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Sale-leaseback

A technique in which a seller deeds property to a buyer for a consideration, and the buyer simultaneously leases the property back to the seller.

Second mortgage

A mortgage that has a lien position subordinate to the first mortgage.

Secondary market

The buying and selling of existing mortgages, usually as part of a "pool" of mortgages.

Secured loan

A loan that is backed by collateral

Security

The property that will be pledged as collateral for a loan.

Security deposit

A payment required by a landlord to ensure that a tenant pays rent on time and keeps the rental unit in good condition. If the tenant damages the property or leaves owing rent, the landlord can use the security deposit to cover what the tenant owes.

Seller carry-back

An agreement in which the owner of a property provides financing, often in combination with an assumable mortgage.

Servicer

An organization that collects principal and interest payments from borrowers and manages borrowers’ escrow accounts. The servicer often services mortgages that have been purchased by an investor in the secondary mortgage market.

Servicing

The collection of mortgage payments from borrowers and related responsibilities of a loan servicer.

Single-family home

A free-standing, residential structure, designed to accommodate one family.

Subdivision

A housing development that is created by dividing a tract of land into individual lots for sale or lease.

Subordinate financing

Any mortgage or other lien that has a priority that is lower than that of the first mortgage.

Survey

A drawing or map showing the precise legal boundaries of a property, the location of improvements, easements, rights of way, encroachments, and other physical features.

Sweat equity

Contribution to the construction or rehabilitation of a property in the form of labor or services rather than cash.

Glossary by Run Digital