Habendum Clause:
A habendum clause is a clause in a deed or lease that defines the type of interest and rights to be enjoyed by the grantee or lessee. In a deed, a habendum clause usually begins with the words "to have and to hold." Its provisions must agree with those stated in the granting clause.

Hard Cost:
A construction industry term for cost of tangible assets needed to complete construction project.

HELOC:
A HELOC is an acronym standing for Home Equity Line of Credit.

High Ratio Mortgage:
A mortgage where you have a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price. This type of mortgage must be insured to protect the lender against default.

Highest and Best Use:
The use of real property that will support the highest value and will produce the greatest net return over a period of time.

Holdback:
An amount of money withheld by the lender during the progress of construction of a house to ensure that construction is satisfactory at every stage. The amount of holdback is generally equivalent to the estimated cost to complete construction.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Airconditioning):
The mechanical unit or units used for regulating even distribution of heating, ventilating and airconditioning throughout the building. This is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort.