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478 Cards in this Set

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Abandonment
Non-payment of taxes
Abstract of Title
A history of the ownership of a parcel of land which lists transfers of title, rights, and liabilities.
Acceleration Clause
States that upon default, all of the principal installments come due immediately.
Acceptance
The act of agreeing or consenting to the terms of an offer, thereby establishing the meeting of the minds that is an essential element of a contract.
Accession
The idea that the owner of land is entitled to all that the soil produces or all that is added to the land either intentionally or by mistake. Trade fixtures not removed are "assessed" by the owner of the property.
Accretion
Refers to land which is accumulated by the gradual washing or motion of water.
Accrued
An accumulation.
Acknowledgment
A formal declaration made by the grantor conveying the property to the grantee – a necessary element for validity of a deed.
Acknowledgment
A formal declaration made before an authorized person, e.g., a notary public, by a person who has executed an instrument stating that the execution was his or her free act. In California, an acknowledgment is the statement by an officer such as a notary that the signatory to the instrument is the person represented to be.
Acre
A measure of land equal to 43,560 square feet.
Action to Quiet Title
The lawsuit filed by a person to remove or clear the claims of others against property.
Actual Notice
The actual knowledge that a person has about the existence of a particular fact.
Ad Valorem
A prefix meaning "based on value". Most local governments levy an ad valorem tax on property.
Advance Fee
A fee claimed, demanded, charged, received, collected or contracted from a principal for a listing, advertisement or offer to sell or lease property, other than in a newspaper of general circulation, issued primarily for the purpose of promoting the sale or lease of business opportunities or real estate or for referral to real estate brokers or salesmen, or soliciting borrowers or lenders for, or to negotiate loans on, business opportunities or real estate.
Adverse Possession
A method of acquiring original title to property by open, notorious and hostile possession for a statutory period of time; also referred to as prescription. POACH.
Advertising
As defined under the Commissioner’s Regulations, any written or printed communication, or oral communication made in accordance with a text or outline that has been reduced to written form, which is published for the purpose of inducing persons to purchase or use a product or service.
Agency
A relationship in which one party (the principal) authorizes another party (the agent) to act as the principal's representative in dealing with third parties.
Agent
One who acts for and in place of a principal for the purpose of affecting the principal's legal relations with third persons.
Air Rights
The right to use, control and occupy the space above a particular parcel of land.
Alienation Clause
A provision in a mortgage requiring full payment of the debt upon the transfer of title to the property, due on sale. Prevents loan assumptions.
Allodial
The free and full ownership of rights in land by individuals, which is the basis of real property in the United States.
Amortization
The repayment of a financial obligation over a period of time in a series of periodic installments. In a level-payment mortgage, this is the portion of the debt service that reduces the principal.
Amortized Loan
A financial debt that is paid off over a period of time by a series of periodic payments. A loan can be fully amortized or partially amortized requiring a balloon payment to satisfy the debt at the end of the term.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The yearly cost of credit. Interest Rate plus finance charge.
Applicant
As defined under the Commissioner’s Regulations, a person applying to the Department of Real Estate for a license, permit, public report or other entitlement.
Appraisal
An opinion or estimate of value performed by a person licensed to do so.
Appreciation
An increase in value.
Appurtenance
Any right or privilege which belongs to and passes with land.
Arms-length Transaction
Occurs between willing buyer and willing seller with each party completely knowledgeable about the market. A purchaser of property between relatives (father & son) would not be an "arms length transaction".
Arrears
Not on time; late in making payments or completing work. Interest is paid in arrears.
As is
A phrase which disclaims any promises or warranties. A person purchasing real estate "as is" takes it in exactly the condition in which it is found. Seller cannot hide latent defects.
Assemblage
Bringing two or more lots together under one ownership.
Assessed Value
The value placed on property, by the tax assessor, for the purpose of determining the property tax.
Assignment
(1) the means by which a person transfers contract rights;(2) occurs when the lessee parts with the entire estate, retaining no interest.
Attachment
The process of taking a person's property into legal custody by a court order called a writ of attachment. Property is frozen.
Attestation
The act of witnessing a person’s signing of an instrument by a notary public.
Attorney in Fact
A person given the authority to act on behalf of another under a power of attorney.
Attorney's Opinion of Title
A statement issued by an attorney after analyzing an abstract as to quality of title.
Avulsion
Occurs in cases where there is a sudden loss of land through nature.
Bad Title
Title with defects making it unmarketable.
Balloon Payment
The remaining balance, at maturity, on a loan that has not been completely repaid through periodic payments. Once paid, the outstanding balance is zero. Partially amortized loan.
Bargain and Sale Deed
An instrument conveying title which recites a valuable consideration and commonly uses the words "bargain and sale" or words of similar import.
Bench mark
A bronze disk permanently placed and precisely identified by government survey teams.
Bilateral Contract
A contract in which a promise is given for the promise of another. It becomes binding when mutual promises are communicated. (A real estate contract).
Bill of Sale
A document used to transfer ownership of personal property.
Blanket Mortgage
A mortgage which covers more than one piece of real estate. Often used by a developer in the financing of undeveloped lots. Contains a partial release clause.
Block A
Means of subdividing large tracts of land into smaller sections, each of which is numbered. For example, Lot 4, Block 8.
Blockbusting
Any activity which attempts to drive prices down for the purpose of causing transition from one ethnic group to another. This is a violation of Federal Fair Housing Laws. Also called "panic selling".
Bounds
Refers to boundaries; used with the word "metes" in the metes and bounds method of land description.
Breach of Contract
A failure to perform, as promised, at the time the performance was due.
Broker-Salesperson Relationship Agreement
A written agreement required by the regulations of the Real Estate Commissioner setting forth the material aspects of the relationship between a real estate broker and each salesperson and broker performing licensed activities in the name of the supervising broker.
Buffer Zone
A means by which planners use space to separate two adjoining districts which have incompatible uses. A buffer zone consists of uses which are compatible with uses in each adjoining district.
Building Code
Ordinances passed by local governments with special minimum standards of construction for new buildings. They also apply to major additions to old construction.
Bundle of Rights
The rights of an owner to possess, control, enjoy, sell, lease, mortgage, and dispose of the property.
Business Opportunity
The sale or lease of the business and goodwill of an existing business enterprise or opportunity.
Bylaws
Legal documentation in a condominium regime which provides the establishment of the home-owner's association; provides the powers and authority given to the board of directors; and indicates various rights and responsibilities of the unit owners.
Cal-Vet Program
A program administered by the State Department of Veterans Affairs for the direct financing of farm and home purchases by eligible California veterans (both active and inactive) of the armed forces.
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA)
A law with the main purpose of providing procedures and information to ensure that governmental agencies will consider and respond to the environmental effects of their proposed decisions.
California Fiscal Year
In California, the county fiscal year begins on July 1st, and ends on June 30th.
Capital Gains
The tax profit realized from the sale of property. (A "tax free" exchange is a deferment of capital gains).
Capitalization
Used in the income approach to value. To capitalize income means to convert future income into present (current) value.
Capitalization Rate
The rate of return considered to be a reasonable return on investment - given the risk.
Caveat Emptor
Means "Let the Buyer beware".
CC&Rs
Covenants, conditions and restrictions. The basic rules establishing the rights and obligations of owners (and their successors in interest) of real property within a subdivision or other tract of land in relation to other owners within the same subdivision or tract and in relation to an association of owners organized for the purpose of operating and maintaining property commonly owned by the individual owners.
Certificate
The first thing a veteran should request if attempting to purchase a property using VA eligibility.
Certificate of Eligibility Certificate
Given to veterans bearing evidence of their qualifications for a VA mortgage loan.
Certificate of Reasonable Value (CPR)
Issued by the Veterans Administration to certify the value of property secured by a VA mortgage. Appraisal.
Certificate of Title
A document given by the title examiner stating the quality of title the seller possesses.
Chain of Title
A history of the ownership affecting title to a parcel of land.
Chattel Mortgage
One in which personal property is pledged to secure a note.
Chose in Action
A personal right to something not presently in the owner’s possession, but recoverable by a legal action for possession
City Planning
The effort on the part of the city to coordinate, direct and control the type of development taking place, so as to ensure maximum benefits to the populace.
Civil Rights Act of 1866
A law which prohibits discrimination in all real estate transactions based on race - commercial and residential.
Closing Costs
The expenses incurred and paid at the time of settlement in the transferring of property.
Cloud on Title
Any claim affecting title to property.
Collateral
Property which has been pledged as security for a loan.
Color of Title
Adverse possession.
Commercial Banks
The largest financial intermediary directly involved in the financing of real estate. Their primary real estate activity involves short-term loans.
Commingling
Illegally mixing deposits or monies, collected from a client, with one's personal or business account. Taking money out too soon or putting it into escrow too late (10 banking days).
Commissioner
The Real Estate Commissioner of the State of California
Common Elements
Property jointly owned on a pro-rata basis with other unit owners in a condominium regime.
Common Interest Development
A project in which there are common areas used by all tenants, with the exception of separate interests to use as individual living units, and managed by a nonprofit association.
Common Interest Subdivision
Subdivided lands that include a separate interest in real property combined with an interest in common with other owners. The interest in common may be through membership in an association. Examples are condominiums and stock cooperatives.
Common Interests
Property owned or controlled by, and/or services furnished to, owners, lessees or persons having the exclusive right to the use of subdivision interests, by an association comprising the separate owners of said interests in those subdivisions.
Common Law
(1) a body of legal rules derived from accepted customs and procedures in England. Serves as the foundation for most laws in every state except Louisiana, which uses the system of civil law; (2) system of judge-made law (“case law”) as opposed to codified or statutory law.
Community Apartment Projects
Two or more apartments that are defined as a subdivision, in which the operation, maintenance and control is usually exercised by the governing board elected by the owners of the individual fractional interests in the subdivision. Each owner received an undivided interest in the land, along with an exclusive leasehold right to occupy a unit.
Community Property
Property acquired by husband and/or wife during a marriage when not acquired as the separate property of either spouse. Each spouse has equal rights of management, alienation and testamentary disposition (the options of willing the property) of community property.
Community Property
Any property acquired in certain states by purchase, or as compensation by either spouse during the period of marriage, is considered to be owned in an undivided half interest by each.
Comparable
Comparable property recently sold which is used in the market data approach.
Comparative Analysis
A method of determining the value of property in which the selling prices of similar properties are used as the basis for estimating the value of the subject property.
Competent Parties
Those who are legally capable of entering into contracts.
Condemnation
The process of exercising eminent domain through court action.
Consideration
Anything of value offered to induce someone to enter into a contractual agreement. For example, sale price, earnest money, a promise for a promise.
Constructive Eviction
Occurs when the tenant's use of the premises is substantially disturbed or interfered with by the landlord's actions or failure to act where there is a duty to act. The tenant is effectively forced to move out and terminate the lease without further liability for further rent.
Constructive Notice
The knowledge that the law presumes a person has about a particular fact irrespective of whether the person knows about the fact or not. (Recording).
Contract
An agreement resulting from the objective expression of mutual assent by competent parties, which the law recognizes in some way as a duty, and the breach of which the law gives a remedy.
Contract for a Deed
A means by which the seller passes possession but retains title to the property until the total or a substantial portion of the purchase price is paid. Installment contract. The two parties here are the vendor (owner) and the vendee (buyer).
Conveyance
The transfer of title to land from one party to another.
Cooperative
A form of property ownership in which a corporation is established to hold title in property and to lease the property to shareholders in the corporation. Own stock.
Corporation
A legal entity organized to have perpetual legal existence and to have legal power to carry on certain activities such as owning real estate.
Cost Approach
A method of estimating value based on the economic principle of substitution; the value of a building cannot be greater than the cost of purchasing a similar site and constructing a building of equal utility.
Counteroffer
A rejection of an offer to buy or sell, by a seller or buyer, with a simultaneous substitute offer.
Covenant
Included in a deed; a guarantee.
Covenant Against Encumbrances
The assurance that no encumbrances other than those specified in the deed exist.
Covenant of Further Assurance
A promise that the grantor will perform further acts reasonably necessary to correct any defects in the title or in the deed instrument.
Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment
A promise that no one has superior or paramount title to that of the grantor; assures the grantee of peaceful possession without fear of being ousted by a person with a superior claim to the property.
Covenant of Seisin
Gives the assurance that the grantor has the exact estate in the quantity and quality which is being conveyed. "I own and I have the right to sell it."
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
The basic rules establishing the rights and obligations of owners (and their successors in interest) of real property within a subdivision or other tract of land in relation to other owners within the same subdivision or tract and in relation to an association of owners organized for the purpose of operating and maintaining property commonly owned by the individual owners.
Curable Depreciation
Depreciation is considered curable if the cost of the repair is less than what the repair adds to the value of property.
Curtesy
The rights that a husband acquires in the wife's property upon her death.
Debit
Money owed. (Debt) The opposite of a credit.
Decree
Court order
Deed
A written instrument, usually under seal, which contains an agreement to transfer some property interest from a grantor to a grantee.
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure
Used by the mortgagor (borrower) who is in default to convey the property to the mortgagee (lender) in order to eliminate the need for a foreclosure.
Deed of Release
Given by lien holders, remainder-men or mortgages to relinquish their claims on the property.
Deed of Trust
A deed to real property, which serves the same purpose as a mortgage, involving three parties instead of two. The third party holds naked title for the benefit of the lender. Beneficiary (Lender), Trustor (Borrower), Trustee (Third Party)
Defeasance Clause
A necessary mortgage clause in title theory states. When the debt is satisfied, this clause causes title to pass automatically back to the borrower. Satisfaction of mortgage; release from records.
Defeasible Fee Simple
- Or FEE SIMPLE DEFEASIBLE -
Ownership with conditional restrictions which, if broken, can result in title to the property reverting back to the grantor or his heirs.
Defect in Title
Any lien, claim or encumbrance, on a particular piece of real estate, that has been properly recorded in the public records. Recorded defects impair clear title and may result in the title being unmarketable.
Deficiency Judgment
A personal claim based on a judicial order against the debtor. This occurs when the property fails to bring in a price at the foreclosure sale which covers the mortgage amount.
Depository Institutions
In the California mortgage market, these are the traditional loan sources of savings and loans, savings or commercial banks, thrift and loans, and credit unions.
Depreciation
A decrease in value due to physical deterioration, functional or economic obsolescence.
Descent
Refers to any passage of title to property, upon intestacy to those heirs, related by blood or marriage, whom the law designates.
Desist and Refrain Order
An order directing a person to stop from committing an act in violation of the Real Estate Law.
Devise
Transferring title to real property by means of a will.
Discount Points
A fee charged by the lender at settlement that results in increasing the lender's effective yield on the money borrowed. One discount point equals one percent of the loan amount.
Documentary Transfer Tax
A California State tax that is levied upon the transfer of real estate, at the rate of $0.55 per $500.00 of consideration, or fraction thereof
Dominant Estate
The tract of land in an easement appurtenant which benefits from the easement.
Dower
The rights that a wife acquires in her husband's fee simple property.
Down Payment
The amount paid by the purchaser, which when added to the mortgage amount, equals the total sales price. At time of closing this is referred to as equity.
Due-on-Sale Clause
A clause, included in many mortgages, permitting the lender to require the borrower to repay the outstanding balance when the property is sold. Prevents loan assumption.
Duress
Involves the use of force or improper actions, against a person or property, in order to induce a party to enter into a contract.
Earnest Money
A sum of money given to bind an offer or agreement.
Easement
A right to limited use or enjoyment by one or more persons in the land of another.
Easement Appurtenant
An easement created to benefit adjacent land.
Easement by Implication
Occurs because of necessity, such as the conveyance of a land-locked property.
Easement in Gross
A personal right to use the land of another.
Economic Life
The time period over which an improvement to land earns more income than the cost incurred in generating the income. Profitability.
Economic Obsolescence
A loss in value due to factors outside the subject property, such as changes in competition or surrounding land use. Also referred to as external obsolescence.
Economic Rent
The amount of rental which a building would receive, if set by the market, as opposed to contract rent set by the lease.
Effective Age
The difference between the theoretical economic life of a structure and its actual remaining economic life. Maintaining the property.
Effective Gross Income
The anticipated income resulting from the estimated potential gross income from a rental property less an allowance for vacancy and bad debts.
Emblements
Refers to crops which require annual planting.
Eminent Domain
The right of government to acquire property, for a public purpose, after paying just compensation.
Encroachment
The extension of some improvement or object across the boundary of an adjoining tract. (Off sides).
Encumbrance
Any interest in or claim on, the land of another, which in some manner burdens or diminishes the value of the property.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act. (ECOA)
A federal act, which prohibits discrimination by lenders on the basis of sex or marital status in any aspect of a credit transaction.
Equitable Lien
Created when justice and fairness would require a court of equity to declare such a lien exists or when conduct of parties would imply that a lien was intended.
Equity
value of real estate less any liens against it.
Escalation Clause
(1) in finance, permits the lender to raise the interest rate upon the occurrence of certain stipulated condition, (2) in leasing, permits the lessor to raise lease payments upon the occurrence of certain stipulated condition.
Escheat
The right of government to ownership of property, which is left by a deceased property owner who leaves no will, and dies without descendants.
Escrow
The deposit of funds with a neutral third party who is instructed to carry out the provisions of an agreement.
Escrow
The process in which a neutral third party, for a fee, acts as the closing agent for the buyer and seller.
Escrow Agent
A person engaged in the business of receiving escrows for deposit or delivery in California.
Escrow Instructions
Instructions to the escrow holder, which set forth the specifics of the delivery of the instruments and funds that will occur once the conditions of the contract are performed as set forth in the contract.
Estate
A legally recognized interest in the use, possession, control and disposition that a person has in land, and defines the nature, degree, extent and duration of a person's ownership in land.
Estate and Inheritance Tax
A tax placed on the estates of deceased persons, which is sometimes assessed by the federal government. California has eliminated inheritance taxes altogether.
Estate at Sufferance
Retention of possession without the consent of the landlord after the lease has expired; also referred to as tenancy at sufferance.
Estate at Will
An occupation of space, for an indefinite period, which can be terminated by either the lessor or lessee at any time. Also referred to as tenancy at will.
Estate for Years
A conveyance of realty for a definite stated period of time. The term may be one year, one month, one week or even one day. No notice needed to terminate.
Estate from Period to Period
A leasehold, which is automatically renewed for the same term as in the original lease; also referred to as a periodic tenancy or an estate from period to period. Month to month rental. Notice needed to terminate.
Estate in Fee
The maximum possible estate one can possess in real property; also referred to as fee simple or fee simple absolute.
Examination
An examination to qualify for any license issued under authority of the Real Estate Law.
Exclusive Agency Listing
The owner employs only one broker but retains the right to personally sell the property, and thereby not pay a commission. However, if any other real estate company sells the property, the listing broker is still entitled to the commission stipulated.
Exclusive Right to Sell Listing
Under this listing arrangement, the broker employed is entitled to a commission no matter who sells the property during the listing period. (Even the Seller)
Exclusive Right To Sell Listing
A listing agreement employing a broker to act as agent for the seller of real property, under the terms of which the broker is entitled to a commission if the property is sold during the duration of the listing, whether through another broker or by the owner without the services of an agent.
Executed Contract
One in which the obligations have been performed on both sides of the contract and nothing is left to be completed. (Closed Deal)
Executor
A person appointed in the will to carry out the instructions of the testator, pay the debts of the estate, and dispose of the property as instructed.
Executor
A person appointed in the will to carry out the instructions of the testator, pay the debts of the estate, and dispose of the property as instructed.
Fair Market Value
The price negotiated for a parcel of real estate in a competitive market where both buyer and seller are free to act and under no undue pressure.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
A federal agency established to insure the deposits in member commercial banks. The current maximum insurance per account is $100,000.00.
Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968
An act prohibiting discrimination in the sale or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin sex, handicap and familial status.
Federal Home Loan Bank System - FHLBB
A federal agency which oversees and regulates all federally charted savings and loan association.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)
"Freddie Mac" is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which serves as a secondary mortgage market for savings and loan associations, who are members of the FHLBB; also referred to as The Mortgage Corporation.
Federal Housing Administration- (FHA)
A federal agency established in 1943 to increase home ownership by providing an insurance program to safeguard the lender against the risk of nonpayment. Currently part of HUD.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
Commonly known as "Fannie Mae", this quasi-private corporation is the largest buyer of existing mortgages in the secondary mortgage market.
Federal Reserve System (FRS)
A federal agency which oversees and regulates monetary policy, which in turn affects interest rates and the availability of credit. All federally chartered commercial banks must be members.
Fee Simple Absolute
The maximum possible estate one can possess in real property; also referred to as fee simple or fee.
Fee Simple Determinable
An estate which has been created to exist only until the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a particular event. Returns automatically.
Fee Simple Subject to a Condition Subsequent
An estate which is subject to a power in the original grantor, or the grantor's heirs, to terminate the estate upon the happening of an event. Back to court.
Fee Simple Subject to a Condition Subsequent
An estate which is subject to a power in the original grantor, or the grantor's heirs, to terminate the estate upon the happening of an event. Back to court.
Fiduciary
A person who essentially holds the character of trustee. A fiduciary must carry out the duties in a manner which best serves the interest of the party for whom the fiduciary relationship is established. A real estate licensee has a fiduciary duty to his/her client. (Seller, landlord, buyer or tenant)
First Lien
Claim with highest priority against property; also known as a superior to the rights of subsequent lenders. (Recorded first)
First Mortgage
A mortgage on real estate in which the lender's rights are superior to the rights of subsequent lenders. (Recorded first)
Fiscal Year
In California, the county fiscal year begins on July 1st, and ends on June 30th.
Fixture
Broadly defined as personal property which has become realty. Examples include built-in cabinets or bathtubs. Business (trade) fixtures can be removed if they leave no damage to the real estate, and they are removed before the end of a lease or by agreement with the landlord at a later time.
Foreclosure
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 note.
Fraud
A misrepresentation of a material fact, which is made with knowledge of its falsity, and with intent to deceive a parry who in fact relies on the misrepresentation to his or her detriment and injury.
Freehold Estate
One which continues for an indefinite period of time. For as "least a lifetime or greater" (will)
Fully Amortized Mortgage
A method of loan repayment in which the dollar amount of each payment is the same. The first part of each payment is interest and the remainder reduced the principal. Over the life of the mortgage, the outstanding balance is reduced to zero.
Functional Obsolescence
A loss in value due to conditions within the structure which make the building outdated when compared with a new building. (4 bedrooms and 1 bath, insulation, narrow stairway, etc.)
General Agent
One authorized to transact all of the principal's affairs within the context of a broad commercial or other kind of endeavor. Property manager.
General Lien
A lien that attaches to all property owned by an individual. Real and personal.
General Warranty Deed
Contains covenants in which the grantor formally guarantees that good and marketable title is being conveyed. Highest deed - 5 covenants.
Gift Taxes
Taxes that apply to the voluntary transfer of property from the owner (donor), to the receiver (donee). As with estate taxes, even though California does NOT tax gifts, the federal government does.
Good Title
One which is free from encumbrances such as liens, pending litigation and other such defects.
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA):
Commonly known as "Ginnie Mae," this agency of HUD operates in the secondary mortgage market. It is involved with special government financing programs.
Government Survey
A method of land description based on townships and sections. (Rectangular survey system).
Graduated Lease Provisions
This lease provides for periodic step increases in the rental payments.
Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM):
A financing technique for residential real estate in which monthly payments start at a lower rate and increase periodically over the life of the mortgage; FHA 245.
Grandfather Clause
Creating an exemption from application of a new law due to previously existing circumstances; non-conforming use.
Grant
Transferring real estate by means of a deed.
Grantee
Purchaser or donee receiving title to property.
Grantor
Owner making conveyance of title or interest in property.
Gross Income
The actual income received from property before the deduction for any expenses.
Gross Income Multiplier (GIM):
A method of appraising income-producing property based on a multiple of the annual gross income; also called a gross rent multiplier.
Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM):
A method of appraising single family or duplexes based on the monthly gross income.
Habendum clause
That part of a deed beginning with the words, "To have and to hold", followed by the granting clause and reaffirming the extent of ownership that the grantor is transferring. The habendum clause defines or limits the extent of ownership in the estate granted as, for example, a fee simple, life estata or easement: "To have and to hold unto said Sally Smith, grantee, a life estate in the following property".
Highest and Best Use
The legal use of a parcel of land, which when capitalized, will generate the greatest net present value of income. The first thing an appraiser should determine.
Homestead Exemption
A statutory protection of real property used as a home from the claims of certain creditors and judgments up to a specified amount.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
An agency of the federal government which oversees many federal housing programs.
Housing Financial Discrimination Act Of 1977, or the Holden Act
A California law designed primarily to eliminate discrimination in lending practices based upon the character of the neighborhood in which real property is located. (This is found under the California Health and Safety Code Section 35800, et seq.)
Hypothecate
process of pledging something (house) as security, but retaining possession of it.
Immobility
Incapable of being moved; fixed in location, such as land.
Implied Contract
contract formed through the acts or conduct of the parties. involved.(Ostensible)
Income Approach
A traditional means of appraising property based on the assumption that value is equal to the present worth of future rights to income.
Increasing and Decreasing Returns
This economic principle states that the addition of more factors of production will add higher amounts to new income up to a certain point, which is the point where the maximum value of the asset has been reached; any further addition of factors of production will do nothing to increase the value.
Incurable Depreciation
Elements of a structure which are neither physically possible nor economically feasible to correct.
Independent Contractor
One whose time and effort are regulated by the individual and are not under the direction or control of others.
Index Lease
The rental is tied to some commonly agreed to price index such as the Consumer Price Index or the Wholesale Price Index.
Inheritable
An interest in land which can be passed to a relative upon the death of the owner.
Installment Land Contract
See Land Contract.
Institutional Lenders
In California, the three major types of institutional lenders are commercial banks, savings banks (formerly known as savings and loan associations), and life insurance companies.
Interest
(1) the sum paid for the use of money (2) the degree of rights in the ownership of land.
Interest Rate
The cost of using money expressed as a percent per period.
Intestate
Dying without a will.
Invalid
Without legal force.
Irrevocable
Not capable of being changed or terminated.
Joint Tenancy
A form of concurrent ownership, which occurs when two or more persons own a single estate in land, with right of survivorship. Must have equal shares, right to partition.
Joint Venture
An agreement by two or more individuals or entities to engage in a single project or undertaking.
Judgment Lien
The charge upon the land of a debtor, resulting from the decree of a court, entered in the judgment docket. Lawsuit
Junior Lien
An encumbrance, second in priority, to a previously recorded lien or to a lien to which the encumbrance has been subordinated.
Laches
Delay or negligence in asserting one’s legal rights.
Land Contract
A contract used in a sale of real property whereby the seller retains title to the property until all or a prescribed part of the purchase price has been paid. Also commonly called a conditional sales contract, installment sales contract or real property sales contract.
Land Contract
The seller accepts a down payment on a parcel of land but title to the property does not pass until the last principal payment has been received. This is referred to as an installment sales contract or a contract for a deed.
Land Project
A speculative subdivision development of 50 or more vacant lots, that are located in a rural area that has less than 1,500 registered voters within 2 miles.
Landlocked
Completely shut in by adjoining parcels of land with no access to public roads.
Latent Defect
A defect which cannot be discovered by ordinary inspection.
Lease
An agreement by which a landlord gives the right to a tenant to use, and to have exclusive possession, but not ownership of realty, for a specified period of time, in consideration for the payment of rent.
Lease Purchase Agreement
An arrangement whereby part of the rent payment is applied to the purchase price, and when the prearranged total amount has been paid, title is transferred.
Leasehold
The interest that the tenant has created by a lease.
Legal Description
A written description of a parcel of land which locates it precisely and will hold up in court. (Does not include address.)
Less than Freehold Estate
Estates in possession generally referred to as leaseholds. Considered to exist for a definite period of time, or successive periods, of time until terminated by notice; also know as non-freehold estates.
Lessee
Tenant.
Lessor
Landlord.
Leverage
Using borrowed capital to finance the purchase of real estate or other assets. (No money down)
License
A personal privilege to go upon the land of another; not considered an interest in land. Permission only to use.
Lien
A legally recognized right to enforce a claim or charge on the property of another for payment of some debt, duty or obligation.
Lien Theory State
The mortgage merely creates a lien right on the mortgagee with the mortgagor retaining the title.
Life Estate
An interest which only lasts for the term of a life, or lives, of one or more persons. Death terminates.
Life Estate Pur Autre Vie
A life estate in one person with another person serving as the measuring life.
Life Tenant
The holder of a life estate.
Limited Partnership
An entity with one or more general partners and one or more passive investors, called limited partners.
Liquidated Damages
An agreed-to sum, which will be paid if the contract is breached.
Liquidity
The ease with which an asset may be converted into cash.
Lis Pendens
A notice filed for he purpose of serving constructive notice that title, or some matter involving particular real property, is in litigation.
Listing Contract
An employment agreement between an owner and broker defining the duties and rights of both parties. (Unilateral contract)
Loan-to-Value Ratio
The relationship between the amount borrowed and the appraised value of the property. (Purchase price 100,000-Loan 80,000-LTV 80%)
Lot and Block
A method of land description frequently used after land has been subdivided into building lots; also referred to as the recorded plat method. (Must have a plat map to find the property)
Loyalty
The duty owed by an agent, to avoid conflicts of interest or any activity which is detrimental to a principal.
Management Agreement
An employment contract between the owner of real estate and a property management firm that agrees to oversee the management of the property.
Market
economic function of bringing buyers and sellers together through the price mechanism.
Market Data Approach
A means of estimating value by comparing similar properties. Used when there is an active market and where comparables can be identified. Also called comparable sales approach.
Market Value
The price at which a willing buyer and a willing seller will agree upon, where neither is under any undue pressure, and both are negotiating at arms length with complete knowledge of the market.
Marketable Title
One which is free from reasonable doubts or objections, and which the courts would compel a purchaser to accept under the terms of a sales contract.
Master Plan
A program for the future development of a community which serves as the guideline for capital expenditures.
Mechanic's Lien
A statutory lien levied on property by a person who is wrongfully not compensated after providing labor (mechanic) or material (material-man) for the improvement to land. (Only on the specific property where the work was complete.) Not on personal property.
Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982
A law used to finance public services, such as waste treatment plants, parks, and schools, in newly developed areas; this can result in extra-high taxes, in addition to the normal property taxes, and MUST be made known to any buyer before a purchase taxes place.
Metes and Bounds
A method of land description which involves identifying distances and directions and makes use of both the physical boundaries and measurements of the land.
Mill
A mill is equal to one-tenth of one cent and is used to state the property tax rate. (.001)
Millage Rate
A tax rate stated in tenths of a cent. For example, a millage rate of 150 mills on property assessed at $100,000 would result in a property tax of$1,500 ($100,000 x .150).
Mineral, Oil and Gas Brokerage
A specialized branch of the general real estate brokerage business. Since 1994, a real estate licensee who is interested in focusing on mineral, oil and gas transactions does not need a specialized license to work with MOG transactions.
Minor
An infant; one who has not attained majority in a state and does not have legal capacity to be bound by most contracts. (Voidable contracts)
Misrepresentation
An innocent or negligent mis-statement of a material fact, detrimentally relied upon by the other party.
Mobilehome
As defined in Business and Professions Code, a mobilehome is a structure transportable in one or more sections, designed and equipped to contain not more than two dwelling units to be used with or without a foundation system. (This definition does NOT include a recreational vehicle, a commercial coach, or factory-built housing.)
Month-to-Month Tenancy
A lease which has a term of one month but renewable for successive months at the option of both parties.
Monument
Physical evidence of a point- of- beginning established by surveyors for use in locating parcels of land.
Mortgage
A legal document used to secure the performance of an obligation, in which the borrower or mortgagor agrees to pledge property to secure the debt represented by the promissory note. (A contract).
Mortgage Banker
A financial middleman who, in addition to bringing the borrower and the lender together, makes loans, packages them, and sells the packages to both primary and secondary investors. Also services loans.
Mortgage Broker
A person who brings together the user of capital (borrower) and the supplier of capital (lender). For this service, a finder's fee is usually paid by the borrower.
Mortgage Loan Disclosure Statement
The statement on a form approved by the Real Estate Commissioner, which is required by law to be furnished by a mortgage loan broker to the prospective borrower of loans of a statutorily-prescribed amount before the borrower becomes obligated to complete the loan.
Mortgagee
A lender who receives a pledge of property to secure a debt.
Mortgagor
A borrower who pledges property through a mortgage to secure a debt.
Multiple Listing
Marketing service in which many brokers pool all of their listings and establish procedures for sharing commissions.
Mutual Assent
An offer and acceptance which together form the terms of a contract.
Net Income, Net Operating Income
Gross income less all operating expenses. Is used in the income approach to value.
Net Listing
The broker agrees to sell the property in order to achieve a net price to the owner, and anything which is received above the net price is the broker's commission. A net listing is prohibited by the licensing law in many states.
Non-resident
One whose primary residence is in another state.
Nonconforming Use
A pre-existing use of land which does not conform to the zoning ordinance but which may legally remain.
Noninstitutional Lenders
California real estate lenders that include mortgage lenders, REITs, credit unions, private lenders, and pension funds.
Notary Public
A person with the authority to take oaths and acknowledgments.
Note
A signed instrument acknowledging the existence of a debt and the promise to pay.
Novation
Occurs when the person in a contract, to whom the duty was owed, expressly agrees to substitute the delegate, or new obligor, for a consideration, and agrees to discharge the old obligor from the obligations under the contract. For example, loan assumptions.
Null and Void
Invalid and unenforceable.
Obsolescence
A loss in value due to reduced desirability and usefulness of a structure because its design and construction have become obsolete. A loss due to a structure’s becoming old fashion, not in keeping with today’s standards or needs, with consequential loss of income.
Offer and Acceptance
The necessary elements of mutual assent; for example, an agreement of one party to buy and another party to sell.
Open Listing
An agreement between an owner and many brokers. If a broker produces a ready willing, and able buyer, a commission is due. However, the owner still has the right to sell his/her property and is not obligated to pay a commission to anyone.
Open-end Mortgage
A loan containing a clause which allows the mortgagor to borrow additional money without rewriting the mortgage.
Option
A right which is given for consideration to a party (optionee) by a property owner (optionor) to purchase or lease property within a specified time, at a specified price and terms. An option is irrevocable by the optionee and will not be extinguished by death or insanity of either party.
Optionee
The holder of the option. Buyer
Optionor
The seller of the option.
Ordinance
A statute enacted by the legislative branch of a local government.
Outbuilding
An accessory structure other than the main structure on land.
Owner's Title Policy
A policy insuring the owner of real estate against certain defects of title.
Ownership
The right to hold, possess, control and dispose of property.
Ownership in Severalty
Individual ownership.
Package Mortgage
A mortgage, used in the purchase of new residential property which, in addition to real property, covers certain personal property items and equipment. (Washer, dryer, drapes, refrigerator, stove)
Parol Evidence Rule
A rule of evidence designed to achieve a degree of certainty in a transaction and to prevent fraudulent and perjured claims. Although the word parol means oral, in this context, it refers to evidence that is extrinsic to, or outside and separate from, the writing. (Must be in writing to be enforceable in court)
Partial Release Clause
A part of a mortgage, which provides for the release of part of the property (used as security in the loan) upon payment of a certain amount of the mortgage. Blanket mortgage.
Partially Amortized Mortgage
A method of loan repayment in which the balance of the outstanding loan is not zero at maturity, and thus a balloon payment is due at that time.
Participation Mortgage
An agreement between a mortgagee and a mortgagor which provides the lender with a certain percentage of ownership in the project once the lender makes the loan.
Partition suit
The dividing of real estate held by two or more people which results in each of the parties holding individual or severalty ownership. (Tenants in common and joint tenants)
Percentage Lease
The lessor receives a percentage of the gross sales or net profits as the rental payment for the lease of the property.
Percolation
Ability of soil to absorb water; used for septic systems.
Periodic Tenancy
A lease, which has the original terms automatically renewed for successive periods, until proper notice to terminate is given by either the landlord or tenant. Month to month rental.
Permit
Any authorization or entitlement issued by the commissioner to engage in a transaction or course of conduct for which a permit is required under the Real Estate Law or Subdivided Lands Law.
Personal Property
Movables, which are not annexed to or part of, the land; also referred to as chattels.
Physical Deterioration
The loss in value due to wear and tear of the structure.
PITI
An abbreviation which means "Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance." In residential financing, it is common for the monthly mortgage to include these four payments.
Planned Development
A subdivision in which the lots are owned separately, but certain areas are owned in common by all owners. Also known as a planned unit development (PUD).
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
A type of exception, or special use, permitted under many modern zoning ordinances, allowing a mixture of different land uses or densities.
Planning Commission
A local government agency which determines plans for the physical growth of a community.
Planning Commission
An organization made up of citizens that have been appointed by the members of the city council or the board of supervisors.
Planning Department
Agencies within the city/county government whose employees include professionally trained planners.
Plat
A map showing the division of land into lots and blocks.
Plottage
Occurs when two or more sites are combined, with the result that the value of the assembled site is worth more than the value of the sum of each of the individual sites.
PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance.
Points
1% of loan.
Police Power
The inherent power of the state to regulate in order to promote public health, safety, morality or welfare. For example, zoning and building codes.
Possession
The physical control of real property.
Possibility of Reverter
The right retained when a fee simple determinable is granted.
Prepayment Penalty
The charge levied by the lender for paying off a mortgage prior to its maturity date.
Prescription
A means of acquiring title to property through open and continuous use.
Prescriptive Easement
An easement obtained by the open, notorious, hostile and continuous use of the property belonging to someone else for a statutory period of time.(POACH)
Price
An amount usually expressed in terms of money paid for property.
Prime Rate
The interest rate charged to a lender's AAA customer. This is normally the base from which other interest rates are derived.
Principal
(1) one who employs an agent, (2) money or capital.
Private Mortgage Insurance
A private insurance program which insures the lender for loan amounts in excess of 80% of value.
Pro-rata
To divide or distribute proportionately.
Probate
The process of proving a will before a duly authorized court or person.
Procuring Cause
The actions by a broker which result in the owner being able to make a sale.
Promissory Note
The primary legal financing obligation in which the borrower promises to pay back a sum of money borrowed. (A contract)
Proration
Dividing property taxes, hazard insurance and other expenses or income between the buyer and seller, as of date of settlement.
Public Report
The report issued by the commissioner under authority of Section 11018 of the Code.
Puffing
To exaggerate - for example, to refer to a house as having "the most gorgeous view in the city."
Purchase and Leaseback
The simultaneous buying of property and leasing it back to the seller.
Purchase Money Mortgage
A mortgage given by the seller to the buyer to cover all or part of the sale price. Seller financing.
Quiet Enjoyment
The right of an owner or lessee legally in possession of property, to uninterrupted use of the property without interference from the former owner, lessor or any third party claiming superior title.
Quiet Title
A court action to remove a cloud on the title.
Quitclaim Deed
Only conveys what present interest a person may have in a particular property but makes no representations or warranties of title.
Rate of Return
A percentage relationship between the investment price or equity invested and the composite returns.
Re-entry
The right of the landlord to repossess leased property following the violation of the terms in the lease.
Ready, Willing and Able
Someone fully qualified to enter into a transaction.
Real Estate
Land and all man-made improvements both on and to the land, plus all tangible interest in the real property. Surface, subsurface and air rights.
Real Estate Commission
The state regulatory body whose duty it is to carry out the real estate license laws in a particular state.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
A method of pooling investment money using the trust form of ownership if certain tax requirements are met. One advantage of the REIT is the avoidance of corporate tax (thus no double taxation) + many more.
Real Estate Law
Part 1 of Division 4 of the California Business and Professions Code.
Real Estate Market
The mechanism by which rights and interests in real estate are sold, prices set, supply adjusted to demand, space allocated among competing alternate uses, and land-use patterns set.
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
A law which covers most mortgage loans made for one to four-unit residential property. It requires the lender to provide the loan applicant with pertinent information so that the borrower can make informed decisions as to which lender will be used to finance the purchase.
Real Property
Refers to land and improvements both on and to the land, and also to the physical aspects of real estate, including surface, air and subsurface rights plus, bundle of rights.
Real Property Sales Contract
An agreement wherein one party agrees to convey title to real property to another party upon the satisfaction of specified conditions set forth in the contract and which does not require conveyance of title within one year from the date of formation of the contract.
Realtist
A real estate broker who is an active member in a real estate board affiliated with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
REALTOR®
A registered trademark of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. It is used by brokers and salespersons who hold active membership in the association.
Receiver
A court-appointed person who is charged with preserving a property, collecting rents and doing anything necessary to maintain the property's condition.
Reciprocity
The recognition that states give whereby a licensee of one state can be involved in real estate transactions in other states.
Recording
The process of placing a document on file with a designated public official for public notice.
Rectangular Survey
method of land description used in about 30 states based on imaginary lines of longitude (meridians) and latitude (base lines); also referred to as the US government survey system.
Redemption Period
The right of a mortgagor (borrower) to make good on the default within a specified time and receive the property back.
Redlining
The practice of some lending institutions that restricts the number of loans or the loan-to-value ratio in certain areas of a community, i.e., it is illegal for a lending institution to require a higher down payment because the home the borrower is buying is located in a racially mixed area.
Refinancing
A description of an extension of the existing financing either through the same lender or through a new financial arrangement.
Regulation Z
Regulation Z requires disclosure of all costs of financing the purchase of owner occupied residential purchases of one to four units. It also requires disclosure of the annual percentage rate of the loan. Implementation of Regulation Z is over seen by the Federal Reserve Board.
Regulation Z Issued by the Federal Reserve System to implement the Truth-In-Lending Law (National Consumer Credit Protection Act). Applies to credit and interest rates.
Issued by the Federal Reserve System to implement the Truth-In-Lending Law (National Consumer Credit Protection Act). Applies to credit and interest rates.
Remainder-man
The person who has a future interest in a life estate once the present estate terminates.
Renegotiable Rate Mortgage
A renegotiated loan where the maturity is fixed (for example, 30 years) but the interest rate, and hence the monthly payment, is renegotiated periodically (for example, every 3 or 5 years.)
Rent
The payment made for the use of land.
Replacement Cost
The cost of substituting a similar structure with utility equivalent to the subject property but constructed with modern materials.
Reproduction Cost
The cost of exactly duplicating a structure using the same material and design.
Rescission
Repealing a contract either by mutual consent of the parties to the contract or by one party when the other party is in breach of the contract.
Resident Manager
An employee of the property management firm and its representative on the premises.
Restrictive Covenant
A clause in a deed which restricts use of property for a specified time.
Reversion
A future interest in the grantor, which occurs whenever the owner of real estate conveys an estate of lesser duration than the owner has.
Reversionary Interest
A future interest a person has in property after present possession is terminated.
Revocation
The nullification of an offer to contract by the original offeror.
Right of Re-entry
The right retained when a fee simple on condition subsequent exists; also referred to as the power of termination. Back to court.
Right of Redemption
The legal ability to buy back one's property within the time specified in each state after a judicial sale by paying the debt, interest and certain costs.
Right of Survivorship
Upon the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety the interest does not pass to the tenant's heirs but to the other join tenant(s).
Riparian Rights
A legal right of a landowner who owns land next to a natural watercourse to reasonable use of whatever water flows past the property.
Run with the land
Certain restrictions, easements and covenants are part of the ownership of land and thus are not terminated when title is transferred but remain in effect from owner to owner.
Sale-leaseback
A technique used by owners of property as a means of raising capital. The process involves the simultaneous selling and leasing back of the property usually through a net lease.
Sales Contract
An agreement in which the buyer and seller agree to the terms and conditions of the sale of property. (Bilateral Contract)
Salesperson
A natural person licensed to perform on behalf of any licensed real estate broker any act or acts authorized to be performed by the broker.
Satisfaction of Mortgage
An instrument issued by the mortgagee (Lender) when the mortgage has been paid in full.
Satisfaction Piece
An instrument issued by a person holding a lien to indicate lien is discharged.
Scarcity
The scarcity of real estate refers to the limited supply of certain types of real estate at particular locations.
Second Mortgage
A mortgage subordinate to a first mortgage; also referred to as a junior mortgage. (Recorded Second)
Seisin
The actual possession of land by one who claims rightful ownership of a freehold estate therein.
Servient Estate
The tract of land burdened by an easement.
Setback Lines
A requirement in zoning ordinances in which all structures are to be a minimum distance from property lines.
Severalty Ownership
Ownership by one person.
Site
A lot ready for development.
Situs
Refers to the economic location of real estate.
Special Agent
One limited in authority to transact a single business affair or a specific series of business affairs or to perform restricted acts for the principal. (Listing one property for sale)
Special Assessment
From time to time jurisdictions levy a charge on certain pieces of property for the purpose of paying for the cost of a public improvement such as sewers or sidewalks, which particularly benefit properties being assessed as opposed to those improvements benefiting the public at large. Considered a tax.
Special Warranty Deed
The grantor warrants against defects that have occurred after the grantor acquired title. (No warrantee forever-only for the time the grantor owns the property)
Specific Lien
One that attaches to a particular property.
Specific Performance
An equitable remedy in which the court orders the contract to be performed as agreed to by the parties.
Statute
A law passed by a state legislature.
Statute of Frauds
Every state has some form of laws which require that certain contracts must be in writing in order to be enforceable in a court.
Statutory Period of Redemption
The time within which property may be redeemed after a foreclosure sale.
Steering
The channeling of prospective home purchasers or renters, by real estate brokers or salespersons, into racially homogeneous neighborhoods, and actively discouraging them away from neighborhoods of different racial or ethnic composition.
Straight Note
A promissory note evidencing a loan in which payments of interest only are made periodically during the term of the note, with the principal payment due in one lump sum upon maturity. A straight note is usually a nonamoritized note made for a short term, such as two to 4 years, and is renewable at the end of the term. A mortgage that secures a straight note is a term mortgage or straight-term mortgage.
Street Improvement Act of 1911
A law used by cities and counties for street improvements; a typical example of this is that the local government hires a contractor to improve streets, and then each owner along that street is liable for paying a pro rata share of that cost. The owner might either pay the contractor in full within 30 days, OR the local government might sell bonds to raise revenue to pay the contractor.
Subdivision
A legal definition of those divisions of real property for the purpose of sale, lease or financing which are regulated by law. Under the Subdivided Lands Act, a subdivision is defined as a division of land into 5 or more lots; while under the Subdivision Map Act, a subdivision is considered to be comprised of 2 or more lots.
Subdivision Interests
Lots, parcels, units, undivided interests, shares, time-share estates or time-share uses, as defined under the Commissioner's Regulations.
Subdivision Law or Subdivided Lands Law
A law that was designed to protect the purchasers of property in new subdivisions from fraud of misrepresentation when these purchasers are buying subdivided land. Under the Subdivided Lands Act, a subdivision is defined as a division of land into 5 or more lots for the purpose of selling, leasing, or financing, whether now or in the future.
Subdivision Map Act
A law that requires the mapping of all new subdivisions, which regulates the division of 2 or more lots for the purpose of selling, leasing, or financing said lots, either at that time or in the future.
Sublease
The transfer when the original lessee retains a reversion. Primary liability remains with the original lessee.
Subordination Clause
A clause in which the holder of a mortgage permits a subsequent mortgage to take priority. Subordination is the act of yielding priority.
Subrogation
The substitution of a third person in place of a creditor to whose rights the third person succeeds in relation to the debt. (Title company)
Suit
A court action to enforce a legal claim or right.
Syndicate
An arrangement to raise equity capital for real estate purchases or for other types of investments.
Tax Base
The total tax-assessed value of all real property in a particular jurisdiction.
Tax Rate
The rate, normally stated in units of $100, multiplied by the assessed value of property to determine the amount of the property tax due.
Taxation
The right of government to require contribution from citizens to pay for government services.
Tenancy at Sufferance
A tenancy which is created when one is in wrongful possession of realty, even though the original possession may have been legal.
Tenancy at Will
An occupation of space for an indefinite period which can be terminated by either the lessor or lessee at any time.
Tenancy by the Entireties (Entirety)
A special joint tenancy between a lawfully married husband and wife, which places all title to property (real or personal) into the marital unit, with both spouses having an equal undivided interest in the whole property. In essence, each spouse owns the ENTIRE estate.
Tenancy from Period to Period
A leasehold, which is automatically renewed for the same term as in the original lease; also referred to as a periodic tenancy or an estate from year to year. Notice needed to terminate.
Tenancy in Common
A form of concurrent ownership where two or more persons hold separate titles in the same estate. May have equal or unequal shares. Right of partition.
Term Mortgage (Straight Term)
A method of financing in which interest only is paid during the time of the loan. At maturity, generally five years or less, the entire principle is due.
Time Is of the Essence
A phrase included in contracts to require punctual performance of all obligation.
Time Sharing
A form of condominium ownership in which the buyer owns the property for a certain specified time interval.
Title
The legally recognized evidence of a person's right to possess property.
Title Insurance
A policy that protects the insured against loss or damage due to defects in title.
Title Theory States
States in which a mortgage actually conveys title subject to a condition.
Topography
A description of surface features of land.
Township
A 6-by-6 mile area containing 36 sections each 1 mile square. A division of land in the rectangular survey method of land description.
Trade Fixtures
Personal property used in business which has been annexed to real property and is removable by the owner. (Tenant) If it is not taken by the tenant it becomes the property of the landlord.
Transferability
The ability to exchange goods and services. In real estate legal rights are transferred.
Trust
A legal relationship under which title to property is transferred to a person, called a trustee, who has control over the property, and must manage it for some other person -- called a beneficiary.
Trust Deed
A legal document by which a borrower pledges certain real property or collateral as guarantee for the repayment of a loan that differs in several ways from a mortgage. There are 3 parties to the transaction, the borrower (trustor), the trustee (the neutral party to whom the trustor deeds the property as security for the payment of the debt), and the beneficiary (lender).
Trustee
A person who holds title and control over property and manages it for another person called a beneficiary. (Called "Naked Legal Title")
Trustor
The person who creates a trust and voices the instructions to the trustee. (The borrower.)
Truth-in-Lending Law
Common name given to the National Consumer Credit Protection Act. Requires lenders to make credit disclosures to individual borrowers for certain types of loans. (Regulation Z)
Undivided Interest
The interest of co-owners in which individual interest is indistinguishable. (Everyone owns part of the whole property.)
Undue Influence
Occurs when a person in a fiduciary capacity or in a position of authority misuses the trust or power in order to unfairly induce a party to enter into a contract.
Unencumbered Property
Property that is free and clear of any liens.
Unities
Joined in one; for example, in order for a joint tenancy to exist four unities are necessary (1) time, (2) title, (3) interest and (4) possession. (TTIP)
Unity of Possession
The right of each tenant to the possession and use of the whole property. (Joint tenants and tenants in common.)
Unity of Time
States that the joint tenancy interests of the joint tenants must have been acquired at the same moment.
Unity of Title
States that the joint tenancy interests were created in a single conveying instrument.
Universal Agent
Has the authority to do all acts that can be lawfully delegated to a representative. (Power of attorney-attorney in fact)
Unsecured Loan
A loan made on the signature and credit of the borrower, not secured by collateral. Credit card. (Debenture)
Urban Renewal
The acquisition of certain areas by government action for the purpose of redevelopment.
Usury
Charging more than the legal rate of interest for the use of money.
VA Mortgage
(GI Mortgage) Mortgage guaranteed by Veterans Administration.
Valid Contract
A binding agreement containing all of the essential legal elements.
Valuable Consideration
Anything of value offered as an inducement. (Money, ring, boat, etc.)
Variable Interest Rate Mortgage (VRM)
The interest rate charged by the lender varies according to some index not controlled by the lender.
Variance
A type of safety valve to allow a property owner, who is unfairly burdened by zoning restrictions, to find relief.
Vendee
Purchaser in a contract for deed.
Vendee's Lien
Held by the purchaser for the purchase price paid if the seller defaults on the delivery of the deed.
Vendor
Seller in a contract for deed.
Vendor's Lien
The amount of the purchase price still due to the seller.
Veterans Administration (VA)
An agency of the federal government created to provide a loan guaranty program which enables qualified veterans to finance real estate purchases with a higher loan-to-value ratio than is normally possible with conventional financing.
Voidable Contract
An agreement in which one or more of the parties may elect to avoid or to ratify the legal obligations created by the contract. Minor, someone under duress.
Voluntary Alienation
The transfer of title by a deed.
Voluntary Lien
An encumbrance placed on property through some willful act of the owner.
Warranty Deed
A deed in which the grantor makes formal assurance as to quality of title.
Water Rights
The right of a landowner to water adjoining or passing through property.
Water Table
The distance from ground level to natural groundwater.
Wear and Tear
The lessening in value of an asset due to ordinary and normal use.
Will
A legal declaration in which a person disposes of property to take effect upon his or her death.
Wrap-around Mortgage
A junior mortgage which provides an owner additional capital without refinancing the first mortgage. (The original mortgage is not disturbed)
Writ of Execution
A court order to an officer to carry out judicial decree.
Yield
The interest earned by an investor on the investment.
Zoning
A police power device which allows for legislative division of space into districts and imposition of regulation prescribing use and intensity of use to which land within each designated district may be put.
Zoning Ordinance
A zoning law passed by a local government which consists of a text of regulations and a map.