From NAR to AI, today’s real estate pros need to speak a new language.
This comprehensive acronym decoder breaks down the shorthand shaping contracts, compliance and cutting-edge PropTech, helping agents stay fluent, fast and future-ready.
Real estate’s vocabulary is evolving at lightning speed. Yesterday’s must-know acronym was MLS. Today, it’s AI, API and everything that connects them. Agents who can speak both contracts and code win more listings, serve clients faster and show up where it counts: in search results and AI conversations.
Bookmark this guide for future reference, and use it to stay fluent, build trust and lead the conversation as the business gets smarter, quicker and more connected.
Certifications and accreditations (agent designations)
These letters behind an agent’s name represent more than status: They’re specialized skill sets that elevate trust, expertise and professionalism. Many come from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) or other recognized industry institutions, while others reflect the rapidly growing intersection of technology and real estate.
ABR: Accredited Buyer’s Representative, for agents specializing in buyer representation.
ADUC: Accessory Dwelling Unit Certification, Discover everything from basics about what qualifies as an ADU, all the way to markets, costs, design, build and more.
AHWD: At Home With Diversity, promoting inclusive and culturally competent business practices.
AREA: American Real Estate Association, a fast-growing national trade group focusing on transparency, innovation and giving agents a stronger collective voice in shaping the industry’s future.
ARES: Accessibility Real Estate Specialist, designed to give real estate professionals the knowledge and tools to better serve clients with accessibility needs.
ARM: Accredited Residential Manager, awarded by IREM for residential property management excellence.
BPOR Broker Price Opinion Resource, for agents providing BPOs for lenders and financial institutions.
C2EX: Commitment to Excellence, NAR’s ethics and professionalism endorsement.
CBAE: Certified Buyer Agent Expert, Focused training on negotiation, fiduciary duty and advanced buyer representation techniques.
CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member, the gold standard in commercial and investment real estate.
CIPS: Certified International Property Specialist, for agents handling global and cross-border transactions.
CLHMS: Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, focused on luxury real estate marketing and affluent clientele.
CNE: Certified Negotiation Expert, training in advanced negotiation techniques.
CPM: Certified Property Manager, those who need knowledge that transcends asset class and serves their entire portfolio – whether commercial, residential and/or mixed-use.
CPRES: Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, with expertise in probate and estate transactions.
CPS: Certified Probate Specialist, with expertise in probate and estate transactions.
CRB: Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, for brokers and team leaders in business management.
CRE: Counselor of Real Estate, prominent real estate practitioners recognized for their expertise, experience and ethics in providing advice that influences real estate decisions.
CRETS: Certified Real Estate Teams Specialist. You will have a core knowledge base to streamline operating practices, market and position your team, implement new technologies and manage your bottom line.
CRP: Certified Relocation Professional. This certification highlights your expertise and enhances your professional reputation among clients, colleagues and organizational leaders.
CRS: Certified Residential Specialist, one of the most respected NAR designations in residential sales.
e-PRO: Digital Marketing Certification, teaching agents secure, modern online communication.
GREEN: NAR Green Designation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency.
GRI: Graduate, Realtor Institute, a comprehensive program covering legal, marketing and operational best practices.
LHC: Luxury Homes Certification, including pricing strategies, negotiation tactics and how to stand out from the crowd.
MRP: Military Relocation Professional, serving active-duty and veteran clients navigating relocation.
NAR: National Association of Realtors, a trade association that sets industry standards, enforces a Code of Ethics and provides certifications and designations for its members.
PMN: Performance Management Network, a Women’s Council of Realtors designation focused on leadership and networking.
PSA: Pricing Strategy Advisor, for expertise in pricing and comparative market analysis.
REAIS: The Real Estate AI Specialist is your guide to mastering AI tools, boosting efficiency and building stronger client relationships
RENE: Real Estate Negotiation Expert, training in advanced negotiation techniques.
SFR: Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource, guidance for handling distressed property transactions.
SRES: Senior Real Estate Specialist, helping clients 50+ buy, sell or relocate.
SRS: Seller Representative Specialist, refining strategies for representing sellers.
MLS and listing terms
The MLS is real estate’s central nervous system: The invisible network that powers every listing, showing and sale. These acronyms are the shorthand agents use to track a property’s life from “just listed” to “just sold.”
However, not all MLSs operate under the same rules. Each market sets its own timelines, statuses and standards, so before you click “activate” or “withdraw,” make sure you understand how your local system defines each one.
ACT: Active property is currently listed for sale and accepting offers.
ACT-NS: Active – No Show, property is listed but not available for showings yet.
ACTS: Active – Continue to Show, property is active and still accepting showings while offers may be under review.
AO: Active option, under contract, but buyer retains the option to terminate.
AUC: Auction, property offered for sale via an auction process.
AVM: Automated valuation model, computer-generated estimate of property value
Backup: Status accepting secondary offers after a primary offer has been received.
BOM: Back on market, property returned to active status after a failed or canceled contract.
BRK: Broker, identifies the listing or the cooperating brokerage.
CAN: Canceled, listing withdrawn before its expiration date.
CDOM: Cumulative days on market, the total number of days a property has been listed, including relists or status changes.
CL: Closed listing, transaction completed and recorded.
CLS: Closed sale, property sale has been finalized.
COE: Close of escrow, when the sale closes, and the title officially transfers.
CONTG: Contingent, property under contract with specific conditions (financing, inspection, appraisal, etc.).
CS: Coming soon, shorthand for MLS status used before an active listing.
Delayed Showings: A property listed in MLS but with a defined future date for the first showing, typically to allow preparation or staging.
DOM: Days on market, the number of days a property has been active in the MLS.
EXC: Exclusive, listing marketed only by one brokerage under an exclusive right-to-sell agreement.
EXP: Expired, listing agreement ended without a completed sale.
EXT: Extended listing agreement extended beyond original expiration date.
FSBO: For-sale-by-owner, property marketed and sold directly by the owner without an agent.
Hotsheet: Daily MLS report showing new, sold, price-changed or expired listings.
IDX: Internet data exchange, the feed that allows MLS listings to appear on public websites.
INACT: Inactive, property temporarily unavailable but may return to market.
MLS: Multiple listing service, the shared database connecting brokers and agents across regions.
MLS Grid: Nationwide initiative to standardize MLS data feeds for improved technology integration.
NEW: New listing, property recently entered into the MLS.
NOF: Notice of foreclosure, property scheduled for foreclosure sale.
OBO: Or best offer; seller is open to negotiating the price.
OE: Office exclusive, privately held property marketed off-MLS, typically shared only within a brokerage or network.
Off-Market: Property no longer publicly listed for sale.
OLP: Original list price, initial listing price before any reductions.
OMD: On market date, the date a property was listed as active.
OPN: Open house, a scheduled public showing event for a listed property.
PCH: Price change, listing price adjusted from the original amount.
Pending: All contingencies have been met; the sale is awaiting final closing.
PIW: Property inspection waiver, a lender waiver of a full appraisal inspection when automated valuation conditions are met.
PND: Pending, listing under contract and awaiting closing.
Pocket Listing: Privately held property marketed off-MLS, typically shared only within a brokerage or network.
PRC: Price reduction, recent listing price decrease.
PS: Property status, MLS field that defines the listing stage (Active, Pending, Closed, etc.).
RA: Rented/Active, status used for leased property listings.
REO: Real estate owned, foreclosed property now owned by a lender.
RFS: Remarks for showing, notes visible only to cooperating agents within the MLS.
RNM: Removed from market, listing withdrawn by the seller.
RPR: Realtors Property Resource, NAR-backed property data platform integrated with most MLSs.
SLD: Sold, listing closed and recorded as completed.
SP: Selling price, final sale price recorded at closing.
SPLP: Sale price to list price ratio, the ratio of the sale price to the final list price.
SR: Showing required, property available for showings before accepting offers.
STC: Subject to contingencies, property under contract but awaiting condition resolution.
STS: Subject to sale, property under contract contingent upon the buyer’s successful sale of another property.
TEMP OFF: Temporarily off market, listing removed for short-term reasons (e.g., repairs, holidays).
UC: Under contract, offer accepted and transaction in progress.
UAG: Under agreement, another term for under contract (common in New England).
UCB: Under contract, accepting backup offers, property under contract but open to secondary offers.
UCC: Under contract, continue to show, property under contract, but still allowing showings.
VOW: Virtual office website, a secure client portal providing registered users access to MLS data.
WDN: Withdrawn, listing temporarily removed from the market without being canceled.
Loan and financing acronyms
Money moves the deal, but language makes it possible. The financial side of real estate has its own specialized terminology, including loan types and lender approvals. Understanding these acronyms keeps conversations clear, clients confident and closings on track.
APR: Annual percentage rate, the total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees.
ARM: Adjustable-rate mortgage, a loan with an interest rate that changes after an initial fixed period.
CTC: Clear to close, final lender approval signaling that the file is ready for funding and closing.
DPA: Down payment assistance, financial programs that help buyers cover upfront costs.
DTI: Debt-to-income ratio, measures a borrower’s monthly debt obligations against their income.
DU: Desktop Underwriter, an automated underwriting system used by Fannie Mae to assess loan eligibility.
FHA: Federal Housing Administration loan, government-insured financing allowing lower down payments and flexible credit requirements.
FRM: Fixed-rate mortgage, a loan with an interest rate that remains the same for the entire term.
GFE: Good Faith Estimate, a former standardized disclosure outlining estimated loan costs (now replaced by the Loan Estimate).
HELOC: Home equity line of credit, a revolving credit line secured by the borrower’s home equity.
LTV: Loan-to-value ratio, compares the loan amount to the appraised value of the property.
LP: Loan Prospector, Freddie Mac’s version of automated underwriting.
MIP/PMI: Mortgage insurance premium (FHA) or private mortgage insurance (conventional), required for loans with less than 20 percent down.
PITI: Principal, interest, taxes and insurance, the standard components of a monthly mortgage payment.
USDA: U.S. Department of Agriculture loan, zero-down financing for qualifying rural and suburban homes.
VA: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs loan, a mortgage guaranteed by the VA for eligible service members and veterans.
Transaction-level and contract terms
Every deal tells a story, and these are the words that write it. From the first offer to the final wire, real estate transactions run on a mix of legal, logistical and financial shorthand. Knowing this language helps agents track progress, prevent confusion and keep deals moving smoothly toward the closing table.
ALTA: American Land Title Association sets the standard for title insurance policies and closing forms.
CDA: Compensation Disbursement Authorization, a document instructing escrow or title on how to pay compensation at closing.
COE: Close of escrow, when the transaction officially finalizes and title transfers to the buyer.
DD: Due diligence, a period that allows the buyer to inspect, investigate and review property details before making a final commitment.
DISC: Disclosure, documents that outline known property issues or conditions affecting the sale.
EMD: Earnest money deposit, good faith deposit submitted with an offer to demonstrate serious intent.
FIRPTA: Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, requires tax withholding when a foreign seller sells a property.
GFE: Good Faith Estimate, now replaced by the Loan Estimate (still commonly referenced in transactions).
HOA: Homeowners association documents required for review during due diligence.
HUD-1/CD: Settlement statements, closing forms detailing fees, credits and final payouts.
LBP: Lead-Based Paint Addendum, required disclosure for homes built in 1978 or earlier.
LOI: Letter of intent, preliminary agreement outlining proposed terms before executing a contract (standard in commercial deals).
MLO: Mortgage loan originator, licensed professional who assists buyers in securing financing.
PIW : Property Inspection Waiver, lender grants waiver of appraisal
POF: Proof of funds, documentation verifying the buyer’s ability to cover earnest money or cash-to-close.
PSA: Purchase and Sale Agreement, the core contract outlining terms, price and contingencies.
RES/RESC: Rescission, the cancellation of a contract by mutual agreement or under a contingency clause.
RP: Repair Proposal, a document specifying negotiated repairs or credits following inspections.
SPDS: Seller Property Disclosure Statement, seller-completed form detailing known property defects or conditions.
TA: Transaction agent, neutral licensee facilitating a deal without representing either party (used in some states).
TBD: To be determined, placeholder used in loan and contract documents when final details aren’t yet known.
TC: Transaction coordinator, an administrative professional managing documents and deadlines.
TIL: Truth in Lending, federal disclosure of credit terms and total borrowing cost.
W-9: IRS form used to collect taxpayer identification.
Commercial, land and investment lingo
Where math meets dirt, the language of investors, developers and numbers-driven agents is part finance, part foresight and all about returns. These acronyms define how deals are valued, land is measured, and investment strategies come to life.
1031 Exchange: IRS rule allowing investors to defer capital gains taxes when reinvesting in another like-kind property.
ABS: Absorption rate, the pace at which available properties are sold or leased within a market.
AC: Acres, unit of land measurement equal to 43,560 square feet.
ADR: Average daily rate, common in hospitality properties to measure room revenue.
ARV: After repair value, estimated market value of a property after renovations.
BOMA: Building Owners and Managers Association, sets standards for measuring and managing commercial space.
BTS: Build to suit, custom development for a specific tenant.
CAM: Common area maintenance, shared costs for maintaining common spaces in leased properties.
Cap Rate: Capitalization rate, return based on Net Operating Income divided by property value.
CCIM: Certified Commercial Investment Member, a designation for experts in commercial and investment real estate.
CF: Cash flow, net income after all expenses and debt service.
CofO / CO: Certificate of Occupancy, document issued after inspection confirming a property meets safety and building codes and can be legally occupied.
CPI: Consumer Price Index, an economic indicator often used for rent escalation clauses.
CRE: Commercial real estate, property used for business or investment purposes.
DSCR: Debt service coverage ratio, measures income relative to debt obligations.
ESA: Environmental site assessment, evaluates contamination risks in land or commercial properties.
FF&E: Furniture, fixtures and equipment, movable items included in commercial or hospitality deals.
FMV: Fair market value, estimated value based on current market conditions.
FMR: Fair market rent, rental value based on comparable market data.
GLA: Gross leasable area, total rentable space available to tenants.
GOI: Gross operating income, total income before operating expenses.
GRM: Gross rent multiplier, property value divided by annual gross rental income.
IRR: Internal rate of return, measures overall investment profitability over time.
JV: Joint venture, a partnership between two or more investors or entities.
LTV: Loan-to-value ratio, compares the loan amount to the appraised property value.
MAI: Member, Appraisal Institute, designation for professional commercial appraisers.
MLS: Multiple listing service, a database where listings are shared among agents and brokers (also used in land and commercial sectors).
NNN: Triple net lease, tenant pays taxes, insurance and maintenance in addition to rent.
NOI: Net operating income, total income minus operating expenses (excluding financing).
P&L: Profit and loss statement, summarizes income, expenses and profit for a property or portfolio.
PGI: Potential gross income, total income if all units or spaces were fully leased.
PIW: Property inspection waiver, used in investment lending when an appraisal is not required.
PM: Property management or property manager, responsible for the daily operations of rental properties.
PUD: Planned unit development, mixed-use project combining residential, commercial and public spaces.
REIT: Real estate investment trust, a company owning or financing income-producing properties.
ROI: Return on investment, percentage of profit compared to total investment.
ROW: Right of way, land designated for public or utility access.
SBA: Small Business Administration provides commercial and real estate loan programs for small businesses.
SF: Square foot or square footage, standard unit of area measurement.
SFR: Single-family residence, stand-alone housing unit (also relevant for investors).
TIC: Tenants in common, a shared ownership structure where multiple parties hold undivided interests.
TIF: Tax increment financing, a public financing mechanism supporting redevelopment.
U&O: Use and occupancy permit, authorization for a property to be occupied after inspection.
USF: Usable square footage, the portion of a commercial property a tenant can physically occupy.
VAC: Vacancy rate, percentage of unoccupied units or spaces in a market.
WALT: Weighted average lease term, average remaining duration of tenant leases in a property.
ZIR: Zoning information request, a formal inquiry to confirm land-use permissions.
ZOC: Zoning ordinance code, local zoning classification assigned to a parcel of land.
Proptech, marketing and office tech
Today’s agents are part tech stack, part storyteller. These acronyms define the software, automations and AI tools reshaping how real estate is marketed, managed and measured.
A/B Test: Split test comparing two versions of content (email, ad or page) to see which performs better.
AEO: Answer engine optimization, optimizing content for AI-driven search tools to make it machine-readable and answer-ready.
AI: Artificial intelligence, technology that learns from data to automate or predict tasks.
API: Application programming interface, connects and automates data exchange between software platforms.
API Key: Unique credential used to authenticate API connections between applications.
BOT: Automated software that performs repetitive tasks like chat, scheduling or data collection.
CDP: Customer data platform, consolidates client data from multiple sources for marketing and analytics.
CMS: Content management system, software used to create and manage websites or blogs (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace).
CRM: Customer relationship management, a central database for managing leads, clients and communication.
CRM integration: Sync connecting MLS or lead data to an agent’s CRM.
CTA: Call to action, a prompt that directs users toward engagement or conversion.
CTA Rate (CTR): Click-through rate, percentage of users who click a link or call to action.
Data Feed / Data License: Agreement defining how brokers or vendors can access and use MLS or listing data.
GA4: Google Analytics 4 tracks and analyzes website traffic, engagement and conversions.
GEO: Generative engine optimization, optimizing for how AI systems discover and present online content.
IDX: Internet data exchange enables MLS listings to appear on brokerage or agent websites.
ISA: Inside sales agent, handles lead qualification and appointment setting.
KPI: Key performance indicator, a quantifiable metric tracking business or marketing success.
LMS: Learning Management System, software for hosting, tracking and managing online courses or agent training.
MLS API: Modern data connection allowing MLS information to flow into apps and brokerage systems.
NLP: Natural language processing, a branch of AI that enables computers to understand human language.
PPC: Pay-Per-Click, an online advertising model where advertisers pay each time a user clicks their ad.
Proptech: Property technology, an umbrella term for digital tools improving how real estate is bought, sold, managed or built.
QR: Quick response code, scannable code connecting print or signage to digital content.
RESO: Real Estate Standards Organization sets and maintains MLS and data standards (IDX, RETS, Web API).
RETS: Real Estate Transaction Standard, legacy data feed protocol for MLS integration (replaced mainly by RESO Web API).
ROI: Return on investment, a metric comparing profit to cost for marketing or technology spend.
SaaS: Software as a service, subscription-based software delivered via the cloud.
SEO: Search engine optimization, improving a website’s visibility in search engine results.
SERP: Search engine results page, where SEO rankings appear in search engines.
SMS: Short message service, standard text messaging technology used in marketing and automation.
SSO: Single sign-on, a unified login credential that allows access to multiple connected systems.
UI: User interface, visual design and layout of a digital tool.
UTM: Urchin Tracking Module, code used to track marketing campaign performance across links.
UX: User experience, overall ease and satisfaction when using a digital product.
VA: Virtual assistant, AI or human assistant managing tasks like scheduling, lead follow-up or data entry.
Webhook: Real-time trigger that sends data between connected applications.
Zap: Automation created in Zapier that connects workflows across multiple apps.
Decoding the future
The language of real estate is evolving fast. Where once the most essential acronym was MLS, it may now be AI or API. The next generation of agents will need to be as fluent in technology as they are in contracts.
Understanding these terms isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about leading the conversation as real estate becomes faster, smarter and more connected than ever before.
Holly Brink is the co-founder, COO and managing broker of My Real Estate Company in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois. Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
