After-acquired Title
Doctrine by which the title of real estate, previously unsuccessfully transferred because of lack of possession by grantor, automatically passes to the buyer upon acquisition by the grantor and is based on the acquisition of title by estoppel.

After-completion Costs
Expenditures incurred after the completion of a building.

Agency
The relationship between two people or entities where one is a principal and the other is an agent representing the principal in activities with other parties, such as a real estate agent buying or selling for a client.

Agency Closing
The use of a Title company or another firm to complete a loan.

Agent
Anyone who has the authority to act on the behalf of another, representing the business interests of that person.

Amortization
The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan by installments.

Amortization Schedule
A timetable for payment of a mortgage loan. An amortization schedule shows the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and shows the remaining balance after each payment is made.

Amortization Tables
Mathematical tables used to calculate a monthly payment on a loan.

Amortization term
The amount of time required to amortize the mortgage loan. The amortization term is expressed as a number of months. For example, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 360 months.

Amortize
To repay a mortgage with regular payments that cover both principal and interest.

Amortized Mortgage
Mortgage where the interest and principal have been fully repaid by the mortgagee.

Apartment Building
A structure with individual apartment units and a common entrance and hallway.

Apartment House
Multi-family housing complex of rental apartments managed by the property owner or a resident manager.

Appraisal
A written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. Contrast with home inspection.

Approval
A confirmation of an amount able to be borrowed by an individual, based upon assessment of his ability to repay said loan. Alternatively, an authorization obtained from governmental authorities for a building project to proceed.