NAEP - National Association of Environmental Professionals
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is a professional association dedicated to advancing the field of environmental protection by promoting a community of environmental professionals who maintain high standards of practice.
NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)
The NAHB is a trade association that represents the interests and concerns of home builders, developers, contractors, and related professionals within the residential construction industry in the United States.
NAIFA (National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers)
The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) is a professional organization that represents fee appraisers in the real estate industry. It aims to promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and competency among its members.
NAIOP - National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
NAIOP, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, is a commercial real estate development association that provides advocacy, networking, and education to its members.
NAR - National Association of Realtors (NAR)
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a prominent trade association in the United States that represents real estate practitioners involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
NARA/MU: National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters
The National Association of Review Appraisers and Mortgage Underwriters (NARA/MU) is a professional organization that provides certification, training, and support for individuals involved in property appraisal and mortgage underwriting. Membership in NARA/MU signifies a dedication to the highest standards of professional practice and ethics in the real estate appraisal and mortgage underwriting industries.
NAREIM - National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers
NAREIM provides members the opportunity to exchange best practices, share strategic insights, and address challenges in managing real estate investments. The organization focuses on enhancing the expertise and professionalism of its members through various forums, research, and networking opportunities.
NAREIT (National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts)
NAREIT is the preeminent organization that represents and advocates for real estate investment trusts (REITs) and publicly traded real estate companies in the United States. It plays a crucial role in education, advocacy, and research to promote the growth and understanding of REITs.
Narrative Report Appraisal
A Narrative Report Appraisal provides a comprehensive and detailed examination of property value using expository and descriptive paragraphs, unlike more structured formats such as forms, letters, or tables.
National Apartment Association (NAA)
The National Apartment Association (NAA) is a trusted organization that advocates for the rental housing industry, providing services, education, and standards for industry professionals.
National Apartment Association (NAA)
The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as an advocate, resource, and essential figure in the multifamily housing industry, providing industry-specific education, best practices, and valuable resources for apartment rental stakeholders.
National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
The National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE) is a professional society in the United States that represents engineers and architects who specialize in building inspection and consultation services. NABIE sets standards for building inspection professionals, provides educational resources, and promotes ethical practice in the field.
National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE)
The National Association of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE) is a professional organization associated with the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), focusing on the enhancement and qualification of licensed engineers and architects in the field of building inspection.
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is a multidisciplinary association dedicated to the advancement of environmental professions through education, networking, and certification programs. It serves as a forum for state-of-the-art information on environmental planning, research, and management, and provides a network of professional contacts across various sectors.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is an organization of home builders that provides educational resources, political information, and research services. It also publishes a monthly magazine called Builder.
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) advocates for adequate and affordable housing, contributing to strong and viable communities, especially for low and moderate-income Americans.
National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA)
The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA) is an organization that includes real estate appraisers who pursue various professional designations to certify their expertise and competence in the field.
National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) is a leading trade association established in 1967, encompassing over 7,000 members who are developers, owners, investors, and related professionals in the industrial and office real estate sectors.
National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA)
The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA) is a professional organization dedicated to maintaining high standards in the practice of real estate appraisal. NAREA provides education, certification, and professional support to individuals in the appraisal industry.
National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA)
The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA) is a professional organization dedicated to standardizing and enhancing the practice of real estate appraisals through education, certification, and advocacy.
National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is an organization dedicated to enhancing the professional and business interests of minority real estate brokers and advocating for the rights of underserved communities.
National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) is an organization mainly comprised of minority real estate salespersons and brokers who are referred to as 'REALTISTS'. The association seeks to enhance the real estate business with a focus on fairness and equal opportunity.
National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE)
The National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE) is a prestigious organization that brings together journalists, editors, and communicators covering various aspects of the real estate industry including residential, commercial, and green building sectors.
National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE)
The National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE) is a professional association for writers, editors, columnists, authors, and communication professionals covering both residential and commercial real estate.
National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT)
The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) is a trade association that represents the interests of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and publicly traded real estate companies. NAREIT provides data on REIT performance, industry definitions, and serves as an advocate for the real estate investment industry.
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a professional association dedicated to promoting professionalism, ethics, and standards in real estate activities. With over 1.3 million members, the NAR is a prominent organization within the real estate industry.
National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF)
The National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) is an organization that collects historical data on various institutional-grade property types, sorted by geographic areas. It publishes data on income and value changes, and its index, often cited as the benchmark for institutional real estate performance, is known as the Russell-NCREIF Real Estate Performance Report.
National Decision Systems (NDS)
National Decision Systems (NDS), now known as Claritas, is a data company that provides demographic and psychographic information used for geographic segmentation and market analysis.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a program created by the U.S. Congress in 1968 through the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The NFIP's aims are to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.
National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)
An organization that provides leadership for the apartment industry on legislative and regulatory matters, advances research and the exchange of strategic business information, and promotes the desirability of apartment living.
National Real Estate Investors Association (NaREIA)
The National Real Estate Investors Association (NaREIA) provides a nationwide network for real estate investors, offering resources such as educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy for investor-friendly legislation.
National Society of Real Estate Appraisers (NSREA)
The National Society of Real Estate Appraisers (NSREA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers that offers professional designations such as RA, CRA, and MREA. The organization is dedicated to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and ethics in the field of real estate appraisals.
National Tenant
A national tenant is a lessee with a presence across many or most of the United States. These entities are typically well-known and have better credit compared to local tenants, making them desirable for commercial property owners and lenders.
Natural Attenuation
Natural Attenuation is a passive method of remediating contaminated property through natural processes such as biological degradation, chemical stabilization, dilution, evaporation, and natural sorption.
Natural Vacancy Rate
The Natural Vacancy Rate is the average vacancy rate for a rental property market that balances supply and demand, serving as a long-term benchmark to evaluate whether current vacancy rates are high or low.
NCREIF: National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries
The National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) is an association that provides performance and analytics information for real estate investment markets, aiming to enhance fiduciary standards in real estate investments.
Necessity
Necessity, often referred to as Public Purpose, encompasses the concept that certain conditions justify governmental actions, such as expropriations, to serve the broader needs of the community.
Negative Amortization
Negative amortization refers to an increase in a loan's outstanding balance due to periodic debt service payments being insufficient to cover the required interest charges. This generally occurs with indexed loans where the interest rate can be adjusted without altering the monthly payment amount.
Negative Cash Flow
Negative cash flow occurs when an income-generating property allows more expenses than revenue within a given period, causing the property owner to cover the shortfall from other investments or personal savings.
Negative Leverage
Negative leverage, also known as reverse leverage, occurs when the cost of borrowing exceeds the income generated by an investment, resulting in a lower overall return.
Negotiable Instrument
A negotiable instrument is a signed document containing a promise to pay a specified sum of money to a designated person or assignee, transferable from one person to another.
Negotiation in Real Estate
Negotiation in real estate refers to the process of bargaining between two or more parties, typically a buyer and seller, aiming to reach a mutually agreeable contract. The successful negotiation results in the formation of a legally binding contract detailing the terms and conditions under which the sale or purchase will proceed.
Neighborhood
A neighborhood is a district or locality characterized by similar or compatible land uses. They often have identifiable place names and boundaries composed of major streets, barriers, or abrupt changes in land use.
Neighborhood Life Cycle
The neighborhood life cycle represents the generalized pattern of physical and social changes that residential areas undergo over time. This cycle can be influenced by various factors including economic conditions, demographic shifts, and policy interventions.
Neighborhood Shopping Center
A neighborhood shopping center is a type of retail property designed to provide convenience shopping for the day-to-day needs of consumers in the neighborhood. It typically offers a mix of convenience-oriented stores and services.
Net Absorption
Net Absorption measures the amount of newly occupied space in a given period minus the space vacated or put back on the market during that same period, providing key insights into market demand and occupancy trends.
Net Income
In accounting, the term 'Net Income' refers to the amount remaining after all expenses have been deducted from total revenue. It is a key measure of profitability and is also known as the bottom line. In appraisal, net income can often be termed as net operating income, and in personal finance, it refers to an individual's take-home pay after all taxes and deductions have been subtracted.
Net Income Before Recapture
Net Income Before Recapture, also referred to as Net Operating Income (NOI), represents a real estate property's revenue minus all operating expenses, excluding income taxes and financing costs. It provides a useful metric for real estate investors to gauge a property’s profitability and investment potential before tax considerations and possible recapture of depreciation.
Net Income Multiplier
The Net Income Multiplier (NIM) is a valuation metric used to estimate a property's market value based on its Net Operating Income (NOI). It provides investors with a quick method to gauge the return on investment and compare property values within a specific market or region.
Net Land
Net Land refers to the usable land area remaining after accounting for non-usable portions, such as floodplains, wetlands, or other environmentally restricted zones. This concept is crucial for property valuation and development planning.
Net Leasable Area (NLA)
Net Leasable Area (NLA) refers to the total floor space within a building that is available for rent to tenants, excluding common areas such as hallways, elevators, and mechanical rooms. NLA is a crucial metric for property owners and investors to determine the rentable value of a commercial real estate property.
Net Leasable Area (NLA)
Net Leasable Area (NLA) represents the precise space within a commercial property that can be rented to tenants. It is a critical metric for landlords and investors when estimating potential rental income.
Net Lease
A Net Lease is a type of lease agreement where the tenant agrees to pay not only the base rent but also additional costs associated with the property, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This arrangement ensures that the landlord's rent receipt is 'net' of these expenses.
Net Listing
A net listing is a type of real estate agreement where the broker's commission is the surplus amount over an agreed-upon net price to the seller. This arrangement is illegal in some states due to potential conflicts of interest.
Net Operating Income (NOI)
Net Operating Income (NOI) is a crucial metric in real estate investment that measures the profitability of a property or business after subtracting operating expenses but before interest and tax deductions. It serves as an indicator of the financial health and performance of income-generating real estate.
Net Operating Income (NOI)
Net Operating Income (NOI) is a key performance metric used to evaluate the profitability of income-generating real estate assets. It represents the income produced by a property after deducting all operating expenses but before accounting for taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization.
Net Present Value (NPV)
Net Present Value (NPV) is a method of determining whether the expected performance of a proposed investment promises to be adequate by calculating the present value of expected future cash flows minus the initial investment cost.
Net Present Value (NPV)
Net Present Value (NPV) is a crucial financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. By assessing the present value of expected future cash flows, NPV helps investors and businesses make informed decisions.
Net Proceeds from Resale
Net proceeds from resale refer to the amount a seller receives from the sale of a property after all costs and expenses associated with the sale have been deducted. It is important to calculate these net proceeds as they determine the actual financial benefit the seller gains from the property sale.
Net Realizable Value (NRV)
Net Realizable Value (NRV) is the estimated selling price of a property in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion and selling expenses. It is a crucial concept particularly in inventory and financial accounting, where it's used to ensure assets are not overstated in financial statements.
Net Rentable Area (NRA)
Net Rentable Area (NRA) refers to the usable space available for lease to tenants in a commercial property, excluding certain areas such as common areas, elevator shafts, and emergency stairwells. This metric is essential for determining the true income potential of a property.
Net Spendable Income
Net Spendable Income, also known as After-Tax Cash Flow, refers to the actual cash flow available to an investor after accounting for all operating expenses, debt service, and taxes.
Net Worth
Net worth is a financial metric that provides a snapshot of an individual's financial health at a specific point in time. It represents the difference between total assets and total liabilities.
Net Yield
Net Yield refers to the return on an investment after subtracting all expenses associated with the investment.
New England Colonial
New England Colonial refers to an early-American-style, 2½-story boxlike house that is generally symmetrical, square, or rectangular with side or rear wings. These homes typically use narrow clapboard siding and feature gable roofs covered with shingles.
New England Farmhouse
An early-American-style house that is simple and box-shaped. The traditional material for the exterior siding is white clapboard. A steep pitched roof is used to shed heavy snow.
New London, City of L
A landmark 5–4 Supreme Court decision in 2005 affirming the constitutionality of a condemnation of land for the economic development of the town. The case, known as Kelo v. City of New London, sparked significant changes in eminent domain laws across various states.
New Town
A New Town is a large mixed-use development designed to provide residences, general shopping, services, and employment, with the basic concept being to construct a community in a previously undeveloped area under a central plan to avoid unplanned development.
NINJA Loan
A NINJA loan is a type of secured loan given to borrowers with no income, no job, and no assets. These loans carry high risk for lenders and were popular during the mid-2000s credit bubble, partly because lenders anticipated rising real estate values.
NO BID
A decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay the guaranteed amount to the lender rather than acquiring the property in foreclosure when a guaranteed loan goes into default. This typically occurs when the property's value has declined significantly.
No Money Down
A real estate acquisition strategy where buyers use minimal or no cash down payments, often relying on seller financing, existing loan assumption, or other creative financing methods to achieve maximum leverage.
No-Documentation Loan
A No-Documentation (No-Doc) loan is a mortgage loan wherein the borrower is not required to provide standard forms of documentation, such as proof of income, employment, or assets to secure approval.
Nominal Loan Rate
The nominal loan rate, also known as the face interest rate, is the percentage of interest charged by the lender on the loan's outstanding principal balance. It does not account for inflation or other complex variables such as fees or compounding.
Nominee
A nominee is an individual or entity acting on behalf of another person for specific purposes, generally to hold property rights temporarily.
Nominee Loan
A nominee loan is a fraudulent loan obtained by concealing the real borrower's identity and substituting it with another person's name and credit rating.
Non-Traded REIT
A Non-Traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is an investment vehicle that offers the tax benefits of a REIT while maintaining privately-held features similar to a limited partnership.
Nonassumption Clause
A nonassumption clause, also known as a due-on-sale clause, is a clause in a mortgage contract that prevents the transfer of the mortgage terms to another borrower in the event of a sale. This clause is used to protect lenders from the potential risks of new borrowers who might be less creditworthy than the original borrower.
Nonconforming (Land) Use
Nonconforming land use refers to a property use that does not comply with current zoning laws but is allowed to continue because its use began before the zoning restrictions were enacted or changed.
Nonconforming Loan
A nonconforming loan is a loan that does not meet the standards of, or is too large to be purchased by, Fannie Mae (FNMA) or Freddie Mac (FHLMC).
Nondisturbance Clause
A nondisturbance clause in a real estate contract ensures that a tenant's lease will continue even if the property owner faces foreclosure, or that surface development will not be impeded by subsurface mineral rights.
Nonexclusive Listing
A nonexclusive listing allows multiple real estate agents to market a property simultaneously. This gives the property owner the flexibility to sell through any agent and pays commission only to the agent who successfully sells the property.
Nonfriable
In the context of real estate and building materials, nonfriable typically refers to materials, specifically asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), that are in good condition and do not easily crumble to release fibers when handled.
Nonjudicial Foreclosure
Nonjudicial foreclosure is a process used in certain states that allows lenders to sell a property directly without court involvement. This method is typically faster and less expensive.
Nonperforming Loan
A nonperforming loan (NPL) is a loan for which the borrower is not making interest payments or repaying any principal. This typically occurs when payments are more than 90 days past due or the maturity date has already passed without full repayment.
Nonrecourse
Nonrecourse financing refers to loans secured by collateral, typically real estate, where the lender's ability to recover the debt is limited to the proceeds from the sale of that collateral alone, with no further recourse to the borrower's other assets.
Normal Wear and Tear Physical Depreciation
Normal wear and tear physical depreciation refers to the gradual loss of a property's value due to usage and aging, which includes minor damages, material degradation, and obsolescence occurring under normal usage conditions.
Notarize
Notarize refers to the act of a notary public witnessing the signing of a document and attesting to the authenticity of the signature. This process provides legal assurances that the signature is legitimate.
Notary Public
A notary public is an official, authorized to perform certain legal formalities, including witnessing signatures on documents, to deter fraud and ensure proper execution of important paperwork.
Note
A Note is a financial instrument that acknowledges a debt and provides a promise to pay. It often accompanies a mortgage, pledging property as security for the debt.
Notice
Notice in real estate refers to the official communication of a legal action or one’s intent to take an action. It serves to inform individuals or parties of important legal actions or changes regarding property and tenancy.
Notice of Completion
A legal notice filed after the completion of construction that signals the time frame during which an unpaid contractor can legally file a mechanic’s lien.
Notice of Default
A Notice of Default is a formal notification sent to a borrower or a tenant indicating that they have failed to make the required payments or comply with the terms of a loan or lease agreement. It often includes details on the grace period provided to cure the default and the penalties that will be applied if the default is not resolved.
Notice to Quit
A Notice to Quit is a formal, written notification issued to a tenant to vacate rented property by a specified date. It is commonly used by landlords when the lease expires or the tenant violates the rental agreement.
Notorious Possession
Notorious Possession is the open, obvious, and well-known occupation or use of property, which one of the criteria required for establishing adverse possession. This kind of possession is typically one where the possessor's use of the property is visible to onlookers and could be perceived by neighbors and passersby as ownership of the property.
Novation
Novation is a three-party agreement that releases one party from a contract and substitutes another party. It is also the substitution of one contract for another, with acceptance by all parties.
NPI (National Property Index)
The NPI, or National Property Index, is a property performance index maintained by the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF).

Real Estate Lexicon

With over 3,000 definitions (and 30,000 Quizes!), our Lexicon of Real Estate Terms equips buyers, sellers, and professionals with the knowledge needed to thrive in the real estate market. Empower your journey today!

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