Jargon – the language, especially the vocabulary, peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or group.

The real estate industry, like just about every other profession, has a lot of words that are a natural part of the real estate professional’s vocabulary.

Think about it:  NAR, ABR, CRS, SRES, amortization schedule, encumbrance, settlement statement, pre-qualification, pre-approval, origination fee, escrow, clear title. . .

As you read that list, were you confused about any of those terms?  Did you find yourself thinking:  This isn’t “jargon”, they’re just words that relate to the real estate industry or transactions?

If you did, you need to check your use of jargon!  Because that’s just what jargon means – words peculiar to your profession!

The Real Estate Wiki has a Glossary that is divided into sections, for pete’s sake.  There are 3,789 entries in the category of Real Estate Terminology, and 669 entries in a category called Acronyms.  Just think about it!

If you’re using real estate jargon when you talk to or market to prospects, customers or clients - whether it’s in person or in marketing material or a website - you’re losing out.  People won’t be impressed.  And, they won’t take the time to try and figure out what you’re actually saying.

So, the next time you are promoting a Short Sale seminar, ask yourself if your audience knows, or even cares about, what a Short Sale is.

If you’re advertising to people who want to avoid foreclosure, SAY that.  Waxing eloquent about short sales isn’t going to get you the sale!