Modern RE Glossary Words Flashcards
Abandonment
Failure to occupy and use property which may result in loss of rights.
Abstract of title
A short account of what appears in the public record affecting the title of a particular parcel of real property; ordinarily includes a chronological summary of all grants, conveyances, wills, transfers, and judicial proceedings that have in any way affected the title, together with all liens and other encumbrances of record, showing whether or not they have been released.
Abut
To touch, border on, be adjacent to, or share a common boundary with.
Acceleration clause
Provision in a promissory note or a security instrument that allows the lender to declare the entire debt due immediately if the borrower breaches one or more provisions of the loan agreement or is in default in paying on the loan. Also referred to as a call provision.
Acceptance
(1) agreeing to the terms of an offer to enter into a contract, thereby creating a binding contract. (2) taking delivery of a deed from the grantor.
Accretion
A gradual addition to dry land by the forces of nature, as when waterborne sediment is deposited on waterfront property.
Acknowledgment
When a person who has signed a document formally declares to an authorized official, usually in notary public, that he signed voluntarily. The official can then a test that the signature is voluntary and genuine, without duress.
Acquisition cost
The sum required to obtain title to a piece of property. In addition to the purchase price, it typically includes an appraisal fee, title insurance cost, and other closing costs paid by the buyer.
Acre
An acre of land is equal to 43,560 square ft. There are 640 acres in a section of land.
Actual age
The age of a structure from a chronological standpoint, as opposed to its effective age, how many years it has actually been in existence.
Adaptation
Used to determine if something is a fixture. If the item is attached and has been adapted to the property, it is most likely a fixture.
Addendum
Additional information attached to a contract at the time the agreement is formed. It may add contractual provisions or provide information.
Adjacent
Nearby, next to, bordering, or neighboring. May or may not be an actual contract.
Adjustable rate mortgage, ARM.
A loan in which the interest rate is periodically increased or decreased to reflect changes in the cost of money. Compare: fixed rate.
Administrator
A person appointed by the probate court to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person, when no executor is named in the will or there is no will.
Ad Valorem
A Latin phrase that means “according to value“ used to refer to taxes that are based on the value of property.
Adverse possession
Acquiring title to real property that belongs to someone else by taking possession of it without permission, in the manner and for the length of time prescribed by statute.
Affirm
(1) To confirm or ratify. (2) to make a solemn declaration that is not under oath.
Agency
A relationship of trust created when one person (the principal) grants another, (the agent) authority to represent the principal in dealings with third parties.
Agency by estoppel
When third parties are given the impression that someone who has not been authorized to represent another is that person‘s agent, or else given the impression that an agent has been authorized to perform ask that are, in fact, beyond the scope of the agents authority. Also called ostensible or a parent agency.
Agent
A person authorized to represent another (the principal) in dealings with third parties.
Air rights
The right to undisturbed use in control of the air space over a parcel of land; may be transferred separately from the land.
Alienation
The transfer of ownership or an interest in property from one person to another, by any means.
Alienation, involuntary
Transfer of an interest in property against the will of the owner, or without action by the owner, occurring through operation of law , example; a mortgage foreclosure, natural processes, or adverse possession.