A small rubber ring that provides a water seal in faucets and other
plumbing fittings.
OBLIGEE
One to whom an obligation (promise) is owned.
OBLIGOR
One who legally binds (obligates) oneself, such as the
maker of a promissory note.
Office
of Thrift Supervision (OTS)
The regulatory and supervisory agency for federally chartered
savings institutions. Formally known as the "Federal Home Loan
Bank Board"
One-year
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage whose interest rate
changes yearly. The rate is usually based on movements of a
published index plus a specified margin.
Open house
A marketing tool where 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.
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 Arm Loan
A home loan where the borrower has multiple payment options each
month. Some options include negative amortization.
Option listing
A listing agreement with a clause that gives the listing broker the
right to purchase the property.
ORIGINAL COST
The purchase price of property, paid by the
present owner. The present owner may or may not be the first owner.
Original
principal balance
The amount of principal owed on a loan before a borrower makes any
payments.
Origination
The process of preparing, submitting, and evaluating a loan application; generally includes a credit check, verification of employment, and a property appraisal.
Origination fee
The charge for originating a loan; is usually calculated in the form of points and paid at closing.
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.
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.
Overhang
A protruding structural feature.
Over Improved 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.
OWNER'S POLICY
A policy of title insurance usually insuring an
owner of real estate against loss occasioned by defects in, liens
against or unmarketability of the owner's title.
