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Flashcards in General Glossary Deck (280)
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1
Q

Abandonment

A

Non-payment of taxes

2
Q

Abstract of Title

A

A history of the ownership of a parcel of land which lists transfers of title, rights, and liabilities.

3
Q

Acceleration Clause

A

States that upon default, all of the principal installments come due immediately.

4
Q

Accession

A

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.

5
Q

Accretion

A

Refers to land which is accumulated by the gradual washing or motion of water.

6
Q

Accrued

A

An accumulation.

7
Q

Acknowledgment

A

formal declaration made by the grantor conveying the property to the grantee – a necessary element for validity of a deed.

8
Q

Acre

A

A measure of land equal to 43,560 square feet.

9
Q

Action to Quiet Title

A

The lawsuit filed by a person to remove or clear the claims of others against property.

10
Q

Actual Notice

A

The actual knowledge that a person has about the existence of a particular fact.

11
Q

Ad Valorem

A

A prefix meaning “based on value”. Most local governments levy an ad valorem tax on property.

12
Q

Adverse Possession

A

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.

13
Q

Agency

A

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.

14
Q

Agent

A

One who acts for and in place of a principal for the purpose of affecting the principal’s legal relations with third persons.

15
Q

Air Rights

A

The right to use, control and occupy the space above a particular parcel of land.

16
Q

Alienation Clause

A

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.

17
Q

Allodial

A

The free and full ownership of rights in land by individuals, which is the basis of real property in the United States.

18
Q

Amortization

A

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.

19
Q

Amortized Loan

A

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.

20
Q

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

A

The yearly cost of credit. Interest Rate plus finance charge

21
Q

Appraisal

A

An opinion or estimate of value performed by a person licensed to do so

22
Q

Appreciation

A

An increase in value.

23
Q

Appurtenance

A

Any right or privilege which belongs to and passes with land.

24
Q

Arms-length Transaction

A

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”.

25
Q

Arrears

A

Not on time; late in making payments or completing work. Interest is paid in arrears

26
Q

As is

A

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.

27
Q

Assemblage

A

Bringing two or more lots together under one ownership.

28
Q

Assessed Value

A

The value placed on property, by the tax assessor, for the purpose of determining the property tax.

29
Q

Assignment

A

(1) the means by which a person transfers contract rights;(2) occurs when the lessee parts with the entire estate, retaining no interest.

30
Q

Attachment

A

The process of taking a person’s property into legal custody by a court order called a writ of attachment. Property is frozen.

31
Q

Attestation

A

The act of witnessing a person’s signing of an instrument by a notary public.

32
Q

Attorney in Fact

A

A person given the authority to act on behalf of another under a power of attorney

33
Q

Attorney’s Opinion of Title

A

A statement issued by an attorney after analyzing an abstract as to quality of title.

34
Q

Avulsion

A

Occurs in cases where there is a sudden loss of land through nature.

35
Q

Bad Title

A

Title with defects making it unmarketable.

36
Q

Balloon Payment

A

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.

37
Q

Bargain and Sale Deed

A

An instrument conveying title which recites a valuable consideration and commonly uses the words “bargain and sale” or words of similar import.

38
Q

Bench mark

A

A bronze disk permanently placed and precisely identified by government survey teams.

39
Q

Bilateral Contract

A

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).

40
Q

Bill of Sale

A

A document used to transfer ownership of personal property.

41
Q

Blanket Mortgage

A

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.

42
Q

Block A

A

Means of subdividing large tracts of land into smaller sections, each of which is numbered. For example, Lot 4, Block 8.

43
Q

Blockbusting

A

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”.

44
Q

Bounds

A

Refers to boundaries; used with the word “metes” in the metes and bounds method of land description.

45
Q

Breach of Contract

A

A failure to perform, as promised, at the time the performance was due.

46
Q

Buffer Zone

A

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.

47
Q

Building Code

A

Ordinances passed by local governments with special minimum standards of construction for new buildings. They also apply to major additions to old construction.

48
Q

Bundle of Rights

A

The rights of an owner to possess, control, enjoy, sell, lease, mortgage, and dispose of the property.

49
Q

Bylaws

A

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.

50
Q

Capital Gains

A

The tax profit realized from the sale of property. (A “tax free” exchange is a deferment of capital gains).

51
Q

Capitalization

A

Used in the income approach to value. To capitalize income means to convert future income into present (current) value.

52
Q

Capitalization Rate

A

The rate of return considered to be a reasonable return on investment - given the risk.

53
Q

Caveat Emptor

A

Means “Let the Buyer beware”.

54
Q

Certificate

A

The first thing a veteran should request if attempting to purchase a property using VA eligibility

55
Q

Certificate of Eligibility Certificate

A

Given to veterans bearing evidence of their qualifications for a VA mortgage loan

56
Q

Certificate of Reasonable Value (CPR)

A

Issued by the Veterans Administration to certify the value of property secured by a VA mortgage. Appraisal.

57
Q

Certificate of Title

A

A document given by the title examiner stating the quality of title the seller possesses.

58
Q

Chain of Title

A

A history of the ownership affecting title to a parcel of land.

59
Q

Chattel Mortgage

A

One in which personal property is pledged to secure a note.

60
Q

City Planning

A

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.

61
Q

Civil Rights Act of 1866

A

A law which prohibits discrimination in all real estate transactions based on race - commercial and residential.

62
Q

Closing Costs

A

The expenses incurred and paid at the time of settlement in the transferring of property.

63
Q

Cloud on Title

A

Any claim affecting title to property.

64
Q

Co-Insurance

A

Coinsurance is a common clause or provision in building insurance policies under which the insured agrees to maintain insurance on his or her property in an amount equal to at least 80% of the replacement cost. It the property is not insured to that amount and a loss is incurred the insurance company will make the insured share in the loss on a pro-rata basis.

65
Q

Collateral

A

Property which has been pledged as security for a loan.

66
Q

Color of Title

A

Adverse possession.

67
Q

Commercial Banks

A

The largest financial intermediary directly involved in the financing of real estate. Their primary real estate activity involves short-term loans.

68
Q

Commingling

A

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).

69
Q

Common Elements

A

Property jointly owned on a pro-rata basis with other unit owners in a condominium regime.

70
Q

Common Law

A

(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.

71
Q

Community Property

A

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.

72
Q

Comparable

A

Comparable property recently sold which is used in the market data approach.

73
Q

Comparative Analysis

A

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.

74
Q

Competent Parties

A

Those who are legally capable of entering into contracts

75
Q

Condemnation

A

The process of exercising eminent domain through court action.

76
Q

Consideration

A

Anything of value offered to induce someone to enter into a contractual agreement. For example, sale price, earnest money, a promise for a promise.

77
Q

Constructive Eviction

A

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.

78
Q

Constructive Notice

A

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).

79
Q

Contract

A

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.

80
Q

Contract for a Deed

A

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).

81
Q

Conveyance

A

The transfer of title to land from one party to another.

82
Q

Cooperative

A

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.

83
Q

Corporation

A

A legal entity organized to have perpetual legal existence and to have legal power to carry on certain activities such as owning real estate.

84
Q

Cost Approach

A

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.

85
Q

Counteroffer

A

A rejection of an offer to buy or sell, by a seller or buyer, with a simultaneous substitute offer.

86
Q

Covenant

A

Included in a deed; a guarantee.

87
Q

Covenant Against Encumbrances

A

The assurance that no encumbrances other than those specified in the deed exist.

88
Q

Covenant of Further Assurance

A

A promise that the grantor will perform further acts reasonably necessary to correct any defects in the title or in the deed instrument.

89
Q

Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment

A

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.

90
Q

Covenant of Seisin

A

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.”

91
Q

Curable Depreciation

A

Depreciation is considered curable if the cost of the repair is less than what the repair adds to the value of property.

92
Q

Curtesy

A

The rights that a husband acquires in the wife’s property upon her death

93
Q

Debit

A

Money owed. (Debt) The opposite of a credit.

94
Q

Decree

A

Court order

95
Q

Deed

A

A written instrument, usually under seal, which contains an agreement to transfer some property interest from a grantor to a grantee.

96
Q

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

A

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.

97
Q

Deed of Release

A

Given by lien holders, remainder-men or mortgages to relinquish their claims on the property.

98
Q

Deed of Trust

A

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)

99
Q

Defeasance Clause

A

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

100
Q

Defeasible Fee Simple

A
  • 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.
101
Q

Defect in Title

A

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

102
Q

Deficiency Judgment

A

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.

103
Q

Depreciation

A

A decrease in value due to physical deterioration, functional or economic obsolescence.

104
Q

Descent

A

Refers to any passage of title to property, upon intestacy to those heirs, related by blood or marriage, whom the law designates.

105
Q

Devise

A

Transferring title to real property by means of a will.

106
Q

Discount Points

A

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.

107
Q

Dominant Estate

A

The tract of land in an easement appurtenant which benefits from the easement.

108
Q

Dower

A

The rights that a wife acquires in her husband’s fee simple property.

109
Q

Down Payment

A

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.

110
Q

Due-on-Sale Clause

A

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.

111
Q

Duress

A

Involves the use of force or improper actions, against a person or property, in order to induce a party to enter into a contract

112
Q

Earnest Money

A

A sum of money given to bind an offer or agreement.

113
Q

Easement

A

A right to limited use or enjoyment by one or more persons in the land of another.

114
Q

Easement Appurtenant

A

An easement created to benefit adjacent land.

115
Q

Easement by Implication

A

Occurs because of necessity, such as the conveyance of a land-locked property

116
Q

Easement in Gross

A

A personal right to use the land of another.

117
Q

Economic Life

A

The time period over which an improvement to land earns more income than the cost incurred in generating the income. Profitability.

118
Q

Economic Obsolescence

A

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.

119
Q

Economic Rent

A

The amount of rental which a building would receive, if set by the market, as opposed to contract rent set by the lease.

120
Q

Effective Age

A

The difference between the theoretical economic life of a structure and its actual remaining economic life. Maintaining the property.

121
Q

Effective Gross Income

A

The anticipated income resulting from the estimated potential gross income from a rental property less an allowance for vacancy and bad debts.

122
Q

Emblements

A

Refers to crops which require annual planting.

123
Q

Eminent Domain

A

The right of government to acquire property, for a public purpose, after paying just compensation.

124
Q

Encroachment

A

The extension of some improvement or object across the boundary of an adjoining tract. (Off sides).

125
Q

Encumbrance

A

Any interest in or claim on, the land of another, which in some manner burdens or diminishes the value of the property.

126
Q

Equal Credit Opportunity Act. (ECOA)

A

A federal act, which prohibits discrimination by lenders on the basis of sex or marital status in any aspect of a credit transaction.

127
Q

Equitable Lien

A

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

128
Q

Equity

A

value of real estate less any liens against it.

129
Q

Escalation Clause

A

(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.

130
Q

Escheat

A

The right of government to ownership of property, which is left by a deceased property owner who leaves no will, and dies without descendants.

131
Q

Escrow

A

The deposit of funds with a neutral third party who is instructed to carry out the provisions of an agreement.

132
Q

Estate

A

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.

133
Q

Estate at Sufferance

A

Retention of possession without the consent of the landlord after the lease has expired; also referred to as tenancy at sufferance.

134
Q

Estate at Will

A

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.

135
Q

Estate for Years

A

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.

136
Q

Estate from Period to Period

A

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.

137
Q

Estate in Fee

A

The maximum possible estate one can possess in real property; also referred to as fee simple or fee simple absolute.

138
Q

Exclusive Agency Listing

A

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.

139
Q

Exclusive Right to Sell Listing

A

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)

140
Q

Executed Contract

A

One in which the obligations have been performed on both sides of the contract and nothing is left to be completed. (Closed Deal)

141
Q

Executor

A

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.

142
Q

Express Contract

A

An agreement formed through the oral or written words of the parties.

143
Q

Fair Market Value

A

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.

144
Q

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

A

A federal agency established to insure the deposits in member commercial banks. The current maximum insurance per account is $100,000.00.

145
Q

Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968

A

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.

146
Q

Federal Home Loan Bank System - FHLBB

A

A federal agency which oversees and regulates all federally charted savings and loan association.

147
Q

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)

A

“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.

148
Q

Federal Housing Administration- (FHA)

A

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.

149
Q

Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)

A

Commonly known as “Fannie Mae”, this quasi-private corporation is the largest buyer of existing mortgages in the secondary mortgage market.

150
Q

Federal Reserve System (FRS)

A

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.

151
Q

Fee Simple Absolute

A

The maximum possible estate one can possess in real property; also referred to as fee simple or fee.

152
Q

Fee Simple Determinable

A

An estate which has been created to exist only until the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a particular event. Returns automatically.

153
Q

Fee Simple Subject to a Condition Subsequent

A

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.

154
Q

Fiduciary

A

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)

155
Q

First Lien

A

Claim with highest priority against property; also known as a superior to the rights of subsequent lenders. (Recorded first)

156
Q

First Mortgage

A

A mortgage on real estate in which the lender’s rights are superior to the rights of subsequent lenders. (Recorded first)

157
Q

Fixture

A

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.

158
Q

Foreclosure

A

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.

159
Q

Fraud

A

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.

160
Q

Freehold Estate

A

One which continues for an indefinite period of time. For as “least a lifetime or greater” (will)

161
Q

Fully Amortized Mortgage

A

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.

162
Q

Functional Obsolescence

A

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.)

163
Q

General Agent

A

One authorized to transact all of the principal’s affairs within the context of a broad commercial or other kind of endeavor. Property manager.

164
Q

General Lien

A

A lien that attaches to all property owned by an individual. Real and personal.

165
Q

General Warranty Deed

A

Contains covenants in which the grantor formally guarantees that good and marketable title is being . Highest deed - 5 covenants.

166
Q

Good Title

A

One which is free from encumbrances such as liens, pending litigation and other such defects.

167
Q

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA):

A

Commonly known as “Ginnie Mae,” this agency of HUD operates in the secondary mortgage market. It is involved with special government financing programs.

168
Q

Government Survey

A

A method of land description based on townships and sections. (Rectangular survey system).

169
Q

Graduated Lease Provisions

A

This lease provides for periodic step increases in the rental payments.

170
Q

Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM):

A

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.

171
Q

Grandfather Clause

A

Creating an exemption from application of a new law due to previously existing circumstances; non-conforming use.

172
Q

Grant

A

Transferring real estate by means of a deed.

173
Q

Grantee

A

Purchaser or donee receiving title to property.

174
Q

Grantor

A

Owner making conveyance of title or interest in property.

175
Q

Gross Income

A

The actual income received from property before the deduction for any expenses.

176
Q

Gross Income Multiplier (GIM):

A

A method of appraising income-producing property based on a multiple of the annual gross income; also called a gross rent multiplier.

177
Q

Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM):

A

A method of appraising single family or duplexes based on the monthly gross income.

178
Q

Habendum clause

A

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”.

179
Q

Highest and Best Use

A

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.

180
Q

Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

A

An agency of the federal government which oversees many federal housing programs.

181
Q

Hypothecate

A

process of pledging something (house) as security, but retaining possession of it.

182
Q

Immobility

A

Incapable of being moved; fixed in location, such as land.

183
Q

Implied Contract

A

contract formed through the acts or conduct of the parties. involved.(Ostensible)

184
Q

Income Approach

A

A traditional means of appraising property based on the assumption that value is equal to the present worth of future rights to income.

185
Q

Increasing and Decreasing Returns

A

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.

186
Q

Incurable Depreciation

A

Elements of a structure which are neither physically possible nor economically feasible to correct.

187
Q

Intestate

A

Dying without a will.

188
Q

Invalid

A

Without legal force.

189
Q

Irrevocable

A

Not capable of being changed or terminated.

190
Q

Joint Tenancy

A

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.

191
Q

joint venture

A

agreement by two or more partiesor entities to engage in a single project or undertaking.

192
Q

Judgment Lien

A

The charge upon the land of a debtor, resulting from the decree of a court, entered in the judgment docket. Lawsuit

193
Q

Junior Lien

A

An encumbrance, second in priority, to a previously recorded lien or to a lien to which the encumbrance has been subordinated.

194
Q

Land Contract

A

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.

195
Q

Landlocked

A

Completely shut in by adjoining parcels of land with no access to public roads.

196
Q

Latent Defect

A

A defect which cannot be discovered by ordinary inspection.

197
Q

Less than Freehold Estate

A

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.

198
Q

Lessee

A

Tenant.

199
Q

Lessor

A

Landlord.

200
Q

Leverage

A

Using borrowed capital to finance the purchase of real estate or other assets. (No money down)

201
Q

License

A

A personal privilege to go upon the land of another; not considered an interest in land. Permission only to use.

202
Q

Lien

A

A legally recognized right to enforce a claim or charge on the property of another for payment of some debt, duty or obligation.

203
Q

Lien Theory State

A

The mortgage merely creates a lien right on the mortgagee with the mortgagor retaining the title.

204
Q

Life Estate

A

An interest which only lasts for the term of a life, or lives, of one or more persons. Death terminates.

205
Q

Life Estate Pur Autre Vie

A

A life estate in one person with another person serving as the measuring life.

206
Q

Life Tenant

A

The holder of a life estate.

207
Q

Limited Partnership

A

An entity with one or more general partners and one or more passive investors, called limited partners.

208
Q

Liquidated Damages

A

An agreed-to sum, which will be paid if the contract is breached.

209
Q

Liquidity

A

The ease with which an asset may be converted into cash.

210
Q

Lis Pendens

A

A notice filed for he purpose of serving constructive notice that title, or some matter involving particular real property, is in litigation.

211
Q

Listing Contract

A

An employment agreement between an owner and broker defining the duties and rights of both parties. (Unilateral contract)

212
Q

Loan-to-Value Ratio

A

The relationship between the amount borrowed and the appraised value of the property. (Purchase price 100,000-Loan 80,000-LTV 80%)

213
Q

Lot and Block

A

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)

214
Q

Loyalty

A

The duty owed by an agent, to avoid conflicts of interest or any activity which is detrimental to a principal.

215
Q

Management Agreement

A

An employment contract between the owner of real estate and a property management firm that agrees to oversee the management of the property.

216
Q

Market

A

economic function of bringing buyers and sellers together through the price mechanism.

217
Q

Market Data Approach

A

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.

218
Q

Market Value

A

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.

219
Q

Marketable Title

A

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

220
Q

Master Plan

A

A program for the future development of a community which serves as the guideline for capital expenditures.

221
Q

Mechanic’s Lien

A

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.

222
Q

Metes and Bounds

A

A method of land description which involves identifying distances and directions and makes use of both the physical boundaries and measurements of the land.

223
Q

Mill

A

A mill is equal to one-tenth of one cent and is used to state the property tax rate. (.001)

224
Q

Millage Rate

A

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).

225
Q

Minor

A

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)

226
Q

Misrepresentation

A

An innocent or negligent mis-statement of a material fact, detrimentally relied upon by the other party.

227
Q

Month-to-Month Tenancy

A

A lease which has a term of one month but renewable for successive months at the option of both parties.

228
Q

Monument

A

Physical evidence of a point- of- beginning established by surveyors for use in locating parcels of land.

229
Q

Mortgage

A

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).

230
Q

Mortgage Banker

A

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.

231
Q

Mortgage Broker

A

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.

232
Q

Mortgagee

A

A lender who receives a pledge of property to secure a debt.

233
Q

Mortgagor

A

A borrower who pledges property through a mortgage to secure a debt.

234
Q

Multiple Listing

A

Marketing service in which many brokers pool all of their listings and establish procedures for sharing commissions.

235
Q

Mutual Assent

A

An offer and acceptance which together form the terms of a contract.

236
Q

Net Income, Net Operating Income

A

Gross income less all operating expenses. Is used in the income approach to value.

237
Q

Net Listing

A

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.

238
Q

Non-resident

A

One whose primary residence is in another state.

239
Q

Nonconforming Use

A

A pre-existing use of land which does not conform to the zoning ordinance but which may legally remain.

240
Q

Obsolescence

A

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.

241
Q

Offer and Acceptance

A

The necessary elements of mutual assent; for example, an agreement of one party to buy and another party to sell.

242
Q

Open Listing

A

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.

243
Q

Open-end Mortgage

A

A loan containing a clause which allows the mortgagor to borrow additional money without rewriting the mortgage.

244
Q

Option

A

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.

245
Q

Optionee

A

The holder of the option. Buyer

246
Q

Optionor

A

The seller of the option.

247
Q

Ordinance

A

A statute enacted by the legislative branch of a local government.

248
Q

Outbuilding

A

An accessory structure other than the main structure on land.

249
Q

Owner’s Title Policy

A

A policy insuring the owner of real estate against certain defects of title.

250
Q

Ownership

A

The right to hold, possess, control and dispose of property.

251
Q

Ownership in Severalty

A

Individual ownership.

252
Q

Package Mortgage

A

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)

253
Q

Parol Evidence Rule

A

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)

254
Q

Partial Release Clause

A

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.

255
Q

Partially Amortized Mortgage

A

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.

256
Q

Participation Mortgage

A

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.

257
Q

Partition suit

A

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)

258
Q

Percentage Lease

A

The lessor receives a percentage of the gross sales or net profits as the rental payment for the lease of the property.

259
Q

Percolation

A

Ability of soil to absorb water; used for septic systems.

260
Q

Periodic Tenancy

A

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

261
Q

Personal Property

A

Movables, which are not annexed to or part of, the land; also referred to as chattels.

262
Q

Physical Deterioration

A

The loss in value due to wear and tear of the structure.

263
Q

PITI

A

An abbreviation which means “Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance.” In residential financing, it is common for the monthly mortgage to include these four payments.

264
Q

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

A

A type of exception, or special use, permitted under many modern zoning ordinances, allowing a mixture of different land uses or densities.

265
Q

Planning Commission

A

A local government agency which determines plans for the physical growth of a community.

266
Q

Prescription

A

A means of acquiring title to property through open and continuous use.

267
Q

Prescriptive Easement

A

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)

268
Q

Pro-rata

A

To divide or distribute proportionately.

269
Q

Probate

A

The process of proving a will before a duly authorized court or person.

270
Q

Purchase and Leaseback

A

The simultaneous buying of property and leasing it back to the seller.

271
Q

Purchase Money Mortgage

A

A mortgage given by the seller to the buyer to cover all or part of the sale price. Seller financing.

272
Q

Quiet Enjoyment

A

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.

273
Q

Rate of Return

A

A percentage relationship between the investment price or equity invested and the composite returns.

274
Q

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

A

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.

275
Q

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

A

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.

276
Q

Rectangular Survey

A

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.

277
Q

Redemption Period

A

The right of a mortgagor (borrower) to make good on the default within a specified time and receive the property back.

278
Q

Regulation Z

A

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.

279
Q

Remainder-man

A

The person who has a future interest in a life estate once the present estate terminates.

280
Q

Renegotiable Rate Mortgage

A

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.)