What does "equity" mean in real estate?

Equity in real estate specifically refers to the difference between the market value of a property and the outstanding balance owed on any mortgages or liens against that property. This concept is fundamental because it represents the owner's actual financial interest in the property. For example, if a property is valued at $300,000 and the remaining mortgage amount is $200,000, the equity in the property would be $100,000. This equity can be accessed by homeowners through various means, such as selling the home or obtaining a home equity loan.

The other options do not accurately define equity. The total value of a property without liabilities encompasses the full market value but doesn't reflect the owner's stake. The amount of money required to close on a property relates to transaction costs and is not connected to equity. Lastly, the price a property was last sold for does not provide insight into the current equity situation, as it does not account for any outstanding mortgage balances that impact the owner's actual equity. Thus, defining equity accurately is crucial for understanding one’s financial position in real estate.