If you’ve been combing through real estate listings shopping for your first house, chances are good you got confused trying to decipher some of the abbreviations in the listing. BICC? FSBO? HWF? How are you supposed to know those abbreviations mean the home has hardwood floors and built-in China cabinets, and that it’s for sale by owner?!

Real estate listings 101

Real estate companies use abbreviations in listings because there’s so much detailed information that needs to fit into a limited space. It may not be a problem if you’ve bought a house before and understand the terms, but it can be frustrating for first-time homebuyers. Fortunately, if you use abbreviations when texting, you’re halfway to understanding the way the shorthand works for real estate jargon. Once you learn some of the different real estate terms, deciphering the abbreviations becomes easier.

Breaking down the abbreviations and terms

AEK – All-electric kitchen BA – Bathroom BICC – Built-in China cabinets BR – Bedroom D/D – Dishwasher/garbage disposal DK – Deck DR – Dining room EIK – Eat-in kitchen (table fits in kitchen) FB – Full bath (toilet, sink & tub/shower)

FLR – Formal living room FP – Fireplace FSBO – For sale by owner HB – Half bath (toilet & sink) HOA – Homeowners association HWF – Hardwood floors KIT – Kitchen MB – Master bedroom (also PB for primary bedroom) SFR – Single-family residence    W/D – Washer/dryer

You may need to read between the lines.

In addition to abbreviations, listings can have certain descriptive words that can sometimes have dual meanings. For example, cozy can be another word for small. Agents aren’t trying to deceive you; they’re just putting their best marketing foot forward by giving the home a positive spin.  

By being aware of potential dual-purpose words in the listing, you can better manage your expectations before you get a chance to actually see the house in person at a showing.  

Here are some terms you may see in real estate listings, along with what they could mean:

• As-is – Something needs to be fixed and the seller isn’t paying for it 
• Classic/traditional – Older, possibly with original details 
• Cottage – Adorable but small  
• Fixer-upper – Offered at a lower price because it needs repairs/updating 
• Good bones – Needs reno/repair but can be returned to its original glory 
• Hidden gem – Good potential, but get out your tools/money to unearth its shine  
• Move-in ready – Nice enough until there’s time to make changes that reflect your taste   
• Make your own – Watch out for hideous wallpaper; cosmetic changes definitely needed
• Original details –  Nothing’s been touched in decades, i.e., drafty old windows, or there are beautiful architectural features like tiles, light fixtures, archways or built-ins 
• Priced to sell – Seller is being reasonable; wants to move on quickly (divorce? job transfer?)  
• Rustic – Lots of woodwork or poorly maintained 
• Starter home – Traditionally a smaller, lower-priced home that you may grow out of  
• TLC – Needs work/money before you’ll love it   
• Turnkey – No repairs needed; has neutral décor  
• Unique, quirky, one of a kind – Something is a little weird 
• Up & coming neighborhood – May be in an area where new homebuyers are investing in lower-priced homes and fixing them up
• Vintage – Could have cool, retro details or dated elements you’ll want to replace 

Hopefully, knowing how to read a real estate listing will help you feel more confident in your home search and soon you’ll be texting your friends: 
“OMG! Bought a 🏠 🔑! 3 BR 2 BA FLR with FP 🔥. LMK when we can 🥂! “