Dec 05

Stop Mispronouncing These Real Estate Words!

Stop Mispronouncing These Real Estate Words!

 

Stop Mispronouncing These Real Estate Words!

Stop Mispronouncing These Real Estate Words!

Several real estate words – particularly surrounding design and architecture – are frequently mispronounced or misused. Make sure you don’t look like an amateur by saying them incorrectly too.

Linguists say when selling pricier homes, you may be even more likely to say a word incorrectly because of the more sophisticated descriptions and less familiar terms that are often required.

“A house is about elegance,” says Geoffrey Nunberg, a linguist who teaches at the School of Information at the University of California, Berkeley. “It’s as much about prestige as it is about need.” As such, he says it’s “never a bad idea” to use words that flatter the taste of clients, but just make sure you use them correctly.

Many words in architecture and design derive from other languages like Italian, French, German, and Latin. The Wall Street Journal recently broke down the proper pronunciation of some of the most commonly misused words in real estate, including:

  • Dais: DAY-is, not DIE-is … it’s a low platform or stage.
  • Chattel: CHAT-el, not SHAT-tel …  a personal possession.
  • Cachet: Cash-AY, not cash or cash-et … it’s respected, prestigious.
  • Feng shui: fung shway, not feng shwee … Chinese philosophy of organization.
  • Porte cochère: port-co-CHER, not port coach-er … a covered entrance that allows cars to pass through.
  • Banquette: bang-KET … an upholstered bench.
  • Bona fide: bone-uh fide or sometimes bone-ah-FEE-dey … genuine.
  • Chaise longue: shezz lawng, not chase lounge … a chair with lengthened legrest.
  • Clerestory: CLAIR-stor-ee, not clear-story … a raised section of roof with small windows.
  • Foyer: FOY-yer, or sometimes fwa-yay … the entry area of a home.
  • Ipe: EE-pay … a type of hardwood.
  • Realtor: REEL-tor … a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.
  • Wainscoting: WAYNE-scot-ing or WAYNE-skutting … wood paneling on the lower part of a wall.

See more commonly mispronounced or misused real estate words at The Wall Street Journal.

Source: “You’re Saying It Wrong: Design Words That Will Trip You Up,” The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 23, 2016)

admin

For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both.

Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary.

Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that “perfect” property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently.

When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting – or exceeding – his clients’ expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame.

For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania… call Anthony DiDonato.