REAL ESTATE DICTIONARY

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	O-ring A small rubber ring that provides a water seal in faucets and other plumbing fittings.
	obsolescence Loss in value because a home's design and construction have become obsolete.
	online real estate listings Properties listed for sale on the Internet.
	open house A marketing tool in which a listing agent opens a house to the public for viewing.
	open listing A property given to a number of brokers to market at the same time.
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	open space Undeveloped land or common areas in a planned community reserved for parks, walking paths, or other natural uses.
	option A situation in which a buyer puts down money for the right to purchase a piece of real estate within a set time period but does not have an obligation to buy.
	option listing A listing agreement with a clause that gives the listing broker the right to purchase the property.
	oral agreement Contractual arrangements that are not in writing and are usually not legally binding.
	orange peel A type of wallboard finish with a texture like that of an orange peel.
	oriented-strand board Often abbreviated "OSB," this is a relatively inexpensive manufactured wood panel that, like plywood, is sold typically in a 4-by-8-foot size and used for roof and wall sheathing.
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	original principal balance The amount of principal owed on a loan before a borrower makes any payments.
	origination fee A fee charged by most lenders to cover the direct costs of arranging the loan; also called points. A point is 1 percent of the total loan amount.
	ostensible agency An implied agency relationship not involving a written agreement or documentation.
	outbuilding Any barn, shop, shed, or other structure located on a lot in addition to a house or other main building.
	overflow plate A small plate that covers an outlet near the rim of a sink or tub. If the water is left running, this allows it to drain away to prevent overflows.
	overflow prevention switch A special air-pressure switch in a dehumidifier that turns the unit off when water in the reservoir rises to a certain level.
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	overhang A protruding structural feature.
	overimproved property Property that could not be sold at a price high enough to recoup the costs of improvements.
	owner financing A transaction in which the seller of a property agrees to finance all or part of the purchase.