The word gerbil is a diminutive form of  jerboa , though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar ecological niche.
A variance is a form of equitable relief that allows a property owner to bypass local zoning laws so they can use their land in the most efficient manner possible. When unusual circumstances make it difficult for a property owner to comply with local zoning laws, cities and counties may grant what are known as variances to allow property owners to circumvent the traditional zoning laws in an area.
Almost every real estate market has certain areas that are referred to as transitional areas. A transitional area can also be referred to as an area of gentrification or an area of revitalization. It is in these areas that the real estate market is experiencing changes. The changes that are being experienced are changes for the better. Transitional areas often times start off as a depressed area.