Being a Realtor means you live in a world where your everyday vocabulary sounds like you’re decoding secret military transmissions. The public overhears us tossing around acronyms like MLS, DOM, and CMA — and their guesses about what they mean are often way funnier than the truth.
So, let’s break it down — what the public thinks these terms mean vs. what they really mean.
NAR
What the public thinks it means: “Not A Realtor” or “National Association of Rodents.”
What it really means: National Association of Realtors. Think of it as the giant umbrella over all of us, keeping order so we don’t start calling the coat closet a “fourth bedroom.”
MLS
What the public thinks it means: Major League Soccer.
What it really means: Multiple Listing Service. Basically, Realtor Google… except the fees are higher and it never freezes up during the playoffs.
CMA
What the public thinks it means: Country Music Awards.
What it really means: Comparative Market Analysis. We don’t hand out trophies, but sellers still cry when they hear the results.
FSBO
What the public thinks it means: A money-saving hack.
What it really means: For Sale By Owner — also known as “For Sale But Overpriced” with a homemade yard sign that looks like a school project.
DOM
What the public thinks it means: “Dominating the Market.” Sounds powerful, right?
What it really means: Days On Market. And if your house has 250 DOM, it’s not dominating anything… it’s collecting dust like grandma’s fruitcake.
HOA
What the public thinks it means: Helpful Organization of Angels.
What it really means: Homeowners Association. Aka, the Fun Police. Expect a $75 fine for leaving your Christmas lights up until January 3rd.
POF
What the public thinks it means: Proof of Friendship? Piece of Fudge?
What it really means: Proof of Funds. The magical letter that separates the “just browsing” folks from the people who can actually buy your house.
PITI
What the public thinks it means: Pity, as in “pity my mortgage payment.”
What it really means: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance. Four little words that explain why you’re eating ramen until payday.
FHA
What the public thinks it means: “Free House Assistance.”
What it really means: Federal Housing Administration loan. Great for first-time buyers — but don’t expect free granite countertops.
VA Loan
What the public thinks it means: “Vacation Advance Loan.”
What it really means: Veterans Affairs loan. A well-deserved benefit for those who served — and no, it’s not for funding your spring break trip to Cabo.
ARM
What the public thinks it means: Something attached to your shoulder.
What it really means: Adjustable-Rate Mortgage. A loan that’s friendly now… then surprises you later, like a gremlin fed after midnight.
PMI
What the public thinks it means: “Pretty Much Insane.”
What it really means: Private Mortgage Insurance. The extra payment you make each month just because you didn’t have 20% down — basically the bank’s way of saying, “We don’t trust you yet.”
REO
What the public thinks it means: “REO Speedwagon.” (Yes, people have asked.)
What it really means: Real Estate Owned — aka, bank-owned property. Spoiler: these aren’t the “killer deals” HGTV promised.
ROI
What the public thinks it means: “Really Outrageous Idea.”
What it really means: Return on Investment. The reason your buddy bought a fixer-upper in 2008 and won’t shut up about it.
BPO
What the public thinks it means: “Backstreet’s Pop Off.”
What it really means: Broker Price Opinion. A Realtor’s educated guess on value. Basically, a CMA’s less fancy cousin.
TRR
What the public thinks it means: “Totally Random Repairs.”
What it really means: Treatment, Repair, Replacement. The inspection negotiation stage where buyers ask for the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and your first-born child.
COE
What the public thinks it means: “Certificate of Excellence.”
What it really means: Close of Escrow. The day you finally get the keys… or the day you cry signing away your house.
EMD / EM
What the public thinks it means: “Emergency Medical Department.”
What it really means: Earnest Money Deposit. The buyer’s “I’m serious” money, held hostage until closing.
DPA
What the public thinks it means: “Don’t Panic, Anyone.”
What it really means: Down Payment Assistance. Great program — but don’t confuse it with free money falling from the sky.
LOI
What the public thinks it means: “Lots Of Ink.”
What it really means: Letter of Intent. A fancy way of saying, “Hey, I’m thinking about buying this, but let’s not commit too hard yet.”
Final Thoughts
The real estate world is full of jargon that sounds intimidating, but once you translate it, it’s basically just inside jokes and paperwork. The next time someone says “Real-a-TOR” or tells you that “MLS” stands for soccer, just smile. Because in this business, the misunderstandings are almost as entertaining as the deals themselves.
About The Agency
At The Agency Oklahoma, we cut through the jargon, the acronyms, and the confusion to deliver results — with white-glove service, global reach, and a little bit of humor along the way. Luxury real estate is about more than houses — it’s about connections, strategy, and world-class marketing.
If you’re ready to buy or sell in Oklahoma’s luxury market, call me anytime:
Wyatt Poindexter | The Agency Oklahoma
📞 405-417-5466
🌐 www.WyattPoindexter.com
