Real Estate Investor Glossary
Plain-English definitions of every term house flippers and real estate investors need to know. From ARV and LTC to hard money loans and draw schedules — understand the language of investor lending.
16 terms
After Repair Value
See ARV — the estimated market value of a property after all renovations are complete.
ARV (After Repair Value)
The estimated market value of a property after all planned renovations are complete.
As-Is Value
The current market value of a property in its existing condition, before any renovations.
Bridge Loan
Short-term financing used to 'bridge' the gap between buying a new property and selling or refinancing an existing one.
Draw Schedule
A structured plan for disbursing rehab loan funds in installments as renovation work is completed and verified.
Exit Strategy
The plan for how an investor will repay their loan — typically by selling the property or refinancing into long-term debt.
Fix and Flip Loan
A short-term real estate loan designed for investors who buy, renovate, and resell properties for profit.
Hard Money Loan
Asset-based short-term lending secured by real property, typically used by investors who need fast financing without traditional income verification.
Holding Costs
The ongoing expenses an investor incurs while owning a property — including interest, taxes, insurance, and utilities — before it is sold or refinanced.
Loan-to-Cost (LTC)
See LTC — the ratio of the total loan amount to total project cost.
Loan-to-Value (LTV)
See LTV — the ratio of the loan amount to property value (typically ARV for flip loans).
LTC (Loan-to-Cost)
The ratio of the total loan amount to the total project cost (purchase price + rehab budget).
LTV (Loan-to-Value)
The ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the property, expressed as a percentage.
Private Lender
A non-bank lender — typically a fund, specialty finance company, or individual — that provides real estate loans based on property value rather than borrower income.
Purchase Price
The price paid to acquire an investment property, before renovation costs.
Rehab Budget
The estimated total cost to complete all planned renovations on an investment property.
