The term “real estate” is first recorded in the 1660s, so we find its etymological origins in Early Modern English. The word “real” is derived from Latin, meaning existing, actual, or genuine. The word “estate” is an English translation of the Old French word “estat,” meaning status.

On Lake Martin, Realty and Real Estate are the 2 most common industry terms you will see in company names. These terms are interchangeable and mean the same thing. Real Estate Agent and REALTOR® are other commonly used industry terms, but do not mean the same thing.

The term “real estate” or “real property” means the land plus anything growing on it, attached to it or erected on it, including man-made objects, such as buildings, structures, roads, sewers, and fences, but excluding anything that may be removed from the land without injury to the land.

Realty is property in the form of land and buildings, rather than personal possessions.