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.
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is simply defined as any property owned to produce income. This can be just about anything, including: the neighborhood Circle K where you gas up your Prius; the fourplex apartment building next-door; your five-story suburban office building; the car-wash your brother owns and operates; a sleek glass high-rise downtown.