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California Real Estate Principles
California Real Estate Principles Terminology
203
Real Estate & Planning
Professional
02/11/2014

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Term
Range
Definition
A column of land six miles wide, determined by a government survey, running in a north-south direction, lying east or west of a principal meridian.
Term
Fixtures
Definition
Personal property that has become permanently attached to the land or improvements that are legally treated as real property; examples: plumbing fixtures, or built-in range, etc.
Term
Trade Fixtures
Definition
Personal property used in a business, attached to the property, but removable by the tenant.
Term
Condominium
Definition
A structure of two or more units where the interior airspace of each unit is individually owned; the balance of land and improvements is owned in common by all the owners.
Term
Meridian Lines
Definition
Imaginary north-south lines used in US government surveys.
Term
Personal Property
Definition
Property that is movable and not real property.
Term
Bill of Sale
Definition
A written instrument that passes title of personal property from vendor (seller) to the vendee (buyer).
Term
Commission
Definition
An amount, usually a percentage, paid to a broker as compensation for his or her services.
Term
Metes and Bounds
Definition
A legal description of land, setting forth all the boundary lines with their terminal points and angles.
Term
Bundle of Rights
Definition
All of the legal rights relevant to ownership of property including rights of use, possession, encumbering and disposition.
Term
Township
Definition
In the survey of public lands, a territorial subdivision six miles long, six miles wide and containing 36 sections, each one square mile.
Term
Real Property
Definition
Land, improvements, items permanently attached to the land, appurtenances and that which is immovable by law.
Term
Chattel or Chattel Real
Definition
A personal property interest in real property; an old term meaning personal property.
Term
Acre
Definition
An area of land equaling 43,560 square feet, or a tract about 208.71 feet square.
Term
Riparian Rights
Definition
The right of a landowner whose land borders a stream or waterway, to use and enjoy the water, provided such use does not injure the rights of other owners.
Term
Section
Definition
A square of land that contains 640 acres and is one square mile.
Term
Rod
Definition
This old unit of measurement is 16 1/2 feet long (5.5 yards).
Term
Airspace
Definition
The reasonable space above a parcel; or in a condominium, the cubic area of space within the walls.
Term
Base Lines
Definition
Imaginary east-west lines that intersect meridian lines to form a starting point for the measurement of land.
Term
Potable Water
Definition
Water that is suitable for human consumption
Term
Emblements
Definition
Crops (produced on leased land by a tenant farmer) from an annual cultivation considered personal property.
Term
Admission Date (California became a state)
Definition
September 9, 1850
Term
Dedication
Definition
The giving of private land by its owner for a public use; most commonly, the developer who gives it to a city.
Term
Escheat
Definition
The reverting of private property to the state when there are no valid heirs.
Term
General and Limited Partnerships
Definition
A voluntary association between two or more people to carry on a business with general and limited partners.
Term
Grant Deed
Definition
A deed using the word "grant," or like words, containing warranties against prior conveyances and encumbrances. This is the most commonly used deed in California.
Term
Freehold Estate
Definition
An estate of indeterminable duration, e.g., fee simple or life estate.
Term
Joint Tenancy
Definition
Undivided ownership of a property interest by two or more persons, each of whom has a right to an equal share in the interest and a right of survivorship.
Term
Actual Notice
Definition
It is notice that is actually and expressly given or implied.
Term
Notary Public
Definition
A person authorized by the state to witness the signatures of persons executing documents, sign the certificate and affix the official seal.
Term
Condition Precedent
Definition
An event that must happen before title is passed.
Term
Constructive Notice
Definition
Documents filed with the County Recorder in such a way as are considered open notice to the world.
Term
Tenancy in Common
Definition
Co-ownership of property by two or more persons who hold undivided interest, without right of survivorship. The interests need not be equal.
Term
Encroachment
Definition
An unlawful intrusion onto another's property by making improvements to real property, e.g., a swimming pool build across a property line.
Term
Corporation
Definition
A legal entity, sanctioned by the state, with rights and liabilities, distinct and apart from those of the persons composing it.
Term
Abandonment
Definition
The intentional and voluntary relinquishment of any ownership interest (such as an easement) or possession of real property.
Term
Prescription
Definition
Te means of acquiring interests in land, usually an easement, by continued use.
Term
Condition Subsequent
Definition
A condition attached to an estate whereby the estate is defeated or changed through the failure or non-performance of the condition.
Term
Intestate Succession
Definition
A process of law by which the state lays out the correct succession of inheritance when a person dies without leaving a valid will.
Term
Affirmation, Affidavit, Verification
Definition
Many different types of statements made before a professional witness.
Term
Reversion
Definition
An estate that reverts back to the grantor after the life of the tenant expires.
Term
Probate
Definition
The court procedure of proving that a will is valid.
Term
Adverse Possession
Definition
A method of acquiring title to real property through possession of the property for a statutory period under certain conditions, by a person other than the owner.
Term
Quitclaim Deed
Definition
A deed to relinquish any interest in property, that the grantor may have, without any warranty of title or interest.
Term
Remainder
Definition
An estate that is transferred to a third party (anyone other than the grantor) upon the death of the life estate holder.
Term
Witnessed Will
Definition
A formal expression of a person's desires, witnessed by others, as to the disposition of his or her property after death.
Term
Community Property
Definition
Property acquired by husband and/or wife during marriage that is not acquired as separate property. Each spouse has equal rights of management, alienation and disposition.
Term
Severalty
Definition
An estate of a single entity held by a single person alone.
Term
Life Estate
Definition
An estate or interest in real property that is held for the duration of the life of some certain person. It may be the person holding title to the estate or some other person.
Term
Holographic Will
Definition
A handwritten expression of a person's desires as to the disposition of their property after death.
Term
Recording
Definition
Placing a document in the official records of the county.
Term
Delivery
Definition
The act of receiving a deed.
Term
Accession
Definition
The acquiring of additional property.
Term
Easement
Definition
A right, limited to a specific use, that one party has in the land of another.
Term
Homestead
Definition
A statutory protection of a home from the claims of certain creditors and judgments up to a specified amount.
Term
Encumbrance
Definition
Anything that affects or limits the fee simple title to, or value of, property, e.g., mortgages or easements.
Term
Notice of Non-Responsibility
Definition
A notice, recorded and posted by the property owner to relieve them of responsibility for the cost of unauthorized work done on his or her property or materials furnished.
Term
Restrictions
Definition
A limitation on the use of real property. These limitations fall into two general classifications: public and private. Zoning ordinances are public, while a clause in the deed requiring the roof to be made of Spanish red tile would be a private limitation.
Term
Attachment
Definition
The process by which real or personal property is seized by the court for the purpose of assuring payment.
Term
Lien
Definition
A form of encumbrance that usually makes specific property security for the payment of a debt.
Term
Satisfaction
Definition
Discharge of a mortgage or trust deed from the records upon payment of the debt. Make sure you receive a Deed of Reconveyance to prove that you paid off the deed of trust.
Term
Conditions
Definition
A limiting restriction stating that upon the happening or not happening of some stated event, the estate shall be changed in some manner.
Term
Covenant
Definition
A promise to do or not to do a particular thing.
Term
Defendant
Definition
A person against whom a civil or criminal action is taken.
Term
Mortgage
Definition
An instrument, recognized by law, by which property is hypothecated to secure the payment of a debt. This instrument is not commonly used in California, but is popular on the east coast.
Term
Plaintiff
Definition
In a court action, the one who sues; the complainant.
Term
Abstract of Judgment
Definition
A recorded document of the essential provisions of a court judgment.
Term
Mechanic's Lien
Definition
A lien, created by statute, which exists against real or personal property in favor of persons who have performed work or furnished materials for the improvement of real property.
Term
Trust Deed
Definition
A legal document by which a borrower pledges certain real property as collateral for the repayment of a loan. In addition to the buyer and seller, there is a third party to the transaction known as a trustee.
Term
Declaration of Homestead
Definition
A formal statement that protects the head of the household from losing the property to the claims of creditors, usually up to a set maximum amount.
Term
Blanket Encumbrance
Definition
A lien, usually a trust deed in California, covering more than one property of the borrower.
Term
Preliminary Notice
Definition
A notice that informs or warns owners, lenders and general contractors that subcontractors have been hired, or materials have been supplied to a particular job site.
Term
Declaration of Abandonment
Definition
A statement declaring the intent to give up a homestead, usually to declare a homestead on a new residence.
Term
Sheriff's Sale
Definition
A court ordered sale of real or personal property by the sheriff pursuant to the execution of a judgment.
Term
Encroachment
Definition
The construction of improvements on the property of another.
Term
Easement Appurtenant
Definition
An easement for the benefit of the owner of an adjacent parcel of land.
Term
Dominant Tenement
Definition
Real property that benefits from an easement.
Term
Writ of Execution
Definition
A writ to carry out a court order, usually arising from a judgment.
Term
Servient Tenement
Definition
A property that is burdened by an easement.
Term
Easement in Gross
Definition
An easement for the benefit of a person or utility company rather than for the benefit of adjacent landowners.
Term
Lis Pendens
Definition
A notice filed or recorded for the purpose of warning all persons that the title to certain real property is in litigation.
Term
General Lien
Definition
A lien such as a tax lien or judgement lien that attaches to all property of the debtor rather than a specific property.
Term
Specific Lien
Definition
A lien that attaches to a specific property rather than all the property of the debtor.
Term
Specific Performance
Definition
A court action to compel the performance of an agreement, e.g., sale of land
Term
Consideration
Definition
Anything given or promised by a party to induce another to enter into a contract.
Term
Executory Contract
Definition
A contract in which something remains to be done by one or both parties.
Term
Option
Definition
A right given, for consideration, to purchase a property upon specified terms within a specified time period, without obligating the party to purchase the property.
Term
Purchase Agreement
Definition
A written offer to purchase real property upon stated terms and conditions, accompanied by a deposit toward the purchase price which becomes the contract for the sale of the property upon acceptance.
Term
Minors
Definition
All persons under 18 years of age.
Term
Mutual Consent
Definition
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; genuine assent from both parties.
Term
Assignor
Definition
One who assigns his or her right in a contract.
Term
Assignee
Definition
A person to whom property or interests therein shall have been assigned.
Term
Incompetent
Definition
One who is mentally incapable of managing or taking care of self or property and therefore cannot enter into a contract without a guardian.
Term
Covenant
Definition
A promise to do or not to do a particular act.
Term
Novation
Definition
The substitution or exchange of a new contract for an old one by the mutual agreement of the parties.
Term
Assignment
Definition
A transfer by a person of that person's rights under a contract.
Term
Contract
Definition
An agreement to do or not to do a certain thing. It must have four essential elements: parties capable of contracting, consent of the parties, a lawful object, and consideration.
Term
Definite and Certain
Definition
The terms and provisions of a contract, which are clear, definite, and set forth.
Term
Implied Contract
Definition
A binding contract created by the actions of the principals rather than by written or oral agreement.
Term
Bilateral Contract
Definition
A contract under which the parties enter into mutual promises, such as sales contracts.
Term
Unilateral Contract
Definition
A contract under which only one party expressly makes a promise.
Term
Void, Voidable, Unenforceable
Definition
Having no legal force or binding effect, or cannot be enforced for one reason or another.
Term
Offeror
Definition
One making an offer.
Term
Offeree
Definition
One to whom an offer is made.
Term
Offer
Definition
A proposal for acceptance, in order to form a contract. It must be definite as to price and terms.
Term
Acceptance
Definition
Voluntarily agreeing to the price and terms of an offer. Offer and acceptance create a contract.
Term
Counter Offer
Definition
An offer in response to an offer.
Term
Breach
Definition
Failure to perform a contract, in whole or part, without legal excuse.
Term
Rescission
Definition
Annulling a contract and placing the parties to it in a position as if there had not been a contract.
Term
Liquidated Damages
Definition
A definite amount of damage, set forth in a contract, to be paid by the party breaching the contract. A predetermined estimate of actual damages from a breach.
Term
Pest Control Report
Definition
An inspection report required, in the sale of property, to determine if termites are present within a building.
Term
Optionee
Definition
One who, for consideration, receives an option.
Term
Optionor
Definition
One who, for consideration, gives an option.
Term
Expressed Contract
Definition
A contract under which the parties expressly enter into mutual promises.
Term
Contingencies
Definition
The dependence upon a stated event before a contract becomes binding.
Term
Dollar Damages
Definition
An action that abandons all other remedies and simply asks for money.
Term
Undue Influence
Definition
Influence used to destroy the will of another so that any decision is not his or her free act.
Term
Execute
Definition
To complete a contract by signing it.
Term
Valid Contract
Definition
Legally binding, the terms of which can be sued for in a court of law.
Term
Fraud, Duress, Menace
Definition
Deceptive statements or acts used to wrongfully obtain money or property.
Term
Capacity of Parties
Definition
Individuals who have a legal capacity to contract, as opposed to minors, convicts, and incompetents.
Term
Sale-Leaseback
Definition
A financial arrangement in which, at the time of sale, the seller retains occupancy by concurrently agreeing to lease the property back from the purchaser.
Term
Lessee
Definition
One who pays rent under a lease agreement
Term
Percentage Lease
Definition
Lease on the property, the rental payment for which is determined by a percentage of gross receipts from the business.
Term
Economic Rent
Definition
The amount of rent expected if the property were currently available for renting.
Term
Landlord
Definition
One who rents his or her property to another under a lease or rental agreement.
Term
Lessor
Definition
An owner who enters into a lease agreement with a tenant.
Term
Net Lease
Definition
A lease requiring a lessee to pay charges against the property, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, in addition to rental payments.
Term
Tenant
Definition
The party who pays rent for a lease or rental agreement.
Term
Ground Lease
Definition
An agreement for the use of land only.
Term
Estate at Will
Definition
The occupation of property by a tenant for an indefinite period, terminable by one or both parties (not common in CA).
Term
Eviction Process
Definition
The general name of the process, from beginning to end, that serves to remove a person from the possession of real property.
Term
Sublease
Definition
A lease given by a lessee.
Term
Sandwich Lease
Definition
A leasehold interest that lis between the primary lease and the operating lease.
Term
Estate for Years
Definition
The concept of possessing an interest in real property by virtue of a contract for a fixed and definite period of time.
Term
Assignment
Definition
A transfer of a person's entire rights under a contract.
Term
Estate From Period-to-Period
Definition
An estate contract between owner and tenant, setting forth conditions of a period-to-period tenancy.
Term
Lease
Definition
A contract between an owner and tenant, setting forth conditions of tenancy for a fixed period of time.
Term
Estate at Sufferance
Definition
An estate arising when the tenant wrongfully holds over after the expiration of the term.
Term
Rental Agreement
Definition
A contract for the monthly rental of residential property.
Term
Rent
Definition
Consideration paid for the occupancy and use of real property.
Term
Contract Rent
Definition
Rent paid under a lease; the actual rent as opposed to the market rental value of the property.
Term
Unlawful Detainer or Notice to Quit
Definition
The name of the legal process to initiate the removal of a tenant.
Term
Surrender
Definition
The giving up of an estate, such as a lease. A contractual agreement, having the consent of both parties, such as lessor and lessee, as opposed to abandonment.
Term
Rent Control
Definition
A legal maximum on rental price.
Term
Writ of Possession
Definition
The court order physically expelling a tenant.
Term
Lease-Purchase Option
Definition
A lease that includes the right to purchase later.
Term
ALTA
Definition
The most all inclusive title insurance policy; it requires a property survey and is usually required by most lenders.
Term
Chain of Title
Definition
A history of conveyances and encumbrances affecting the title from the time the original patent was granted, or as far back as records are available, used to determine how title came to be vested in current owner.
Term
CLTA
Definition
The minimum standard title insurance policy in CA that does NOT require a property survey.
Term
Coinsurance
Definition
The requirement by a lender that a property be insured up to its full value, or only a proportion of any loss will be reimbursed.
Term
Date of Closing
Definition
The date documents are recorded and title insurance is written.
Term
Escrow
Definition
The process of depositing instruments, funds, and instructions, with a third neutral party who finalizes the transaction.
Term
Escrow Instructions
Definition
The written instructions of the escrow, prepared by the escrow officer and approved by both the buyer and seller.
Term
Escrow Officer
Definition
The person at the escrow company who handles the paperwork of the escrow.
Term
Payoff Demand Statement
Definition
Written instructions by a lender stating and demanding the amount necessary to pay off a loan.
Term
Pest Control Report
Definition
A report from a structural pest control company stating the termite or other type of pest damage found and the cost of repairing it.
Term
Preliminary Title Report
Definition
A report showing the condition of the title before a sale or loan transaction.
Term
Proration
Definition
Adjustments of interest, taxes, and insurance, etc., on a prorated basis as of the closing or agreed upon date.
Term
RESPA
Definition
A federal statute requiring disclosure of certain costs in the sale of residential property.
Term
Title Insurance
Definition
Insurance to protect a real property owner or lender up to a specified amount against certain types of loss; eg., defective or unmarketable title.
Term
Title Plant
Definition
A filing of all recorded information to real property.
Term
Acceleration Clause
Definition
Clause used in a deed of trust that gives the lender the right to demand payment in full upon the happening of a certain event.
Term
Adjustable Rate Mortgage
Definition
Mortgage loans on which the interest rate is periodically adjusted to more closely coincide with current rates.
Term
Alienation Clause
Definition
A type of acceleration clause, calling for a debt under a mortgage or deed of trust, to be due in its entirety upon transfer of ownership.
Term
Amortization
Definition
Payment of debt in regular, periodic installments of principal and interest, as opposed to interest-only payments.
Term
Amortization Chart
Definition
A schedule of monthly payments that varies according to interest rates and number of monthly payments.
Term
Annual Percentage Rate
Definition
The total cost of financing expressed as one simple annual percentage rate. This rate must be clearly expressed on any loan agreement.
Term
Assumption
Definition
Agreement by the buyer to take over the financial responsibility for real property under the existing note and trust deed.
Term
Beneficiary
Definition
A lender for whose benefit a trust is created in those states where trust deeds are commonly used instead of mortgages.
Term
Default
Definition
A failure to perform the financial obligation to pay under a loan.
Term
Deficiency Judgement
Definition
The amount for which the borrower is personally liable on a note and mortgage if the foreclosure sale does not bring enough to cover the debt.
Term
Equal Credit Opportunity
Definition
Federal law granting women financial independence and preventing lenders from considering such negative credit aspects as the possibility of a woman having children and dropping out of the labor market.
Term
Equitable Title
Definition
Ownership by one who does not have legal title, such as a vendee under a land contract or, technically, a trustor under a deed of trust.
Term
Equity
Definition
The ownership interest in real property; it is the market value minus any unpaid loan amount.
Term
Grace Period
Definition
A period of time past the due date for a payment (mortgage, insurance, etc.) during which a payment may be made and not considered delinquent.
Term
Graduated Payment Mortgage
Definition
A mortgage or deed of trust for which the payments increase over the term of the loan. The payments may increase as the buyer's earnings increase.
Term
Holder in Due Course
Definition
A holder of a check or note who takes the note in good faith, on the assumption it is valid.
Term
Hypothecation
Definition
The principle of using real property as security for a debt while the borrower retains possession.
Term
Interest
Definition
Money charged for the use of money.
Term
Junior Lien or Second Trust Deed
Definition
A type of lien that is subordinate to a prior lien.
Term
Land Contract
Definition
An installment contract for the sale of land. The seller (vendor) has legal title until paid in full. The buyer (vendee) has equitable title during the contract term.
Term
Legal Title
Definition
The kind of title held by the vendor under a land contract and the trustee under a deed of trust. They are still owed money by the buyer.
Term
Leverage
Definition
The use of financing to allow a small amount of cash to purchase and control a large property investment.
Term
Point
Definition
A financing charge equal to one percent of the amount of the loan.
Term
Prepayment Penalty
Definition
A penalty under a note, mortgage, or deed of trust imposed when the loan is paid before it is due.
Term
Promissory Note
Definition
A promise in writing to pay a specified amount during a limited time, or on demand, to a named person.
Term
Purchase Money Instrument
Definition
The original loan taken out when purchasing a property, not a refinanced or junior loan.
Term
Reconveyance Deed
Definition
An instrument used to transfer title back from a trustee to the equitable owner of real estate.
Term
Reinstatement Period
Definition
A limited amount of time during which the trustor has the right to pay all past due payments and charges due on a loan to bring it current.
Term
Request for Notice of Default
Definition
A recorded form requiring the trustee to notify other creditors in the event of a default on the deed of trust to a property.
Term
Right to Cancel
Definition
Part of the Truth in Lending Law that allows a borrower to rescind a loan transaction until midnight of the third business day, on business loans and second trust deeds secured by a borrower's residence.
Term
Straight Note
Definition
A nonamortized note for which the principal is due in a lump sum upon maturity.
Term
Subordination Clause
Definition
An agreement by which a lender substitutes a junior loan position for a senior loan position.
Term
Trust Deed
Definition
An instrument used in place of a mortgage in most western states that is based on the Spanish legal tradition. Property is transferred to a trustee by the borrower (trustor) in favor of the lender (beneficiary) and reconveyed upon payment in full.
Term
Trustee
Definition
In a deed of trust, the person who acts as an intermediary between the trustor and the beneficiary.
Term
Trustee's Sale
Definition
A sale at auction by a trustee under a deed of trust, pursuant to foreclosure proceedings.
Term
Trustor
Definition
The borrower under a deed of trust.
Term
Truth in Lending Act
Definition
Regulation Z under the Federal Reserve regulations that requires a credit purchaser be advised, in writing, of all costs connected with the credit portion of their purchase.
Term
Usury
Definition
Charging an illegal rate or amount of interest on a loan.
Term
Vendee
Definition
Purchaser or buyer, especially on a land contract.
Term
Vendor
Definition
The seller of property under a land contract.
Term
Wraparound Trust Deed
Definition
A second trust deed for which the monthly payment includes the amount of monthly payment on the existing first trust deed.
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