Real Estate Glossary

Choose the first letter of a word to find the page where a term is located.  If the term you are looking for is not listed, please email your request to us and we will research your question and find a definition for you.

WAINSCOTING - The covering of an interior wall with wood from the floor to a point approximately half way to the ceiling.

WAVE - To knowingly abandon, give up, surrender, or relinquish a right, claim, or benefit.

WAVER - to relinquish a right.  A subcontractor's waver of their mechanic's lien rights in order for the owner (usually a builder) to obtain draws under a construction loan.

WARM AIR HEATING SYSTEM - Hot air or forced hot air heating system.  Describes a system where the air is heated in a furnace an is circulated through ducts.  Enables the addition of central air conditioning where as a forced hot water system may not.

WARRANT - To legally assure that title conveyed is good and that possession will be undisturbed.

WARRANTY - A legal, binding promise given at the time of sale whereby the seller gives the buyer certain assurances as to the condition of the property being sold.

WARRANTY DEED - A deed used in may states to convey fee title to real property.

WATERFRONT - Property fronting on a body or water.

WATER HOLDING CAPACITY - The amount of water a given type and amount of soil will absorb and hold under normal conditions.  The amount is expressed as a percentage of the soil's own weight when dry.

WATER TABLE - The depth measured from the surface to where natural underground water as found.

WEAR AND TEAR - The deterioration or loss in value caused by the normal and reasonable use of the property.  In leases, the tenant is not usually responsible for normal wear and tear.

WEATHERING - The deterioration of the exterior of a structure caused by exposure to weather.

WEATHER-STRIPPING - Strips of metal or felt, etc. installed between a window or door and its casing to keep out wind, moisture and other elements of weather.

WEEP HOLE - Small hole in a retaining wall where it is necessary to drain off excess water to avoid pressure build-up.

WELL - A hole or shaft dug into the ground to obtain water, gas, oil, etc.

WILD INTEREST - An interest of record which cannot be traced in the chain of title.  Often caused when an incorrect legal description appears in a document.  A woman could obtain title under her maiden name and sell under her married name leaving no clear chain of ownership.

WINDBREAK - Any natural or artificial structure which shelters by breaking the force of wind.

WINDOW SILL - The bottom framing member of a window casing.

WITHOUT RECOURSE - A finance term.  A mortgage or deed of trust securing a note without recourse allows the lender to look only to the property as security.

WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION - Buildings in which the walls, roof and floors are constructed of wood.  The exterior covering may be of any material such as stucco, brick etc.

WRAP-AROUND MORTGAGE - A loan in which a new loan is added to the existing first mortgage loan.

WRIT OF EXECUTION - A writ to carry out a judgment or decree of the court.

WYTHE - A partition in a chimney which contains more than one flue, separating the flues.