Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads Even More Definitions

Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads Even More Definitions

If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here are explanations and definitions for more terms.

Living Room & Family Room

When a home has both a living room and a family room, we know which is which. It used to be that when an ad mentioned a family room, we could assume it also had a living room. Now some builders are building houses with something akin to the first use of Great Room above and calling it the Family Room on the floor plan. Thus houses and their terminology seem to be evolving. I suppose in the new builder speak we should just think of the room as an informal family living room.

Patio & Terrace

Both are outdoor living areas paved with something like slate or brick. A patio is level with the ground around it. A terrace has adjoining areas of ground which are higher, or lower, or perhaps both.

Solarium, Sun Room, Florida Room

These terms are used to describe rooms with lots of windows (often on three sides). Many times these areas also have skylights. The choice of...