Real Estate Glossary

Letter K

KameA small mound or hill composed of stratified glacial deposits.

Keene's CementAn unusually tough and durable gypsum plaster to which alum has been added. Used primarily for walls of commercial buildings.

KeeperA term seldom used in the United States. A custodian of a building or grounds.

Kelp-ShoreThe shore between the high and low water marks.

Keogh PlanA retirement plan whereby a self-employed person may set aside a certain portion of income (tax deferred) into a retirement account. The money is taxable upon withdrawal at retirement when the person's tax bracket is often lower.

Kerf(1) A notch or slit made by a saw. (2) The width of the cut of a saw blade.

Key Lot(1) A strategically located lot, adding to its value. (2) A lot adjoining a corner lot at its rear property line with frontage on the secondary street. Also called a Butt Lot.

Keyman InsuranceInsurance through loss (through death or disability) of a "key" (important) person in a company. The liability is the estimated cost of the loss (in business lost, and replacement of the individual). Some lenders require this insurance before lending to small companies which rely on one or a few "key" people.

KeystoneThe piece, usually wedge shaped, at the top of an arch.

Key TenantSee: Prime Tenant.

KickbackA term generally used to describe an illegal rebate. See: Rebate.

KickbacksPaying part of the proceeds of a sale to another party that helped secure the sale, but is unlicensed.

KickerSee: Participation.

Kick PlateA metal or plastic strip, placed at the lower edge of a door or on a riser of a step to protect it from damage by accidental kicking.

Kiln(1) An oven which reaches high temperatures for baking ceramics or bricks. (2) A room or shed through which warm, dry air is circulated to dry lumber.

KiloOne thousand; a prefix (kilometer - 1000 meters; kilogram - 1000 grams).

Kilogram1000 grams (2.204 pounds).

Kilometer1000 meters. See also: Meter (1).

Kilovolt1000 volts.

Kilowatt1000 watts.

Kilowatt Hours1000 watt-hours.

KinThose related by blood.

KioskAn open pavilion such as a bandstand or newsstand. Used to describe the structures in the open areas of malls that sell specialty items.

Kip1000 pounds. Formed by combining the words kilo and pound.

Kite WinderThe steps at the curvature of a circular stairway, which are triangular, or kite-shaped.

Knock DownAny parts of a building which can be easily assembled, installed, or removed, such as certain types of window frames, partitions, etc.

KnollA small rounded hill.

Knot(1) The hard, irregular shaped defects in boards, caused by cutting at the point where the branch of the tree meets the trunk. (2) A measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (approximately 6,076 ft.) per hour.