Guide to Real Estate Terms

To spare others from dashed hopes, shattered dreams, and tired feet, here is a guide to familiar real-estate ad phrases:

• Charming - Tiny. Snow White might fit, but five of the dwarfs would have to find their own place. See "Cute," "Enchanting," and "Good Starter Home."
• Much Potential - Grim. Steer clear unless you have a lot of money and believe your blind dates really did have nice personalities. See "Ready to Rehab," and "Fixer Upper."
• Unique City Home - Used to be a warehouse.
• Hi-Tech/Contemporary - Lots of steel shelving with little holes - the kind your dad used to store tools on in the basement.
• Daring Design - Still a warehouse.
• Completely Updated - Avocado dishwasher and harvest gold carpeting or vice versa.
• Sophisticated - Black walls and no windows. See "Architect's Delight."
• One-Of-A-Kind - Ugly as sin.
• Brilliant Concept - Do you really need a two-story live oak in your 30-foot sky dome? See "Makes Dramatic Statement."
• Upper Bracket - If you have to ask . . .
• You'll Love It - No, you won't.
• Must See To Believe - An absolutely accurate statement.