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gable

a section of wall that is triangular, is situated at the end of a pitched roof and occupies the space between the two slopes of the roof.

gable decoration

A decorative filigree or panel for a gable.

gable roof

A sloped roof that has a gable at each end.

gag rule

Part of a contract with a builder that prohibits new buyers from publicizing complaints about the builder.

gambrel roof

A two-sided roof that has a double slope on each side with the lower slope having the steeper pitch.

gap

A missing part of the property title document that can cause doubts as to the ownership of the property.

gas valve

A type of faucet or mechanical contrivance that control the flow of gas.

general contractor

The overall contractor who hires the subcontractors and suppliers for a project.

general plan

A long-range plan for land usage.

general-purpose circuit

An electrical circuit that supplies outlets for a number of lights or appliances.

geodesic dome

A structure in the shape of a dome or vault that is constructed of lightweight straight elements forming interlocking polygons.

Georgian style

A style of architecture distinguished by a symmetrical façade, a prominent front entrance, and quoins (decorative blocks of masonry or wood that are set in the corners of a house).

gift

Cash that is given to an individual.

gingerbread decoration

A wood trim that is an intricate, lacy type of design.

girders

The crossbeams that support the floor joists in buildings.

glazed

A window with a glass pane.

glaziers point

A small metal clip that holds a pane of glass in the window frame.

good-faith estimate

A lenders estimate showing the costs a borrower will incur.

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)

An agency that purchases loans from lenders that are backed by the federal government, pools them with other loans and sells shares to investors. Also known as Ginnie Mae.

GPM (graduated-payment mortgage)

A type of mortgage that has monthly payments that start unusually low then gradually rise until the third to fifth year after which they remain fixed.

grace period

The specified amount of time allowed for a borrower to make a late loan payment without incurring a penalty.

grade

The elevation of land above ground level.

grade level

The grade of the surface upon which a building has been built.

Graduate Realtor® Institute (GRI)

A designation that is issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to its members who meet the specified performance and education requirements for residential real estate sales.

graduated-payment mortgage

A type of mortgage that has monthly payments that start unusually low then gradually rise until the third to fifth year after which they remain fixed. Also known as GPM.

granny flat

Slang term for a separate unit within a house, or above a garage.

grantee

An individual who has gained interest in a piece of property.

grantor

The individual who has given the interest in a piece of property to another individual.

Greek Revival style

A style of house that features a pillar-anchored pediment forming a portico at the front of the house.

greenbelt

A park, open space or natural setting situated in a community.

gross income

Total income of a household before taxes.

ground fault circuit interrupter

A device to detect leakage of electrical current into the ground and prevents accidental shock.

ground rent

Money that is paid for the use of a property that is a leasehold estate.

group home

A residential building that is used for unrelated individuals who require special care or supervision.

grout

Mortar that is used to fill the areas between tiles, stone or marble.

growing-equity mortgage

A fixed-rate mortgage that increases the payments over a specified period of time and the extra funds are applied to the principle.

guarantee mortgage

A loan that is guaranteed by a third party.

guaranteed sales program

A program where a real estate brokerage purchases the sellers equity in a property should it not sell during a predetermined period of time.

gutters

Horizontal channels that are installed at the edge of a roof to carry water away from the house.

guy

A cable attached to a structure to guide it or hold it in place.