real estate 2

The interest or value that an owner has in property over and above any indebtedness.

The gradual wearing away of land by water, wind and general weather conditions; the diminishing of property by the elements.

The reversion of property to the state or county, as provided by state
law, in cases where a decedent dies intestate without heirs capable of
inheriting, or when the property is abandoned.

The closing of a transaction through a third party called an escrow
agent, or escrowee, who receives certain funds and documents to be
delivered upon the performance of certain conditions outlined in the
escrow instructions.

The trust account established by a broker under the provisions of the
license law for the purpose of holding funds on behalf of the broker's
principal or some other person until the consummation or termination of a
transaction.

The tenancy of a lessee who lawfully comes into possession of a
landlord's real estate but who continues to occupy the premises
improperly after his or her lease rights have expired.

An estate that gives the lessee the right to possession until the estate
is terminated by either party; the term of this estate is indefinite.

An interest for a certain, exact period of time in property leased for a specified consideration.

An interest in leased property that continues from period to period, week to week, month to month or year to year.

The degree, quantity, nature and extent of interest a person has in real property.

Federal taxes on a decedent's real and personal property.

Method of creating an agency relationship in which someone states
incorrectly that another person is his or her agent, and a third person
relies on that representation.

A document in which a borrower certifies the amount owed on a mortgage loan and the rate of interest.

A legal process to oust a person from possession of real estate.

Proof of ownership of property;
commonly a certificate of title, an abstract of title with lawyer's
opinion, title insurance or a Torrens registration certificate.

A transaction in which all or part of the consideration is the transfer
of like-kind property (such as real estate for real estate).

A listing contract under which the owner appoints a real estate broker
as his or her exclusive agent for a designated period of time to sell
the property, on the owner's stated terms, for a commission. The owner
reserves the right to sell without paying anyone a commission if he or
she sells to a prospect who has not been introduced or claimed by the
broker.

A listing contract under which the owner appoints a real estate broker
as his or her exclusive agent for a designated period of time, to sell
the property on the owner's stated terms, and agrees to pay the broker a
commission when the property is sold, whether by the broker, the owner
or another broker.

A contract in which all parties have fulfilled their promises and thus performed the contract.

The signing and delivery of an instrument. Also, a legal order directing
an official to enforce a judgment against the property of a debtor.

A contract under which something remains to be done by one or more of the parties.

An oral or written contract in which the parties state the contract's terms and express their intentions in words.

Reduction in a property's value caused by outside factors (those that are off the property).

The federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on race,
color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status and national origin.

An agency of the federal government that provides credit assistance to farmers and other individuals who live in rural areas.

An independent federal agency that insures the deposits in commercial banks.

A corporation established to purchase primarily conventional mortgage loans in the secondary mortgage market.

A quasi-government agency established to purchase any kind of mortgage
loans in the secondary mortgage market from the primary lenders.

The country's central banking system, which is responsible for the
nation's monetary policy by regulating the supply of money and interest
rates.

The maximum possible estate or right of ownership of real property, continuing forever.

A system of ownership usually associated with pre-colonial England, in
which the king or other sovereign is the source of all rights. The right
to possess real property was granted by the sovereign to an individual
as a life estate only.

A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration and made by an approved lender in accordance with the FHA's regulations.

A legal procedure whereby property used as security for a debt is sold
to satisfy the debt in the event of default in payment of the mortgage
note or default of other terms in the mortgage document. The foreclosure
procedure brings the rights of all parties to a conclusion and passes
the title in the mortgaged property to either the holder of the mortgage
or a third party who may purchase the realty at the foreclosure sale,
free of all encumbrances affecting the property subsequent to the
mortgage.

Deception intended to cause a person to give up property or a lawful right

An interest in land which permits the owner to enjoy possession of real estate during his life without interference from others.

The measurement of a parcel of land by the number of feet of street or road frontage.

A loss of value to an improvement to real estate arising from functional problems, often caused by age or poor design.

A person's present right to an interest in real property that will not
result in possession or enjoyment until some time in the future, such as
a reversion or right of reentry.

One who is authorized by a principal to represent the principal in a specific range of matters.

The right of a creditor to have all of a debtor's property-both real and personal-sold to satisfy a debt.

A deed in which the grantor fully warrants good clear title to the
premises. Used in most real estate deed transfers, a general warranty
deed offers the greatest protection of any deed.

A government agency that plays an important role in the secondary
mortgage market. It sells mortgage-backed securities that are backed by
pools of FHA and VA loans.

A system established in 1785 by the federal government, providing for
surveying and describing land by reference to principal meridians and
base lines.

A person who receives a conveyance of real property from a grantor.

Words in a deed of conveyance that state the grantor's intention to
convey the property at the present time. This clause is generally worded
as "convey and warrant," "grant," "grant, bargain and sell" or the
like.

The person transferring title to or an interest in real property to a grantee

A property lease in which the landlord agrees to pay all expenses which are normally associated with ownership.

a ratio that uses total rents and the sales price. It is used to provide a rough estimate of value.

may also be called a Land Lease and refers to an agreement in which only the land is rented.

The possible use of a property that would produce the greatest net income and thereby develop the highest value.

It refers to the tenant/landlord situation when a tenant
of real estate continues to occupy the property after the expiration of a
lease.

A loan (sometimes called a line of credit) under which a property owner
uses his or her residence as collateral and can then draw funds up to a
prearranged amount against the property.

A standardized package insurance policy that covers a residential real
estate owner against financial loss from fire, theft, public liability
and other common risks.

Land that is owned and occupied as the family home. In many states a
portion of the area or value of this land is protected or exempt from
judgments for debts

To pledge property as security for an obligation or loan without giving up possession of it.

A contract under which the agreement of the parties is demonstrated by their acts and conduct.

An implied contract is one in which some of the terms are not expressed in writing.

(1) Any structure, usually privately owned, erected on a site to enhance
the value of the property for example, building a fence or a
driveway. (2) A publicly owned structure added to or benefiting land,
such as a curb, sidewalk, street or sewer.

one of three methods appraisers use to establish property values.

Someone who is retained to perform a certain act but who is subject to
the control and direction of another only as to the end result and not
as to the way in which the act is performed. Unlike an employee, an
independent contractor pays for all expenses and social security and
income taxes and receives no employee benefits. Most real estate
salespeople are independent contractors.

A contract for the sale of real estate whereby the purchase price is
paid in periodic installments by the purchaser, who is in possession of
the property even though title is retained by the seller until a future
date, which may be not until final payment. Also called a contract for
deed or articles of agreement for warranty deed.

A transaction in which the sales price is paid in two or more
installments over two or more years. If the sale meets certain
requirements, a taxpayer can postpone reporting such income until future
years by paying tax each year only on the proceeds received that year.

A charge made by a lender for the use of money.

A short-term loan usually made during the construction phase of a
building project (in this case often referred to as a construction
loan).

The condition of a property owner who dies without leaving a valid will.
Title to the property will pass to the decedent's heirs as provided in
the state law of descent.

Money directed toward the purchase, improvement and development of an asset in expectation of income or profits.

A lien placed on property without the consent of the property owner.

Ownership of real estate between two or more parties who have been named
in one conveyance as joint tenants. Upon the death of a joint tenant,
the decedent's interest passes to the surviving joint tenant or tenants
by the right of survivorship.

The formal decision of a court upon the respective rights and claims of
the parties to an action or suit. After it has been entered and
recorded with the county recorder, it usually becomes a general lien on
the property of the defendant

An obligation, such as a second mortgage, that is subordinate in right or lien priority to an existing lien on the same realty.

is an Agreement made and entered into by parties for the
disposition of land and shall be binding upon each of the parties.

A written or oral contract between a landlord (the lessor) and a tenant
(the lessee) that transfers the right to exclusive possession and use of
the landlord's real property to the lessee for a specified period of
time and for a stated consideration (rent). By state law ______for
longer than a certain period of time (generally one year) must be in
writing to be enforceable.

an ownership interest in land in which a lessee or
a tenant holds real property by some form of title (usually a lease
accompanied by the payment of rent) from a lessor or landlord.

A lease under which the tenant has the right to purchase the property either during the lease term or at its end.

The purchase of real property, the consummation of which is preceded by a
lease, usually long-term. Typically done for tax or financing purposes.

A description of a specific parcel of real estate complete enough for an independent surveyor to locate and identify it.

People who are recognized by law as being able to contract with others; those of legal age and sound mind.

The use of borrowed money to finance an investment.

(1) A privilege or right granted to a person by a state to operate as a
real estate broker or salesperson. (2) The revocable permission for a
temporary use of land--a personal right that cannot be sold.

A right given by law to certain creditors to have their debts paid out
of the property of a defaulting debtor, usually by means of a court
sale.

An interest in real or personal property that is limited in duration to
the lifetime of its owner or some other designated person or persons.

A person in possession of a life estate.

An amount predetermined by the parties to a contract as the total
compensation to an injured party should the other party breach the
contract.

The ability to sell an asset and convert it into cash, at a price close to its true value, in a short period of time.

A recorded legal document giving constructive notice that an action
affecting a particular property has been filed in either a state or a
federal court.

The broker in a multiple-listing situation from whose office a listing
agreement is initiated, as opposed to the cooperating broker, from whose
office negotiations leading up to a sale are initiated. The listing
broker and the cooperating broker may be the same person.

(1) A landowner's claim to use water in large navigable lakes and oceans
adjacent to his or her property. (2) The ownership rights to land
bordering these bodies of water up to the high-water mark.

A fee charged to the borrower by the lender for making a mortgage loan.
The fee is usually computed as a percentage of the loan amount.

The relationship between the amount of the mortgage loan and the value of the real estate being pledged as collateral.

A method of describing real property that identifies a parcel of land
by reference to lot and block numbers within a subdivision. as specified
on a recorded subdivision plat.

A contract between the owner of income property and a management firm or
individual property manager that outlines the scope of the manager's
authority.

Good or clear title, reasonably free from the risk of litigation over possible defects.

The most probable price property would bring in an arm's-length transaction under normal conditions on the open market.

A comprehensive plan to guide the long-term physical development of a particular area

A statutory lien created in favor of contractors, laborers and
material-men who have performed work or furnished materials in the
erection or repair of a building.

One of a set of imaginary lines running north and south and crossing a
base line at a definite point, used in the rectangular (government)
survey system of property description.

A legal description of a parcel of land that begins at a well-marked
point and follows the boundaries, using directions and distances around
the tract, back to the place of beginning.

One-tenth of one cent. Some states use a mill rate to compute real
estate taxes; for example, a rate of 52 mills would be $0.052 tax for
each dollar of assessed valuation of a property.

Someone who has not reached the age of majority and therefore does not have legal capacity to transfer title to real property.

A periodic tenancy under which the tenant rents for one month at a
time. In the absence of a rental agreement (oral or written) a tenancy
is generally considered to be month to month.

A fixed natural or artificial object used to establish real estate boundaries for a metes-and-bounds description.

A conditional transfer or pledge of real estate as security for the
payment of a debt. Also, the document creating a mortgage lien.

Mortgage loan companies that originate, service and sell loans to investors.

An agent of a lender who brings the lender and borrower together. The broker receives a fee for this service.

A lender in a mortgage loan transaction

A lien or charge on the property of a mortgagor that secures the underlying debt obligations.

A borrower in a mortgage loan transaction.

A marketing organization composed of member brokers who agree to share
their listing agreements with one another in the hope of procuring
ready, willing and able buyers for their properties more quickly than
they could on their own. Most multiple-listing services accept
exclusive-right-to-sell or exclusive agency listings from their member
brokers

A written promise or order to pay a specific sum of money that may be
transferred by endorsement or delivery. The transferee then has the
original payee's right to payment.

A lease requiring the tenant to pay not only rent but also costs
incurred in maintaining the property, including taxes, insurance,
utilities and repairs.

A listing based on the net price the seller will receive if the property
is sold. Under a net listing the broker can offer the property for sale
at the highest price obtainable to increase the commission. This type
of listing is illegal in many states.

The income projected for an income-producing property after deducting losses for vacancy and collection and operating expenses.

A use of property that is permitted to continue after a zoning ordinance prohibiting it has been established for the area.

A lack of uniformity; dissimilarity. Because no two parcels of land
are exactly alike, real estate is said to be non-homogeneous.

Substituting a new obligation for an old one or substituting new parties to an existing obligation.

The loss of value due to factors that are outmoded or less useful. It may be functional or economic.

A permit issued by the appropriate local governing body to establish
that the property is suitable for habitation by meeting certain safety
and health standards.

Two essential components of a valid contract; a "meeting of the minds."

A mortgage loan that is expandable by increments up to a maximum dollar
amount, the full loan being secured by the same original mortgage.

A listing contract under which the broker's commission is contingent on
the broker's producing a ready, willing and able buyer before the
property is sold by the seller or another broker.

An agreement to keep open for a set period an offer to sell or purchase property.

A form of implied agency relationship created by the actions of the
parties involved rather than by written agreement or document.

A real estate loan used to finance the purchase of both real property
and personal property, such as in the purchase of a new home that
includes carpeting, window coverings and major appliances.

A rule of evidence providing that a written agreement is the final
expression of the agreement of the parties, not to be varied or
contradicted by prior or contemporaneous oral or written negotiations.

A mortgage loan wherein the lender has a partial equity interest in the
property or receives a portion of the income from the property.

The division of covenants' interests in real property when the parties
do not all voluntarily agree to terminate the co-ownership; takes place
through court procedures.

An association of two or more individuals who carry on a continuing
business for profit as co-owners. Under the law it is
regarded as a group of individuals rather than as a single entity. it is a typical form of joint venture in which each
general partner shares in the administration, profits and losses of the
operation. A limited partnership is a business arrangement whereby the
operation is administered by one or more general partners and funded, by
and large, by limited or silent partners, who are by law responsible
for losses only to the extent of their investments.

A wall that is located on or at a boundary line between two adjoining
parcels of land and is used or is intended to be used by the owners of
both properties.

A lease, commonly used for commercial property, whose rental is based on
the tenant's gross sales at the premises; it usually stipulates a base
monthly rental plus a percentage of any gross sales above a certain
amount.

A test of the soil to determine if it will absorb and drain water adequately to use a septic system for sewage disposal.

Items, called chattels, that do not fit into the definition of real property; movable objects.

A reduction in a property's value resulting from a decline in physical
condition; can be caused by action of the elements or by ordinary wear
and tear.

A planned combination of diverse land uses, such as housing, recreation
and shopping, in one contained development or subdivision.

A map of a town, section or subdivision indicating the location and boundaries of individual properties.

The increase in value or utility resulting from the consolidation (assemblage) of two or more adjacent lots into one larger lot.

In a metes-and-bounds legal description, the starting point of the
survey, situated in one corner of the parcel; all metes-and- bounds
descriptions must follow the boundaries of the parcel back to the point
of beginning.

The government's right to impose laws, statutes and ordinances,
including zoning ordinances and building codes, to protect the public
health, safety and welfare.

A written instrument authorizing a person, the attorney-in-fact, to act
as agent for another person to the extent indicated in the instrument.

On a closing statement, items that have been paid in advance by the
seller, such as insurance premiums and some real estate taxes, for which
he or she must be reimbursed by the buyer.

A charge imposed on a borrower who pays off the loan principal early.
This penalty compensates the lender for interest and other charges that
would otherwise be lost.

The mortgage market in which loans are originated and consisting of
lenders such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations and
mutual savings banks.

1) A sum loaned or employed as a fund or an investment, as distinguished
from its income or profits. (2) The original amount (as in a loan) of
the total due and payable at a certain date. (3) A main party to a
transaction--the person for whom the agent works.

The order of position or time. The priority of liens is generally
determined by the chronological order in which the lien documents are
recorded; tax liens, however, have priority even over previously
recorded liens.

Insurance provided by private carrier that protects a lender against a loss in the event of a foreclosure and deficiency.

A legal process by which a court determines who will inherit a decedent's property and what the estate's assets are.

The effort that brings about the desired result. Under an open listing
the broker who is the cause of the sale receives the
commission.

A financing instrument that states the terms of the underlying
obligation, is signed by its maker and is negotiable (transferable to a
third party).

Someone who manages real estate for another person for compensation.
Duties include collecting rents, maintaining the property and keeping up
all accounting.

A lease given by the corporation that owns a cooperative apartment
building to the shareholder for the shareholder's right as a tenant to
an individual apartment.

Expenses, either prepaid or paid in arrears, that are divided or distributed between buyer and seller at the closing.

Any group of people designated as such by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) in consideration of federal and state civil
rights legislation. Currently includes ethnic minorities, women,
religious groups, the handicapped and others

Exaggerated or superlative comments or opinions.

A life estate pur autre vie is a life estate that is measured by the life of a person other than the grantee.

A note secured by a mortgage or deed of trust given by a buyer, as
borrower, to a seller, as lender, as part of the purchase price of the
real estate.

The appraisal method of estimating building costs by calculating the
cost of all of the physical components in the improvements, adding the
cost to assemble them and then including the indirect costs associated
with such construction.

Court action to remove a cloud on the title.

A conveyance by which the grantor transfers whatever interest he or she
has in the real estate, without warranties or obligations.

The limit on the amount the interest rate can be increased at each
adjustment period in an adjustable-rate loan. The cap may also set the
maximum interest rate that can be charged during the life of the loan.

One who is prepared to buy property on the seller's terms and is ready to take positive steps to consummate the transaction.

A portion of the earth's surface extending downward to the center of the
earth and upward infinitely into space, including all things
permanently attached to it, whether naturally or artificially.

Trust ownership of real estate by a group of individuals who purchase
certificates of ownership in the trust, which in turn invests the money
in real property and distributes the profits back to the investors free
of corporate income tax.

The federal law that requires certain disclosures to consumers about
mortgage loan settlements. The law also prohibits the payment or receipt
of kickbacks and certain kinds of referral fees.

The interests, benefits and rights inherent in real estate ownership.

The final step in the appraisal process, in which the appraiser combines
the estimates of value received from the sales comparison, cost and
income approaches to arrive at a final estimate of market value for the
subject property.

A deed used by a trustee under a deed of trust to return title to the trustor.

The act of entering or recording documents affecting or conveying
interests in real estate in the recorder's office established in each
county. Until it is recorded, a deed or mortgage ordinarily is not
effective against subsequent purchasers or mortgagees.

A system established in 1785 by the federal government, providing for
surveying and describing land by reference to principal meridians and
base lines.

The right of a defaulted property owner to recover his or her property by curing the default.

A period of time established by state law during which a property owner
has the right to redeem his or her real estate from a foreclosure or tax
sale by paying the sales price, interest and costs. Many states do not
have mortgage redemption laws.

The illegal practice of a lending institution denying loans or restricting their number for certain areas of a community.

The document signed by a lender indicating the amount required to pay a
loan balance in full and satisfy the debt; used in the settlement
process to protect both the seller's and the buyer's interests.

Implements the Truth-in-Lending Act requiring credit institutions to inform borrowers of the true cost of obtaining credit.

A document, also known as a deed of reconveyance, that transfers all
rights given a trustee under a deed of trust loan back to the grantor
after the loan has been fully repaid.

The remnant of an estate that has been conveyed to take effect and be
enjoyed after the termination of a prior estate, such as when an owner
conveys a life estate to one party and the remainder to another.

A fixed, periodic payment made by a tenant of a property to the owner
for possession and use, usually by prior agreement of the parties.

A statement of proposed rental rates, determined by the owner or the
property manager or both, based on a building's estimated expenses,
market supply and demand and the owner's long-range goals for the
property.

The construction cost at current prices of a property that is not
necessarily an exact duplicate of the subject property but serves the
same purpose or function as the original.

The construction cost at current prices of an exact duplicate of the subject property.

A clause in a deed that limits the way the real estate ownership may be used.

A loan under which the homeowner receives monthly payments based on his
or her accumulated equity rather than a lump sum. The loan must be
repaid at a prearranged date or upon the death of the owner or the sale
of the property.

The remnant of an estate that the grantor holds after granting a life estate to another person.

The return of the rights of possession and quiet enjoyment to the lessor at the expiration of a lease.

Clause in a lease which gives the lessee (tenant) the right to purchase
the rented property if during the term of the lease the lessor
(landlord) receives an offer to purchase from a buyer. Usually the
lessee must purchase on the terms and conditions of the buyer's offer.

The right given by one landowner to another to pass over the land,
construct a roadway or use as a pathway, without actually transferring
ownership

An owner's rights in land that borders on or includes a stream, river or
lake. These rights include access to and use of the water.

A transaction in which an owner sells his or her improved property and,
as part of the same transaction, signs a long-term lease to remain in
possession of the premises.

The process of estimating the value of a property by examining and comparing actual sales of comparable properties.

A person who performs real estate activities while employed by or associated with a licensed real estate broker.

A document acknowledging the payment of a mortgage debt.

A market for the purchase and sale of existing mortgages, designed to
provide greater liquidity for mortgages; also called the secondary money
market. Mortgages are first originated in the primary mortgage market.

A portion of township under the rectangular (government) survey system. A
township is divided into 36 sections, numbered one through 36. A
section is a square with mile-long sides and an area of one square mile,
or 640 acres.

A payment by a tenant, held by the landlord during the lease term and
kept (wholly or partially) on default or destruction of the premises by
the tenant.

Land on which an easement exists in favor of an adjacent property (called a dominant estate); also called a _______ estate.

The amount of space local zoning regulations require between a lot line and a building line.

Ownership of real property by one person only, also called sole ownership.

Changing an item of real estate to personal property by detaching it from the land; for example, cutting down a tree.

A mortgage loan in which the lender, in exchange for a loan with a
favorable interest rate, participates in the profits (if any) the
borrower receives when the property is eventually sold.

The personal preference of people for one area over another, not necessarily based on objective facts and knowledge

One who is authorized by a principal to perform a single act or
transaction; a real estate broker is usually a special agent authorized
to find a ready, willing and able buyer for a particular property.

A tax or levy customarily imposed against only those specific parcels of
real estate that will benefit from a proposed public improvement like a
street or sewer.

A deed in which the grantor warrants, or guarantees, the title only
against defects arising during the period of his or her tenure and
ownership of the property and not against defects existing before that
time, generally using the language, "by, through or under the grantor
but not otherwise."

A lien affecting or attaching only to a certain, specific parcel of land or piece of property.

: A legal action to compel a party to carry out the terms of a contract.

The appraisal method of estimating building costs by multiplying the
number of square feet in the improvements being appraised by the cost
per square foot for recently constructed similar improvements.

That part of a state law that requires certain instruments, such as
deeds, real estate sales contracts and certain leases, to be in writing
to be legally enforceable.

That law pertaining to the period of time within which certain actions must be brought to court.

A lien imposed on property by statute, a tax lien, for example--in
contrast to an equitable lien, which arises out of common law.

The right of a defaulted property owner to recover the property after its sale by paying the appropriate fees and charges.

The illegal practice of channeling home seekers to particular areas,
either to maintain the homogeneity of an area or to change the character
of an area, which limits their choices of where they can live.

A loan in which only interest is paid during the term of the loan, with
the entrie principal amount due with the final interest payment.

One who is employed by a person already acting as an agent. Typically a
reference to a salesperson licensed under a broker (agent) who is
employed under the terms of a listing agreement.

One who buys undeveloped land, divides it into smaller, usable lots and sells the lots to potential users.

A tract of land divided by the owner, known as the subdivider, into
blocks, building lots and streets according to a recorded subdivision
plat, which must comply with local ordinances and regulations.

Municipal ordinances that establish requirements for sub- divisions and development.

The leasing of premises by a lessee to a third party for part of the lessee's remaining term. See also assignment.

Relegation to a lesser position, usually in respect to a right or security.

A written agreement between holders of liens on a property that changes
the priority of mortgage, judgment and other liens under certain
circumstances.

The substitution of one creditor for another, with the substituted
person succeeding to the legal rights and claims of the original
claimant. it is used by title insurers to acquire from the
injured party rights to sue in order to re- cover any claims they have
paid.

An appraisal principle that states that the maximum value of a property
tends to be set by the cost of purchasing an equally desirable and
valuable substitute property, assuming that no costly delay is
encountered in making the it.

A court suit initiated by a landlord to evict a tenant from leased
premises after the tenant has breached one of the terms of the lease or
has held possession of the property after the lease's expiration.

A court action intended to establish or settle the title to a particular
property, especially when there is a cloud on the title.

A pictorial depiction of land and the improvements on it and shows
boundary lines with measurements and bearings, buildings, easements,
etc.

To levy an assessment against, usually by government powers. Unpaid
taxes usually form a special lien on property owned by the taxpayer,
ahead of registered mortgages.

The instrument of conveyance when a property is sold by a government body to pay for arrears of taxes.

A claim registered against a property by a government authority for non-payment of assessed taxes.

Sale of property by a government body for non-payment of taxes, either by tender or auction.

Ownership of property in which several owners each own a stated portion
of the property (a percentage). Each owner may deal with her portion of
the property as she wishes (giving it away, mortgaging it, bequeathing
it, etc.) and, upon her death, her share becomes part of her estate.

To die leaving a valid will: opposite meaning is to die intestate.

The person who makes a will.

A standard statement in a contract which ensures that all dates and
times of day noted in the contract are important and cannot be ignored
by any of the parties without the consent of the others except in breach
of the contract.

A form of joint ownership of property where numerous owners share title
and enjoy use or occupation of the property according to a specific
schedule.

The legal term for one's ownership interest in land.

A form of insurance contract which guarantees to indemnify an owner or
mortgagee of property for damages suffered as a result of undiscovered
title defects which arise later

The act of examining in detail the public records relating to ownership
of a parcel of land to ensure that the current owner has clear title,
free of any liens, claims, mortgage or competing and adverse interests.
Usually performed by a lawyer, qualified title searcher, or title
insurance company on behalf of a proposed purchaser or mortgagee.

An instrument of conveyance of title to property wherein the transferee
will be holding the title to the property on behalf on another person

A person who holds title to property on behalf of another.

An agreement to exchange payment for services, where payment becomes due
only once the service has been successfully performed. A listing
agreement for the sale of real property may be it

The illegal act of charging extremely high interest rates on a loan.

Legally binding; authorized

An indulgence granted by a local zoning commission or authority to allow a non-conforming use of a property to continue.

A contract that may be treated as legally unenforceable at the option of
a party (usually the injured party) but remains enforceable until that
party exercises her option.

Transfer of title to an asset with the consent of the owner.

A claim that is recorded/registered with the consent of the owner.

Allowing or causing a property to suffer damage or
undue wear and tear to the detriment of another person who has an
interest in or claim to the property.

A written statement of a person's wishes for the disposition of that person's estate after their death.

A secondary financing option in which new
money borrowed is blended with money already owed and registered on
title to the property. A second mortgage is registered as security for
the new money but the old mortgage remains in existence and the rate of
interest is a blend of the rate chargeable on the old mortgage and the
rate chargeable on the newly borrowed money.

A set of rules passed by local
government which regulates the use of property according to its location
within the municipality, placement of structures on the property,
maximum floor area, minimum lot area, minimum floor-to-lot area ratios,
etc.

An item of personal property that has been converted to real property by being permanently affixed to the realty.