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Real Estate 1
Chs. 1, 2, 3, 12, 13
192
Real Estate & Planning
Undergraduate 4
09/23/2011

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Term
Acre
Definition
43,560 square feet -- 640 square acres in one square mile
Term
Capital markets
Definition
serve to allocate financial resources among households and firms requiring funds
Term
Improvements on the land
Definition
include any fixed structures such as buildings, fences, walls and decks
Term
Improvements to the land
Definition
include the components necessary to make the land suitable for building construction or other uses
Term
Institutional grade real estate
Definition
larger, more valuable commercial properties, generally well over $10 million (a.k.a. investment grade real estate)
Term
Intangible assets
Definition
non-physical and include contractual rights (mortgage and lease agreements), financial claims (stocks and bonds), interests, patents, or trademarks
Term
Land
Definition
may include more than simply the earth; it may also include the improvements to the land
Term
Personal property
Definition
refers to things that are movable and not permanently affixed to the land
Term
Property
Definition
refers to anything that can be owned, or possessed

can be tangible or intangible asset
Term
Raw land
Definition
a larger area that does not include any improvements
Term
Real estate
Definition
the land and its permanent improvements
Term
Real property
Definition
treated interchangeably with real estate
Term
Tangible assets
Definition
physical things, such as automobiles, clothing, land or buildings
Term
User markets
Definition
characterized by competition among users for physical locations and space
Term
Assessment lien
Definition
what is used to secure a fair share assessment
Term
Attach
Definition
to place a lien on
Term
Community property
Definition
the automatic right of husband and wife in property of each other
Term
Condominium
Definition
a form of ownership combining single person ownership with tenancy in common
Term
Condominium bylaws
Definition
the official rules and regulations that govern condominium ownership
Term
Condominium declaration
Definition
the master deed creating or establishing the condominium corporation
Term
Cooperative
Definition
a form of individual ownership of apartments, the property is owned by a corporation, of which each resident is a shareholder entitled to a proprietary lease for a particular apartment
Term
Deed restrictions
Definition
limitations imposed on the use of land and structures by clauses in a deed
Term
Dominant parcel
Definition
a parcel that benefits from a servient parcel in an easement appurtenant
Term
Dower
Definition
a common law provision that grants a wife a one-third life estate in all of the real property of a decedent husband
Term
Easement
Definition
a right that the owners of another property may have to use one's land for a specific and limited purpose
Term
Easement appurtenant
Definition
a right of use that continues from owner to owner that involves a relationship between two parcels of land

a dominant parcel that benefits from a servient parcel
Term
Easement in gross
Definition
the right to use land for a specific, limited purpose unrelated to any adjacent parcel
Term
Elective share
Definition
provision that gives a surviving spouse a share of most of the wealth of the decedent
Term
Estate
Definition
interests in real property that include possession
Term
Fee simple absolute
Definition
an estate in land that provides the owner with a complete set of legal rights, limited only by the powers of government
Term
Fee simple conditional
Definition
ownership that is subject to a condition or trigger event
Term
Fixtures
Definition
personal property that becomes real property by virtue of its permanent attachment to the realty
Term
Freehold
Definition
estate interests in real estate having unlimited duration, titled interests
Term
General lien
Definition
a security interest or lien that arises out of actions unrelated to ownership of the property
Term
Interest
Definition
rent or a charge paid for the use of money (e.g. a mortgage loan, a share or right in property)

interest may also refer to the bundle of rights held by owners of real property
Term
Joint tenancy
Definition
a form of co-ownership in which two or more owners hold equal shares and have equal rights of possession

the surviving partners divide the interests of a deceased partner
Term
Leasehold
Definition
(estate) the interest or rights of a leasee or tenant in a leased property, including the possessory interests that are a temporary conveyance of the rights of exclusion, use, and enjoyment, but not the right of disposition

the tenant receives in exchange for the payment of rent
Term
Legal life estate
Definition
a life estate created by the action of law
Term
License
Definition
the permission to use another's land for a specific and limited purpose
Term
Lien
Definition
an interest in real property that serves as security for a loan obligation

in case of default the holder of the lien is entitled to have the property sold to satisfy the debt
Term
Mechanics' lien
Definition
liens that arise from construction and other improvements to real estate
Term
Mineral rights
Definition
rights to the subsurface, including rights to oil, gas, coal and other substances that are mined, and can be separated from land ownership
Term
Mortgage
Definition
a lien or real property as security for a debt

a special contract by which the borrower conveys to the lender a security interest in the mortgaged property
Term
Ordinary life estate
Definition
estate in which the property owner retains all rights of exclusive possession, use, and enjoyment for life while a subsequent owner holds a remainder interest that follows the life estate
Term
Periodic tenancy
Definition
any lease agreement that has no definite term at the start
Term
Personal property
Definition
objects that are moveable and not permanently affixed to the land or structure, including furniture and tenants fixtures that are often purchased in conjunction with real property acquisitions
Term
Personal rights
Definition
personal freedoms derived primarily from the Bill of Rights and other amendments and clauses of the U.S. Constitution
Term
Property rights
Definition
rights in property that include (exclusive) possession, use (enjoyment), and disposition
Term
Property tax lien
Definition
automatic lien placed by local governments to assure payment of property taxes
Term
Real property
Definition
rights associated with ownership of land and all permanent attachments to land
Term
Remainder estate
Definition
the ownership interest subsequent to a life estate which, upon the death of the life estate owner, becomes a fee simple absolute interest
Term
Restrictive covenants
Definition
a.k.a. deed restriction

limitations imposed on the use of land and structures by clauses in a deed
Term
Reverter
Definition
an uncertain interest held by the previous owner (or heirs) associated with a conditional fee
Term
Right of survivorship
Definition
the rights of surviving partners in a joint tenancy to divide the interests of a deceased partner
Term
Rule of capture
Definition
the owner of an oil or gas well could claim all that is pumped from it, regardless of whether the oil or gas migrated from adjacent property
Term
Separate property
Definition
in community property states, property that the husband or wife acquired prior to the marriage, or gifts, or inheritance received during the marriage
Term
Servient parcel
Definition
a parcel that is constrained or diminished by an easement appurtenant
Term
Specific lien
Definition
an interest that derives directly from events related to a property, such as property tax and assessment liens, mortgages, and mechanics' liens
Term
Tenancy at sufferance
Definition
a tenancy that occurs when a tenant that is supposed to vacate does not, but continues to pay rent, and the landlord accepts it
Term
Tenancy at will
Definition
a tenancy granted by landlords to tenants allowing them to remain in possession without written agreement
Term
Tenancy by the entirety
Definition
a form of joint tenancy ownership for husband and wife
Term
Tenancy for years
Definition
a leasehold interest for a definite period of time exceeding a year
Term
Tenancy in common
Definition
the "normal" form of direct co-ownership, which as close to the fee simple asolute estate as is possible, subject to the provision that one owner cannot use the property in a manner that infringes on the rights of co-owners
Term
Timesharing
Definition
property occupancy arrangement in which multiple individuals have use of property but, unlike traditional forms of co-ownership, the interests are at different time intervals rather that simultaneous

a timesharing arrangements may involve true co-ownership, leasehold interests, or simply permission to occupy (i.e. license)
Term
Accretion
Definition
growth in size by addition or accumulation of soil to land by gradual, natural deposits
Term
Acknowledgement
Definition
confirmation that a deed reflects the intention and action of the grantor
Term
Acre
Definition
an important measure of land area -- 43,560 sq. ft.
Term
Actual notice
Definition
an assertion of real property interests that is open, continuous, and apparent to all who examine the property
Term
Adverse possession
Definition
involuntary conveyance of real property rights by an individual demonstrating a use that is:
1) hostile to the interests of the owner
2) actual
3) open and notorious
4) continuous
5) exclusive
Term
Baseline
Definition
a point of reference that runs east and west and is a feature of government rectangular survey
Term
Chain of title
Definition
a set of deeds and other documents that traces the conveyance of the fee, and any interests that could limit, down from the earliest time to the current owner
Term
Checks
Definition
a component of a grid system, defined as an area of 24 miles by 24 miles, used in a government rectangular survey
Term
Covenants
Definition
legally binding promises for which the grantor becomes liable
Term
Covenant against encumberances
Definition
a promise that the property is not encumbered with liens, easements, or other such limitations except as noted in the deed
Term
Covenant of quiet enjoyment
Definition
a promise that the property will not be claimed by someone with a better claim to title
Term
Covenant of seizin
Definition
a promise that the grantor truly has good title, and that he or she has the right to convey it to the buyer
Term
Dedication
Definition
to convey certain lands of a subdivision to the local
Term
Deed
Definition
a special form of written contract used to convey a permanent ownership interest in real property
Term
Deed of bargain and sale
Definition
a deed that conveys the land itself rather than ownership interests through warranties
Term
Delivery
Definition
an observable, verifiable intent that the deed is to be given by the grantor to the grantee
Term
Devise
Definition
conveyance or distribution of a decadent's real property through a will
Term
Doctrine of constructive notice
Definition
a common law tradition stating that if a person is capable of knowing about a claim or rule, then he or she can be bound by it
Term
Easement by estoppel
Definition
the rights of use created if a landowner give an adjacent landowner permission to depend on her land
Term
Easement by prescription
Definition
the acquisition of a right of easement by open, notorious, and continuous assertion of the right, hostile to the subservient land owner's interest

the amount of time required to attain the right of easement by prescription varies by state
Term
Easement by prior use
Definition
an implied right of use that allows the owner of a landlocked parcel the right to use a previously existing path across another property for access and egress
Term
Encroachment
Definition
unauthorized intrusion of a building or other improvements onto property owned by another
Term
Evidence of title
Definition
substantiation that demonstrates that good and marketable title is being conveyed as part of a real estate transaction
Term
Exceptions and reservation clause
Definition
a clause in a deed that can contain a wide variety of limits on the property interest conveyed
Term
General warranty deed
Definition
highest form of deed in which the grantor becomes liable for all possible covenants, or legal promises, assuring good title
Term
Grant deed
Definition
a deed containing an implied promise that the grantor actually has title and that it is not encumbered in any way, except as described in the deed

a grant deed is very similar to a warrantee deed

it is the predominant form of deed used in California
Term
Grantee
Definition
the recipient of a conveyance of a real property interest
Term
Grantor
Definition
the person or entity conveying the real property interest to the grantee
Term
Habendum clause
Definition
clause in a deed that defines of limits the type of interest being conveyed
Term
Implied easement
Definition
a right of use not created by an explicit deed or explicit clause in a deed

it often is created when a subdivision map is placed in the public records
Term
Interstate
Definition
conveyance of a decedent's property without a will
Term
Judicial deed
Definition
a deed issued through a court ordered proceeding
Term
Law of descent
Definition
the laws and procedures controlling how a state will convey a decedent's estate among the heirs if no will exists
Term
Marketable title
Definition
title to real property that is free of reasonable doubt
Term
Marketable title laws
Definition
state laws intended to limit the number of years that title search must "reach back" through the title "chain"
Term
Metes and bounds
Definition
method of describing real estate in which a mete is a unit of measure (foot, mile) and a bound is a boundary marker
Term
Patent
Definition
special type of deed that conveys title to real property owned by government to a private party
Term
Plat lot and block number
Definition
an unambiguous means to provide a description of property that identifies each parcel in a surveyed map of a subdivision
Term
Principal meridian
Definition
a line of geographic reference that runs north and south in a government rectangular survey
Term
Probate
Definition
state law that governs the disposition procedure of the conveyance of real property upon the death of a property owner
Term
Quitclaim deed
Definition
deed that conveys an individual's property rights to another but has non of the covenants of the warranty deed
Term
Range line
Definition
a feature of government rectangular survey that separates townships by east and west
Term
Recording statutes
Definition
state laws requiring documents that convey an interest in real property to be placed in real property to be placed in the public records in order to be binding on the public
Term
Reliction
Definition
receding water line that leaves dry land to be added to an adjacent landowner's property
Term
Section
Definition
a specifically surveyed and identified square mile within the framework of the rectangular survey system
Term
Special warranty deed
Definition
identical to a general warranty deed except that the covenant against encumberances applies only to the time that the grantor owned the property
Term
Statute of Frauds
Definition
provision adopted by all states requiring that all deeds, long-term leases and mortgages must be in writing to be enforceable

derives from the original statute of Frauds in 1677
Term
Testate
Definition
conveyance of real property upon the death of a property owner in accordance with a will
Term
Tier line
Definition
a feature of a government rectangular survey that serves to number townships south or north from the base line
Term
Title abstract
Definition
the compilation of all documents summarizing the chain of title into a chronological volume and then given to an attorney for final interpretation
Term
Title abstract with attorney's opinion
Definition
traditional evidence of title
Term
Title insurance
Definition
insurance paying monetary damages for loss of property from unexpected superior legal claims of for litigation to protect title

deemed superior to the traditional abstract with opinion since it offers insurance in addition
Term
Title insurance commitment
Definition
a commitment to issue a title insurance policy
Term
Title search
Definition
the task of examining the evidence of title in the public records
Term
Torrens certificate
Definition
a rarely used means of providing evidence of title
Term
Township
Definition
a unit within the government rectangular survey system having an area of six miles by six miles, and containing 36 fully described, one square mile sections
Term
Trustee's deed
Definition
a deed issued by the trustee in a court-supervised disposition of property for example by an executor and administrator of an estate, a guardian of a minor, a bankruptcy trustee, or possibly by an attorney in divorce proceedings
Term
Words of conveyance
Definition
early in the deed will be words such as "does hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto..." that serve to assure the grantor clearly intends to convey an interest in real property and indicates the type of deed offered by the grantor
Term
Townships/section/acre measurements
Definition
Township = 36 sections

Section = 1 sq. mi. = 640 acres

Acre = 64,560 sq. ft.
Term
Net broker
Definition
the seller is assured a certain fixed net price for the property and the broker is allowed to retain any amount of the actual sales price above that figure

sometimes viewed as unethical and may be prohibited in some places
Term
Commission
Definition
fee paid to the broker

typically paid by the seller, but may be paid by buyers - or in some unusual situations - by both sellers and buyers
Term
Law of agency
Definition
real estate brokers and salespersons operate under it

gives a broker or salesperson the right to act for a principal in trying to buy of sell a property

must look out for the principal's best interests and can do nothing to compromise a principal's interests, position or bargaining power
Term
Principal
Definition
in brokerage, the person giving authority to an agent
Term
Universal agent
Definition
to whom a principal delegates the power to act in all matters that can be delegates in place of the principal
Term
General agent
Definition
delegated by the principal to act within confines of a business of employment relationship

ex. A property manager is a general agent because he or she rent apartments, collect rents, handle tenant relations, supervise maintenance, and perform accounting functions, but is not an employee of the property owner.
Term
Special agent
Definition
authorized by the principal to handle only a specific business transaction or to perform only a specific function

in most cases a real estate broker is a special agent in representing the buyer or seller to purchase or dispose of a property
Term
Fiduciary relationship and its six responsibilities
Definition
agents have fiduciary relationships with their principals

"COALDS"
1) Confidentiality
2) Obedience
3) Accounting
4) Loyalty
5) Disclosure
6) Skill and care
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Confidentiality
Definition
never betray confidential information about their principals, their financial status, or their motivations
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Obedience
Definition
follow the instructions of their principal to the limits of what is legal

if agents regard the orders of the principal to be legal but unethical, they should withdraw from the relationship rather than disobey
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Accounting
Definition
keep the prinicpal informed about financial aspects of their assignment
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Loyalty
Definition
never subordinate the best interest of their principal to the interests of others
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Disclosure
Definition
be completely open and honest with their principals
Term
Fiduciary responsibility: Skill and care
Definition
represent the interests of their principals to the best of their ability - in the same way they would represent themselves, acquiring and applying the necessary skills, knowledge, and information about relevant laws and regulations, the market, and subject property
Term
Listing contract
Definition
an agreement between an owner of real estate and a real estate broker that obligates the broker to attempt to sell the property under specified conditions and terms

it obligates the property owner to pay a commission to the broker if the broker is successful in obtaining a ready, willing, and able buyer for the property on terms specified or on terms acceptable to the seller
Term
Buyer agency agreement
Definition
a broker agrees to use his or her best efforts to find properties meeting the requirements of the buyer

buyer agrees to pay the broker a commission or a fee upon consummating a purchase or to permit the broker to share a commission paid to the seller's broker
Term
Multiple listing service (MLS)
Definition
broker's have access to each other's listings

brokers who are members of the MLS can make their listings available to be sold by other broker member, and the commission is split between them
Term
Subagency
Definition
the agency role of a broker s extended to one or more additional brokers, who also become a fiduciary of the principal and are empowered to act on his or her behalf

the subagent shares any commission with the original broker

this agency chain can extend through multiple agents in the case of multiple-list services
Term
Dual agency
Definition
broker is an agent of both a seller and a buyer, and the broker owes equal loyalty to both

must be disclosed to all parties in the transaction, and both principals must give their informed written consent

cannot be undivided loyalty
Term
Designated agents
Definition
when a brokerage firm is serving both a buyer and seller as clients, the broker appoints a separate salesperson to represent each client

charged to maintain an "arm's-length" relationship within the firm, though the broker remains privy to the affairs of both clients
Term
Transaction broker
Definition
a.k.a. facilitating or intermediary broker

broker assists with a transaction between a buyer and seller, but the broker does not represent either party

required to exercise skill, care, and diligence in dealing with the parties, and they must deal honestly and fairly with both parties
Term
Broker license
Definition
most complete license because only a broker is permitted to own and operate a real estate brokerage business

brokers are responsible for the completion of documents used in sales and leases negotiated by people in their business, for handling money held in trust for clients (earnest money on deposits or rent collected), and for the actions of their employees

each real estate office must have at least one licensed broker
Term
Salesperson license
Definition
to enter the brokerage business, must first obtain this license

can be an employee of a broker, but more commonly is an independent contractor of the brokerage firm

may perform business activities, such as negotiating listing contracts or contracts for sale, but must perform them in the name of the broker

laws and regulations usually strictly forbid salesperson from holding client moneys; these funds must be delivered to an appropriate broker's trust account shortly after receiving them
Term
Real estate commission
Definition
appointed commission responsible for overseeing the implementation and administration of a state's real estate license law

it usually is empowered to grant, revoke, or suspend licenses, and otherwise discipline real estate brokers operating in the state
Term
Recovery fund
Definition
established by states with moneys from license fees

can be used to pay some types of judgments against licensees
Term
Errors and omission insurance
Definition
some states require to purchase this insurance to cover damages arising from professional mistakes
Term
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Definition
a principal trade or professional organization of real estate brokers

members agree to abide by a code of ethics
Term
Market segmentation
Definition
to identify submarkets in which they can specialize and concentrate
Term
Submarket
Definition
segment or portion of a market in which all of the properties are considered to be close substitutes by a relatively homogenous group of potential buyers

properties all provide similar utility of satisfaction
Term
Discrimination in housing
Definition
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and handicap
Term
Fair Housing Act
Definition
Declares the following acts to be illegal:

1) refusing to sell, rent, or deal with any person

2) offering terms and conditions that differ among buyers or renters, influenced by the prohibited characteristics

3) advertising housing is available only to certain buyers

4) denying that housing is available for sale or rental until it is actually available

5) blockbusting - persuading someone to sell housing by telling him or her that minority groups are moving into the neighborhood

6) denying home loans or varying home loan terms on the basis of prohibited characteristics

7) denying or limiting the use of real estate services to anyone on the basis of prohibited characteristics

8) coercing, intimidating, or interfering with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of these federal rights
Term
Internet marketing
Definition
use of the Internet to advertise real estate services, to market properties, and to provide information about specific properties

while few properties are sold exclusively through the Internet, it has become a central tool to real estate marketing today
Term
Open listing
Definition
a contract between a property owner and a broker that gives the broker the right to market the property

lack of exclusivity

if the owner sells the property themselves, none of the brokers will be owned for a commission
Term
Exclusive agency listing
Definition
requires the sellers to pay a commission to the broker if the property is sold by anyone other than the owners

owners retain the right to sell the property without incurring liability for a commission

is used infrequently because it provides far less protection to the broker than other
Term
Licensing laws
Definition
regulate persons and companies that engage in the brokerage business

a license is required to conduct real estate brokerage activities, which include the purchase, sale, renting, leasing, auctioning, and managing of real estate for others
Term
Exclusive right of sale listing
Definition
broker gets commission even if other broker or seller sells the property within the contracted time frame
Term
Assignment
Definition
the transfer of the original lessee's rights under the lease contract to another tenant

the original lessee and the new tenant may be coliable if rent payments are not made
Term
Closing
Definition
event at which possession and title to real estate normally are transferred from seller to buyer
Term
Consideration
Definition
anything of value given to induce another party to enter into a contract
Term
Contract conditions
Definition
specific requirements that must be satisfied by or for a party to a contract

makes the sale conditional on the buyer's obtaining something such as financing or a favorable engineering report
Term
Contract for sale
Definition
the legal document between a buyer and seller that states the purchase price and other details of the transaction, and the detailed manner in which ownership rights are to be transferred

is generally regarded as the most important contract in real estate
Term
Contract terms
Definition
the detailed requirements of a fully enforceable contract, such as the down-payment, any seller financing, provisions for inspections, type evidence of title, type of deed, dates, and other details of the transaction process
Term
Contracts with contingencies
Definition
an agreement for sale that makes the sale conditional on the buyer's obtaining something such as financing or a favorable engineering report
Term
Earnest money
Definition
a cash deposit by a buyer at the time of the offer to establish credibility of the offer, and to provide recourse to the seller if the buyer reneges
Term
Equitable title
Definition
the right of someone to obtain full, legal title to real estate, provided the terms and conditions of the document creating equitable title (usually a contract for sale) are fulfilled
Term
Escrow
Definition
the status of real estate transactions that are closed through the help and intercession of a third party, called an escrow agent

the deed is delivered to the escrow agent for delivery to the buyer on performance of a condition (payment of the purchase price)
Term
Escrow agent
Definition
a person or company that performs the closing function for a fee

escrow agents collect all needed documents and funds for disbursement at the closing
Term
Estimated closing costs
Definition
an estimate of all the costs to be incurred at a real estate closing

most commonly, the estimate is provided by a lender, in accordance with the requirements of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act
Term
Legal title
Definition
ownership of property

for real estate, a lawful claim, supported by evidence of ownership
Term
Personal performance
Definition
a contract that requires a service or action on the part of one party

this includes leases and mortgage loans, for example, which require regular payments

generally, these contracts are not fully assignable in that the lessee or mortgagor remains liable for the obligation
Term
Prorating
Definition
allocation of costs and revenues between buyer and seller of real property at closing, based on the time of ownership by each party
Term
Recording
Definition
filing of a document with the appropriate public official or office in order to provide constructive notice to the public of a sales transaction or legal contract
Term
Rescission
Definition
the termination of a contract by cancellation

under the Truth-in-Lending Act, a borrower's right to cancel a loan contract within three days is secured by his or her principal residence
Term
Specific performance
Definition
a legal action brought in a court of equity, compelling a party defaulting on a contract to carry out the exact requirements of the contact rather than, for example, settling for damages
Term
At closing, who pays purchase price
Definition
buyer pays
Term
At closing, who pays earnest money deposit
Definition
buyer has prepaid
Term
At closing, who pays assumed mortgage
Definition
buyer takes over from seller
Term
At closing, who pays purchase money mtg, prorated items
Definition
seller loans to buyer
Term
At closing, who pays interest on assumed mortgage
Definition
buyer pays, receives credit
Term
At closing, who pays existing insurance
Definition
Seller paid, receives credit
Term
At closing, who pays property taxes
Definition
buyer pays, receives credit
Term
At closing, who pays owner's title insurance
Definition
seller pays
Term
At closing, who pays lender's title insurance
Definition
buyer pays
Term
At closing, who pays state mortgage taxes
Definition
buyer pays
Term
At closing, who pays state tax deed
Definition
seller generally pays
Term
At closing, who pays intangibles tax
Definition
buyer pays
Term
At closing, who pays recording of new mortgage
Definition
seller
Term
At closing, who pays recording of deed
Definition
buyer
Term
At closing, who pays brokerage commission
Definition
seller
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