Buying a home—especially your first—can feel a bit like learning a new language while riding a roller coaster. There’s excitement, confusion, maybe a few panicked Googles... and oh yes, so much jargon.

In today’s market, even finding a home can feel like a full-time job. With a national shortage of about 6.5 million homes (yep, you read that right), and inventory extra tight, the search alone can be a serious challenge. And once you do spot "the one," the price tag may make you blink twice. Interest rates have climbed in recent years, and that means bigger monthly payments—even with a strong down payment.

To top it off, there are more all-cash buyers out there than ever, making competition even fiercer. So yes, it’s a lot.

But don’t worry—you’re not in this alone.

Before you dive into the world of home buying or selling, it helps to speak the language. Below, you’ll find a handy glossary of real estate terms—because understanding the lingo is the first step to feeling confident in the process.

Because let’s be real—terms like “escrow,” “contingency,” and “appraisal gap” don’t exactly explain themselves. But once you know what they mean, you'll feel way more confident navigating the process.

So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s start demystifying the world of real estate—one word at a time.