Resources

In an effort to be as efficient as possible, most real estate listings have abbreviated terms for features in an apartment. Below are helpful definitions of the most frequently used terms.

4B/2B

Four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Bedroom usually means a sleeping area with a window and a closet, but the definition may vary in different places.

Full bathroom

Is a room with a toilet, a sink and a bathtub.

Three-quarter bathroom

Has a toilet, a sink and a shower.

Half-bathroom or powder room

Has only a toilet and a sink.

Balc

Balcony

Classic 6

The term ‘classic’ generally refers to a prewar apartment building and the number 6 to the number of rooms. In other words, a classic six is a prewar apartment with six rooms: living room, formal dining room, kitchen, plus two full sized bedrooms, and a smaller third bedroom typically referred to as the maid's room.

Classic 7

A prewar apartment with seven full rooms (one additional full sized bedroom more than a classic six)

Classic 8

A prewar apartment with eight full rooms (two additional full sized bedrooms more than a classic six)

Cookie Cutter

A real estate term for a congenial apartment found in most modern buildings.

DCRFPL

Decorative fireplace (non functional)

DK

Deck

DRMN

Doorman

DUP

Duplex

D/W

Dishwasher

F2C

Floor to ceiling windows.

FDR

Formal dining room

Fixture

Anything of value that is permanently attached to or a part of real property. (Real estate legally is called real property, while movables are called personal property). Examples of fixtures include, installed wall-to-wall carpeting, light fixtures, window coverings, landscaping and so on. Fixtures are a frequent subject of buyer and seller disputes. When in doubt, get it in writing.

FRBO

For rent by owner

FRPLC, FPLC, FP

Fireplace

Galley Kitchen

A full kitchen in which there are two sides, and one would walk through the center

GAR

Garage

GARD

Garden

GUAR

Guarantor

GRMET KIT

Gourmet kitchen

HDW, HWF, HDWD

Hard Wood floors

HI CEIL

High ceilings

JR1

A studio apartment with a sleeping alcove

JR4

A one bedroom apartment with a separate dining room or dining alcove

NR BST SCHLS

Near best schools

Pass Thru

Pass through window in kitchen to dining room or living room (typically found in galley kitchens)

P.T. DRMN

Part-time doorman

Pullman Kitchen

A once popular method of space saving, it resembles a closet at first glance. Behind the doors, are two burners, a small sink and usually, a mini refrigerator.

PWDR RM

Powder room or half bath

Terrace

A private outdoor space, typically larger than your everyday balcony.

Tri

Triplex

UPR

Upper Floor

VW, VU, VWS, VUS

View(s)

WALL OK

Pressurized walls are permissible for conversion

WBRFPLC

Wood burning fireplace

W/D

Washer/Dryer