Balloon, or bullet, loan: A loan with a maturity that is shorter than the amortization period

Balloon risk: The risk that a borrower will not be able to make a balloon (lump sum) payment at maturity due to a lack of funding

Bankrupt: The state of an entity that is unable to repay its debts as they become due

Bankruptcy: Proceedings under federal statutes to relieve a debtor who is unable or unwilling to pay its debts. After addressing certain priorities and exemptions, the bankrupt entity's property and other assets are distributed by the court to creditors as full satisfaction for the debt.

Base principal balance: The original mortgage amount adjusted for subsequent fundings and principal payments without regard to accrued interest or other unpaid debt

Base rent: A set amount used as a minimum rent with provisions for increasing the rent over the term of the lease

Base year: Actual taxes and operating expenses for a specified year, most often the year in which a lease commences

Basis point: 1/100 of 1 percent

Below-grade: Any structure or portion of a structure located underground or below the surface grade of the surrounding land

Beneficiary: An employee covered by an employee benefit plan

Beta: A quantitative measure of the volatility of a given stock, mutual fund, or portfolio, relative to the overall market, usually the S&P 500. Specifically, the performance the stock, fund or portfolio has experienced in the last 5 years as the S&P moved 1% up or down. A beta above 1 is more volatile than the overall market, while a beta below 1 is less volatile.

Bid: An offer, stated as a price or spread, to buy whole loans or securities

Blind pool: A commingled fund accepting investor capital without prior specification of property assets

Book value: Also referred to as common shareholder's equity, this is the total shareholder's equity as of the most recent quarterly balance sheet minus preferred stock and redeemable preferred stock.

Broker: A person who acts as an intermediary between two or more parties in connection with a transaction

Buildable acres: The area of land that is available to be built on after subtracting for roads, setbacks, anticipated open spaces and areas unsuitable for construction

Building code: The various laws set forth by the ruling municipality as to the end use of a certain piece of property. They dictate the criteria for design, materials and types of improvements allowed.

Building standard plus allowance: The landlord lists, in detail, the building standard materials and costs necessary to make the premises suitable for occupancy. A negotiated allowance is then provided for the tenant to customize or upgrade materials.

Build-out: Space improvements put in place per the tenant's specifications. Takes into consideration the amount of tenant finish allowance provided for in the lease agreement.

Build-to-suit: A method of leasing property whereby the developer/landlord builds to a tenant's specifications