Common Real Estate Terms in Alberta

Navigating real estate can be challenging, which is why we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary of common terms. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the industry, our list will help you feel more confident and informed!

A

Assessed Value

Value set by municipalities for property tax purposes.

Associate/Agent

Real estate professional registered in Alberta to facilitate transactions.

Assumable Mortgage

Mortgage that can be taken over by the buyer.

Attached Goods

Items attached to property that are considered fixtures and belong to the buyer.

B

C

Capital Improvement

An enhancement or addition to a structure that boosts the property's value.

Capitalization Rate

The expected rate of return on a real estate investment calculated from its anticipated income.

Caveat Emptor

A principle meaning "let the buyer beware," signifying that the buyer accepts the associated risks.

Certificate of Charge

Document indicating a mortgage or lien on a property.

Certificate of Compliance

Stamp stating improvements meet local building bylaws.

Certificate of Title

Document showing legal property ownership.

Cessation of Charge

Process of removing a mortgage or lien from title.

Chain of Title

The historical record of ownership transfers for a property.

Chattel Mortgage

A type of loan secured by personal property used as collateral.

Chattels

Movable personal property not fixed to real estate.

Client

An individual represented by an associate to whom fiduciary duties are owed.

Clear Title

Title free of liens or legal claims.

Closing Costs

Additional expenses incurred during the property transaction.

CMHC

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, which provides mortgage loan insurance.

Commission

Amount agreed for brokerage services, paid at closing.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Technique for determining property value based on sales data.

Completion Day

Day legal and financial obligations are fulfilled and title is transferred.

Condition Precedent

Condition that must be fulfilled for a contract to be binding.

Condominium Ownership

A type of shared ownership in a property governed by strata title.

Conventional Mortgage

Mortgage representing 75% or less of property value, without insurance.

Conveyance

The procedure for transferring ownership title from the seller to the buyer.

Counter Offer

Seller's response to a buyer's offer altering terms.

D

E

Easement

A legal right to utilize another person's land for designated purposes.

Encroachment Agreement

Agreement allowing an encroachment to remain.

Equity

Value of ownership interest in property.

Escrow Account

Account holding funds until transaction completion.

Encroachment

Intrusion onto adjacent property.

Encumbrance

A legal claim on a property, including liens or easements.

Escheat

Process of unclaimed property reverting to the state.

Estoppel Certificate

Statement of a condominium unit's financial and legal status.

F

Feasibility Analysis

An evaluation of the economic viability of a real estate project.

Fee Simple

Complete form of property ownership.

Fee Simple Estate

Ownership with rights subject only to government restrictions.

Fiduciary Duty(ies)

Legal duties of associates to their clients.

First Mortgage

Primary security registered on a property.

Foreclosure

Process where lender takes possession of a property due to non-payment.

G

Gross Debt Service (GDS) Ratio

Housing costs relative to income, ideally not exceeding 30%.

Gross Rent Multiplier

Ratio of property price to gross rental income.

Gross Income

Total income generated by a property before expenses.

Guarantor

An individual who agrees to take responsibility for another person's debt in the event of a default.

H

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J

L

Mortgagee

Lender in a mortgage agreement.

Mortgagor

Property owner borrowing money through a mortgage.

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System):

Cooperative selling system for real estate listings.

M

N

Negative Cash Flow

Occurs when property expenses exceed income generated.

Net Operating Income

Total income from a property minus operating expenses (excluding financing costs).

Non-Recourse Loan

A loan in which the borrower’s liability is limited to the collateral, usually the property securing the loan.

O

Obligatory Advance

A lender’s commitment to provide a loan or advance as agreed.

Open Mortgage

A mortgage that can be prepaid or renegotiated anytime without penalties.

Open vs. Closed Mortgage

An "open" mortgage allows penalty-free repayments; a "closed" mortgage has restrictions.

Option Agreement

A contract allowing the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell a property at a specified price within a set timeframe.

Organized Real Estate:

Refers to groups like CREA, AREA, and local boards that set standards and practices in real estate.

Owner

The individual or entity holding the title to a property.

P

R

Rate (Interest)

The return lenders receive for providing mortgage funds.

Refinancing

Obtaining a new mortgage, usually at a lower rate, to replace an existing mortgage.

Real Property Report

A legal outline detailing property boundaries and improvements (previously called the Surveyor's Certificate).

Rights of Way

Indicated on title for utilities or municipal use, prohibiting permanent structures.

REALTOR.ca

A platform featuring property listings and consumer information from real estate boards across Canada.

Real Estate Board

A non-profit organization supporting local real estate brokers, managing the MLS® system, and providing education.

REALTORS® Association of Edmonton

A professional association representing over 3,100 members in the Edmonton area, enforcing ethical standards and providing education.

REALTOR®

A trademark representing real estate professionals who belong to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), signifying their commitment to service, competence, and ethical standards.

S

Second Mortgage

Additional financing secured by the property, usually at a higher interest rate.

Secondary Financing

Mortgages beyond the first mortgage, secured by the property.

Seller’s Associate / Seller's Agent

Represents the seller in a transaction, with primary allegiance to them.

Seller’s Market

A market with fewer properties for sale, favoring sellers in negotiations.

Single Agency

The practice of representing either the buyer or the seller in a transaction, but not both.

Statements of Adjustments

Closing statements detailing the sources and final amounts in a transaction.

T

U

Unattached Goods

Moveable personal property included in the sale (also known as chattels).

Underwriting

The process of assessing the risk of lending based on the borrower’s creditworthiness and property value

V

Vacancy Rate

The percentage of unoccupied rental units in a property at a given time.

Variable-rate Mortgage

A mortgage with fixed payments but an interest rate that fluctuates with market rates.

W
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