What do all of those real estate acronyms in the ads mean?
 
If you find yourself stumbling over weird acronyms in a real estate listing, don't be alarmed. There is method to the madness of this shorthand (which is mostly adopted by agents trying to fit as much info as possible into a small space). However, differant parts of the Country have differant names and/or abbreviations. Here are some abbreviations and the meanings for things you may see here in SW Florida.

* ac - air conditioning. Under ac means that area has air conditioning.
* all assm paid -- all assessments on this property are paid
* assm or assum -- to assume something. Such as assumable financing. It could also reference assessments - see below. 
* assm or assessm -- assessments. Usually an amount of money that is paid monthly, quarterly or yearly. Assessments are typically from the City, County or condo or homeowner's association - HOA. Assessments are a big issue in Cape Coral Florida. See BTA below.
* amen - amenities. This community has many nice amen for a very low fee.
* bd or brm - bedroom. MBD or mast bed - master bedroom.
* bta -- buyer to assume. Typically used for the buyer to assume remaining assessment or service contract. You will see this a lot in Cape Coral Florida where they are installing central water, sewer and irrigation. Those assessments are typically assumed by the buyer. When you sell, you can have that buyer assume them from the previous owner. 
* caged - typically means it is a higher framed in screened area. Caged is typically seen as a: caged below ground pool area or a caged back porch area.
* cath ceil - cathedral ceiling - such as, home has cathdral or vaulted ceiling.
* cbs -- concrete block construction
* community laund - community laundry - does not have private laundry area.  
* dk -- deck
* dec - This could be deck or decorative depending on use. Nice dec lighting. 
* din -- dining. You may see formal dining or family dining with this description.
* ga or gar -- garage (garden is usually abbreviated "gard")
* exp - exposure. Home has a sunny southern exp.
* 55+ is a deed restricted community for those 55+.
* fam -- family. Typically seen - fm rm for family room or growing fam. Family friendly means the community is not a 55+ community.
* FDR or Form Din -- formal dining room (not the former president)
* fenc or fnc - fence. Back yard is prv fen. Back yard is privacy fenced.
* frplc, fplc, FP -- fireplace
* frm or fram -- frame ( wood ) construction
* frnt - front. Home has a high frnt entry.
* grmet kit -- gourmet kitchen
* gulf acc or gulf access - Here is SWFL, that typically means the property has access to The Gulf of Mexico. There is a difference between Gulf and Golf.
* Golf - Typically means the property is on or has access to golfing.
* HDW, HWF, Hdwd -- hardwood floors
* HOA - Home Owners Association
* hi ceils -- high ceilings
* I-75 - Interstate I-75 and US41 are some of the main roads here in SWFL.
* In-law potential -- potential for a separate apartment. Sometimes, local zoning codes restrict rentals of such units so be sure the conversion is legal first.
* inside laund - inside laundry area. Some laundry areas here are in the garage or carport. That could be an import issue when searching for a home.
* lanai - No, it is not pronounced lanny. A lanai is the same thing as a porch.
* lsd pkg. -- leased parking area, may come with an additional cost
* lo dues -- find out just how low these homeowner's dues really are, and in comparison to what?
* liv -- living. Typically seen for living area or living room. 
* Liv/Din - a living room and dining room combination area.
* month-to-month typically means the property is rented monthly with no lease.
* nr beach - near the beach
* pool bath - a bathroom with a exterior door to the pool area or back yard.
* pvt -- private
* pwdr rm -- powder room, or half-bath
* rm - room.
* scrn - screened.
* SWFL - Southwest Florida.
* sky light or sky-lite - A high window or window in the roof for added lighting.
* sqft - square feet feet. sqft liv = square feet of living area. Living area is for the area that is under ac and heat.
* Total Area or Total Sqft -- is the total size of the home - which includes areas that are not under ac or heat - such as the garage or back porch.