There’s a colossal difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved — and knowing that difference can make or break your homebuying plan.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved — why it’s more than just paperwork.
• What escrow actually means (and why real estate pros use it like the word “aloha”).
• Loan lingo decoded: conventional, jumbo, fixed, variable, VA, FHA, and USDA.
• The truth about “accepted offers” — why it doesn’t always mean you’ve got the house.
• Regional term differences that confuse first-time buyers — “under contract” vs. “in escrow.”
• Common acronyms explained: DTI, LTV, FHA, VA, CMA, ARM, and more.
• Why understanding this language gives you real control over your homebuying journey.

Referenced Episodes

• Episode 94: Starts the Terms & Definitions Series

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David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything fro