Accounting

Accelerated Depreciation
Accelerated depreciation is a method for allocating the cost of an asset in a manner that provides greater deductions in the earlier years of the asset's life. This method is advantageous for tax purposes, offering businesses the opportunity to defer tax payments.
Accrual Method
The accrual method is an accounting approach that records income when earned and expenses when incurred, regardless of when cash transactions occur.
Accrued Expense
Accrued expense is a type of cost that has been incurred but not yet paid during an accounting period. These expenses are accounted for on the books until they are paid off.
Balance Sheet
A Balance Sheet is a financial statement that presents the financial position of a company at a specific point in time. It details the company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity, ensuring that the assets are balanced by the sum of liabilities and equity.
Book Cost
Book cost refers to the acquisition cost of property as recorded on accounting statements. It typically includes the purchase price, installation costs, and indirect costs such as interest during construction.
Charge-Off
A charge-off in real estate refers to the portion of principal and interest recognized as a loss when a loan is deemed uncollectible. Lenders resort to charge-offs when they perceive that further collection efforts on a delinquent account will not be fruitful.
Credit
Credit in real estate finance pertains to the availability of borrowed money and the trust extended by lenders to borrowers. It also includes accounting implications, reflecting liabilities or equity on the right side of the ledger.
Debit
In real estate and accounting, a debit refers to an amount that is charged to a party, either in the context of a closing statement or as entries on the left side of a general ledger.
Deferred Charges
Deferred charges refer to nontangible costs that are anticipated to provide value over multiple years. These costs are amortized over the period they are expected to provide value, for accounting or tax purposes.
Depreciation (Accounting)
Depreciation (Accounting) refers to the method of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. It is an accounting technique used to account for the gradual wear and tear, aging, or decrease in the utility of an asset.
Depreciation Methods
Depreciation methods are accounting techniques used to allocate the cost of an asset over its useful life. These methods help businesses recognize the wearing out, aging, or decrease in value of an asset.
Financial Statement
A financial statement is a formal record of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or other entity, revealing the income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity.
Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is a method of depreciation used for income tax purposes in the United States. It allows for the accelerated depreciation of property over specified recovery periods.
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.
Original Cost
The original cost represents the total purchase price initially incurred for acquiring an asset, including any associated acquisition expenses. This figure is essential for various financial calculations and reporting, forming the baseline for depreciation, amortization, or gain and loss assessments.
Tax Representative
A tax representative or tax consultant is a professional who assists individuals and businesses in navigating tax-related matters. These professionals offer guidance on compliance, tax planning, and dispute resolution with tax authorities.
Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI)
USALI is a standardized accounting system used within the hotel industry to ensure consistency in financial reporting, improve financial analysis, and aid management in decision-making processes.
Write-Down
A write-down is an accounting term that describes the reduction in the book value of an asset when its fair market value falls below its carrying value on the balance sheet. This is often recorded to reflect a decrease in the asset's value due to obsolescence, damage, or market conditions.
Write-Off
A write-off is an accounting action where an asset's diminished value is removed from the financial books, reflecting that it is no longer expected to generate economic benefit.

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!

Real Estate Real Estate Investment Real Estate Law Property Management Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Financing Real Estate Development Mortgage Property Valuation Commercial Real Estate Real Estate Appraisal Real Estate Valuation Property Rights Land Use Property Ownership Urban Planning Property Value Real Estate Finance Foreclosure Market Value Real Estate Contracts Depreciation Property Law Interest Rates Construction Estate Planning Lease Agreement Appraisal Investment Financing Mortgage Loans Financial Planning Real Estate Terms Legal Terms Zoning Real Estate Market Rental Income Market Analysis Lease Agreements Housing Market Property Sale Interest Rate Taxation Title Insurance Property Taxes Amortization Eminent Domain Investment Analysis Property Investment Property Tax Property Transfer Risk Management Tenant Rights Mortgages Residential Property Architecture Investments Contract Law Land Development Loans Property Development Default Condemnation Finance Income Tax Property Purchase Homeownership Leasing Operating Expenses Inheritance Legal Documents Real Estate Metrics Residential Real Estate Home Loans Real Estate Ownership Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Affordable Housing Cash Flow Closing Costs Collateral Net Operating Income Real Estate Loans Real Property Asset Management Infrastructure Mortgage Loan Property Appraisal Real Estate Investing Urban Development Building Codes Insurance Loan Repayment Mortgage Payments Real Estate Broker Shopping Centers Tax Deductions Creditworthiness Mortgage Insurance Property Assessment Real Estate Transaction