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ABANDONMENT |
When a tenant leaves a property before the expiration of the lease
agreement. |
ABROGATION |
To nullify or replace. Signing of the closing documents
nullifies the Real Estate Purchase Contract except for warranties which
extend beyond the closing date. |
ACCELERATION CLAUSE
|
Allows a loan to become due and payable immediately if certain requirements are
not met, such as making payments, maintaining the physical condition of the
property or paying property taxes and hazard insurance. |
|
ACCESSION |
The process of adding to real property. |
|
ACKNOWLEDGE |
The legal process of having the signature on a contract or other legal document
verified by a notary public. |
|
ACRE |
43,560 square feet |
|
ACTUAL DELIVERY |
Transfering a deed from the grantor to the grantee by handing the deed
to the grantee or sending it by certified mail. |
|
ACTUAL EVICTION |
The legal process by which a lessor evicts the lessee and regains possession of
the property. |
|
AD VALOREM TAX |
A tax levied according to the value of the property |
|
ADDENDUM |
Additions or changes incorporated into the REPC by reference. |
|
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE |
A loan where the interest rate is periodically adjusted based on a specific
economic indicator. |
|
ADJUSTED COST BASIS |
Cost basis plus improvements, minus depreciation claimed during the years the
property was owned. |
|
ADMINISTRATOR |
A person appointed by the court to carry out the terms of a will. |
|
ADVERSE POSSESSION |
The process whereby a non-owner can gain ownership of property by occupying it
in hostile, continuous, open, and notorious possession, and in Utah, paying the
property taxes for the statutory period of time (7 years in Utah). |
|
AGENCY |
A relationship between two parties wherein the principal hires another person
to represent him or her. |
|
AGENCY BY ESTOPPEL |
The principal seeks to deny an agency relationship, but the court stops him
from denying the agency, and thereby confirms it. |
|
AGENCY BY RATIFICATION |
The agency is created by implication, or actions, and the principal approves it
by agreeing after the agency service has been performed to compensate the
agent. |
|
AGENCY BY STATUTE |
The law has given rise to the agency, such as a Sheriff appointed by the court
to be the agent of the owner in a foreclosure sale. |
|
AGENT |
The person hired by a principal to act for and in behalf of, or to represent
the principal, and always acting in the principal's best interest. |
|
ALIENATION OF TITLE |
A change of ownership. May be voluntary (sold the property)
or involuntary (foreclosure sale). |
|
ALIENATION, DUE ON SALE, NON-ASSUMPTION CLAUSE |
A clause which allows the lender to call the loan due and payable immediately
if the property is sold or the loan is assumed. |
|
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRUST DEED (AITD) |
A State-approved document used for security, usually in seller financing, where
the financing is structured as a wraparound. |
|
ALLODIAL |
A socio-economic system that allows for private ownership of real property. |
|
ALTA POLICY |
The lender's title insurance policy which offers coverage in the amount of the
loan which includes a site visit to discover unrecorded encumbrances. |
|
AMENITY |
A "nice, but not necessary" feature which provides personal pleasure to the
owner of real property. It can be tangible or intangible. |
|
AMORTIZED LOAN |
A loan which has regular monthly payments of both principle and interest. |
| ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE OR
A P R |
The interest rate plus any other charges for the loan, including such
things as discount points and origination fees; computed as a yearly percentage
rate. It is used for comparing loans. |
|
ANTICIPATION |
The appraisal principle that weighs the value of the future benefits a product
or property will bring. |
|
APPRAISAL |
A professional process for estimating the value of real property. |
|
APPRECIATION |
A percentage of increase in the value of the property over it's value when it
was originally purchased. |
|
APPROVED FORMS |
The Division of Real Estate and the State Attorney General's office allow
licensees to fill out these forms. They include the Real Estate
Purchase Contract, its Addendum; the Residential Earnest Money Agreement;
the All Inclusive Trust Deed and its Note; and the Uniform Real Estate
Contract. |
|
APPURTENANT |
Attached to the land (such as a house) or the deed (such as a recorded
easement). |
|
ARBITRATION |
The two parties in disagreement agree to accept the decision of a third
party who acts both as a mediator and a judge. It avoids the excessive
time and high costs of a court action. |
|
"AS IS" CLAUSE |
The clause in the Real Estate Purchase Agreement that stipulates the buyer is
buying the property in its curent condition and with the faults that have been
disclosed. |
|
ASSEMBLAGE |
Combining two or more parcels of land into one. |
|
ASSESSED VALUE |
A percentage of the appraised value, as determined by law, upon which the tax
rate will be levied to determine the property tax. |
|
ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT |
One party in a contract substitutes another party in his place. The
original party retains secondary liability for the performance of the
contract. It does not require the agreement of the other original
party in the contract. |
|
ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE |
A contract that substitutes a new tenant in the lease. The assignee
becomes liable for the remaining term of the lease. Unless prohibited
by the lease contract, this can be done without the approval of the lessor,
but the original lessee retains secondary liability. |
|
ASSOCIATE BROKER |
A person with a broker's license who works under the supervision of an
employing principal broker. |
|
ATTACHMENT |
The legal process when real or personal property is seized by the court and
held as security for satisfaction of a judgment. |
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ATTORNEY IN FACT |
A person who has been given power to sign in behalf of another. |
|
ATTORNEY'S OPINION |
A lawyer's examination and evaluation of the history of title. It
includes a brief summary of all recorded instruments which have affected
the title, including records of taxes, special assessments, judgments,
mortgages and trust deeds. |
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BALLOON MORTGAGE |
A loan with a balloon payment at the end of its term. It could
be a partially amortized or a straight loan or note. |
|
BALLOON PAYMENTS |
Required payments larger than the regular payment. These payments
are often made at the end of the loan, retiring the loan early; but large
payments can be made at other times during the term of the loan. |
|
BARGAIN AND SALE DEED |
This deed makes no guarantees as to the condition of the title, but unlike the
Quit Claim Deed, the grantor implies some actual interest in the property. |
|
BASELINE |
An east-west line which intersects the meridian and creates a point from which
land can be measured under the Government or rectangular survey method. |
|
BENEFICIARY |
The lender under a Trust Deed & Note. |
|
BEQUEST OR LEGACY |
A gift of personal property given in a will. |
|
BILATERAL CONTRACT |
A contract wherein a promise is exchanged for a promise, thus making the
contract binding on both parties. |
|
BILL OF SALE |
Evidence of transfer of ownership of personal property. |
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BLANKET MORTGAGE |
A loan that uses two or more parcels of real property as security. |
|
BLIND AD |
An advertisement which fails to indicate that the advertiser is a real estate
brokerage or sales agents or brokers selling their own property. |
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BLOCKBUSTING |
The illegal practice of inducing panic selling in a neighborhood by starting
rumors involving minorities moving in. |
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BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT |
The body to which one would appeal in order to obtain a variance to do
something contrary to the current zoning law |
|
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION |
The body of appeal if you think your property tax appraisal is too high. |
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BOOT |
Personal property or money needed to make up a difference in value when
exchanging real property. |
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BRANCH OFFICE |
Any remote operation of the main real estate office which will be in
operation more than 12 months and must be registered with the Real Estate
Division.
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BRIDGE, SWING OR GAP LOAN |
A short term loan to help the buyers have up-front funds to get into their new
home, when the sale on the old one is going to close later than the closing to
purchase the new one. |
|
BUFFER ZONE |
An area established by the zoning and planning commission to separate
commercial and industrial areas from residential. Its purpose may
be safety or economic. |
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BUILDING CODES |
Rules set by government to establish minimum standards of construction. |
|
BUNDLE OF RIGHTS |
All rights and interests that can be legally held in real property. They
are separated into Possession, Use & Control, Quiet Enjoyment and
Disposition. |
|
BUSINESS PLAN |
A written overview that reveals the basic philosophy and strategy of an
investment property. |
|
BUYDOWN |
A financing technique in which a borrower is able to obtain a lower interest
rate by paying discount points at the time the loan is originated. (1
point = 1% of the loan amount) |
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CC&R'S |
The abbreviation given to covenants, conditions and restrictions created in the
Uniform Declaration of Restrictions for condominiums. |
|
CAPITAL GAIN |
The taxable profit derived from the sale of a capital asset, such as real
property. |
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CAPITALIZATION RATE OR CAP RATE |
The ratio created when the net operating income is divided by the value
of the property. It is also called the rate of return. |
|
CAVEAT EMPTOR |
The philosophy that says "Let the buyer beware." |
|
CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY |
Endorsement from the Veterans Administration indicating the right of a veteran
to obtain a VA loan and the amount of his eligibility. |
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CERTIFICATE OF REASONABLE VALUE |
The document required for a VA loan that verifies the value of property being
used as security for the VA loan (VA appraisal). |
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CERTIFICATE OF SALE |
The document given to the individual who successfully bids and purchases
a property at a Sheriff's Sale. It does not convey title to the
property. |
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CHAIN OF TITLE OR ABSTRACT OF TITLE |
A historical record of land ownership and liens or encumbrances against the
property. |
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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) |
An act designed to eliminate discrimination against handicapped persons in
employment, government services, and all facilities and services offered to the
public. |
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CHANGE, CYCLE OF OR NEIGHBORHOOD CYCLE |
This appraisal principle involves a cycle of activity which goes from growth or
integration to equilibrium to disintegration and perhaps to growth again. |
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CHATTEL |
A synonym for personal property. It comes from the word "cattle." |
|
CHATTEL MORTGAGE |
A loan secured by personal property. |
|
CLOSING |
When any loan funds are received from the lender(s) and the applicable
documents are recorded. This comes after the settlement. |
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CLOUD ON THE TITLE |
A term that refers to any kind of lien or encumbrance against the title. |
|
CODICIL |
An addition or change to an existing will. |
|
COLLATERAL |
A term that refers to security used for a loan. It may be real
or personal property. |
|
COLOR OF TITLE |
To all outward public appearance, or from a document that seems to be valid,
the possessor of the property would seem to have ownership. |
|
COMMINGLING |
A broker puts personal funds in excess of $100 into the real estate trust
account. |
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COMMISSION |
One entity of the Division of Real Estate composed of five people, one of whom
is a chairman. |
|
COMMUNICATION |
The process of notifying the offeror that the offer has been accepted. |
|
COMMUNITY PROPERTY |
A form of ownership between husband and wife where each has an equal
interest in property obtained during their marriage. The only way
either can hold separate property is to obtain it before marriage, after
the marriage is ended, or during the marriage by gift or inheritance. |
|
COMPETENCY OR CAPACITY |
The ability to understand the terms of a contract and to make a rational
decision as to whether or not to enter into it. |
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COMPETITION |
An appraisal principle: When a particular use of property is bringing
a high return, others enter into the same business or purchase property
for the same purpose. |
|
COMPLAINT, FILING A |
The legal process initiated in the courts to begin foreclosure under a
mortgage. |
|
COMPOUND INTEREST |
Interest is paid on earned interest as well as on the principal. It
is used in savings accounts. |
|
CONDEMNATION ACTION |
A legal action initiated by the government to seek the right to purchase land
from a private individual by eminent domain. |
|
CONDOMINIUM |
One owns the air space of one's own unit and an undivided interest in the
common area. |
|
CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP ACT |
The act which governs ownership and related issues when one owns airspace and
undivided interest in the common area. |
|
CONFORMITY |
An appraisal principle which states that because all homes in a particular area
are harmonious in design and value, their value is sustained and tends to
increases over time. |
|
CONSIDERATION |
The process wherein each party to a contract makes a sacrifice and each
party receives a benefit. It is an essential element of any contract. |
|
CONSTRUCTION LOAN |
An open ended loan funded in installments as various portions of the work are
completed. |
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CONSTRUCTIVE DELIVERY |
The process of transfering a deed from the grantor to the grantee by recording
the deed at the county recorder's office. |
|
CONSTRUCTIVE EVICTION |
When the landlord violates the terms of the lease by not keeping the property
liveable or habitable, the tenant can legally vacate the property and not be
held liable for further rent payments. |
|
CONSTRUCTIVE FRAUD |
A party misrepresents innocently, with no evil intention, but that
misrepresentation could have been avoided with reasonable care. |
|
CONTINGENCY CLAUSE |
Sometimes known as a "subject to" clause, it requires completion of certain
acts before the contract is fully binding. |
|
CONTRACT |
A legal agreement between two or more parties to do or not to do certain
things. It may be oral or in writing. |
|
CONTRIBUTION |
The appraisal principle which states that an improvement to a property must add
its cost to the value. |
|
COOPERATIVE |
A form of ownership in multiple unit housing where the owner purchases
shares of stock in the entire development, then obtains exclusive use
of a unit by means of a propietary lease. |
|
CORPORATION |
A legal person. It cannot die or go to jail. |
|
CORPOREAL |
Something that is physical or tangible, such as land or buildings. |
|
CORRELATION |
See Reconciliation. |
|
COST |
What you paid for the product or property when you bought it. |
|
COST APPROACH |
An approach to appraisal which considers the price of resources necessary
to build the same or a similar property. It is the only approach
which places a separate value on the land. |
|
COST BASIS |
What you originally paid for the property. |
|
COST PLUS |
A contract where payment is for material and labor, with a profit factor added. |
|
COST RECOVERY (DEPRECIATION) |
An income tax deduction. It allows the owner of residential investment
property to treat the improvements as though they will waste away in a certain
number of years. It cannot be applied to raw land or a personal
residence. |
|
COUNTER OFFER |
A response to an offer wherein the offeree changes one or more of the terms of
the contract, becomes the offeror, and sends the offer back to the original
offeror. |
|
COVENANT AGAINST ENCUMBRANCES |
This covenant in a deed assures the grantee that the title has no liens or
encumbrances except those that have been revealed by the grantor. |
|
COVENANT OF FURTHER ASSURANCE |
In the event someone makes a claim of ownership, the grantor has the
full responsibility to defend the title against the claimant. This
includes producing proper documents to substantiate the ownership of the
grantor, and going to court, if necessary. |
|
COVENANT OF QUIET ENJOYMENT |
Gives the pledge that no one will make a claim of ownership of the property
that is being deeded. It says no person has stronger claim to title
than that being transferred by the grantor. |
|
COVENANT OF SEIZIN |
This covenant in a deed guarantees the grantor holds clear title to the
property and has the right to convey it to a grantee. |
|
COVENANT OF WARRANTY FOREVER |
If the grantor were to lose in defense of the title, this covenant guarantees
payment for the defense of the title and for damages caused the grantee,
including buying the property back from the grantee if necessary. |
|
COVENANTS, CONDITIONS & RESTRICTIONS |
See C C & R |
|
CREDIT |
An amount of money which will reduce what the buyer has to bring to closing, or
increase the amount the seller gets at closing. |
|
CUBIC FOOT METHOD |
Under the Cost Replacement Approach, this method determines the cost
per cubic foot and then multiplies it by the number of cubic feet. It
is most often used with warehouses. |
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DAMAGES |
A money adjustment ordered by the court for actual losses suffered. |
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DEBIT |
An amount of money which will increase what the buyer brings to close, or will
reduce what the seller gets at closing. |
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DEBT SERVICE |
Mortgage payments of principle and interest. |
|
DEDICATION |
A private individual's gift of property for public use. It may
be voluntary (giving land for a public park) or statutory (subdivider
giving land for roads). |
|
DEDUCTIONS |
Items which the IRS allows to be subtracted from your gross taxable income in
order to determine your taxable income. |
|
DEED |
The document that serves as evidence of ownership of real property, as well as
the document of the conveyance. |
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DEED IN LIEU OF FORECLOSURE |
A legal procedure where the borrower conveys title to the property to
the lender. In return, the lender forgives the loan on the property. |
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DEFEASIBLE FEE ESTATE (DETER-MINABLE FEE ESTATE) |
A fee simple estate which has conditions attached, the violation of which
could cause the grantee to lose title. If written in the deed with the words
"so long as," it automatically reverts back to the grantor or his heirs
if the conditions are violated. It may also be referred to as "Fee
Simple Qualified." |
|
DEFEASANCE CLAUSE |
A clause in most loans written in favor of the borrower. It
requires the lender to reconvey all interest in the property
after the loan has been paid off. |
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DEFERRED MAINTENANCE |
When physical deterioration is repairable, but hasn't yet been repaired. |
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DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT |
A judgment obtained when a foreclosure sale fails to completely pay off a debt. |
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DELIVERY |
The process of the grantor giving the deed to the grantee. |
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DEPRECIATION |
When property loses value, regardless of the reason for the loss. When
this loss of value is an accounting process used for investment properties,
it is referred to by the IRS as cost recovery. |
|
DESCENT |
The laws by which the court determines ownership of property of a person who
has died intestate, but who has heirs. |
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DESIGNATED AGENCY |
The principal (buyer or seller) who is hiring an agent specificies exactly
which person(s) will act as agent or subagent and exercise fiduciary care in
representing their best interest. |
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DEVISE |
A gift of real property given in a will. |
|
DEVISOR/DEVISEE |
The individuals who give and receive gifts of real property in a will. |
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DIRECTOR OF R.E. DIVISION |
One of the entities in the Real Estate Division. A full-time position
responsible submitting a budget for the Division's operation. |
|
DISCOUNT POINTS |
Money paid when a loan is initially obtained which is considered prepaid
interest and lowers the interest rate. |
|
DISCOUNT RATE |
The rate charged by the Federal Reserve to member banks for money they
borrow. It, along with reserve requirements, is one of the ways
the Federal Reserve controls the economy. |
|
DISCOUNTED LOAN OR NOTE |
Selling a loan to the secondary money market for less than its face (original)
value. This increases the yield (profit) on the loan. |
|
DOCUMENT RECEIPT |
A confirmation by the buyer and seller that they received a copy with all
signatures. |
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DOMINANT TENAMENT |
The name given to a property that encumbers a neighboring property with an
easement. |
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DOUBLE COMMISSION |
The seller pays a commission to the listing agent, as per their contract, and
also a commission to the selling agent. |
|
DOUBLE CONTRACT |
The buyer and seller enter into a second sales contract in order to deceive the
lender and enable the buyer to obtain a larger loan. |
|
DUAL AGENT |
When the agent is representing both principals in a transaction with
their informed consent. (Also known as a limited agent.) |
|
DURESS OR UNDUE INFLUENCE |
The application of force to obtain agreement. It can be physical
or emotional. |
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EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT |
The deposit a buyer makes when submitting an offer to purchase real
property. It shows he's serious in the offer and will serve as liquidated
damages if he defaults on the contract. |
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EASEMENT |
A nonpossessory interest which one person has in land owned by another,
allowing limited use or enjoyment of the owner's land. This right
of use must be conveyed in writing, and can be referred to as a physical
use or condition. |
|
EASEMENT APPURTENANT |
An easement which attaches to the land and/or the deed, and passes from owner
to owner with the deed. |
|
EASEMENT BY IMPLICATION |
An unexpressed, but legally binding understanding regarding a right of way
between the parties, created by their actions. |
|
EASEMENT BY NECESSITY |
Created by a court of law in situations where justice and need, not
convenience, dictate the appropriateness of the easement; such as the case of
land locked property. |
|
EASEMENT BY PRESCRIPTION |
An easement created by adverse use. The use must be adverse, hostile,
open, notorious and continuous. This type of easement can be prevented
by giving permission to the user, or by ordering the user to discontinue
the use before the statutory period passes. (It requires 20 years in Utah.) |
|
EASEMENT IN GROSS |
An easement which is personal in nature and does not pass with the deed
or the land. It runs with the persons who agreed to it for the term
of their lives, or with the need for which it was created, such as a utility
easement.
|
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ECONOMIC LIFE |
The period of time during which improvements give a return on investment.
It is generally considered to be shorter than physical
life. |
|
ECONOMIC OR EXTERNAL OBSOLESCENCE |
A form of depreciation caused by forces outside the property
boundaries. It includes such things as a run-down neighborhood, increases
in property taxes, etc. It is considered to be incurable. |
|
EFFECTIVE AGE |
An age placed on property for appraisal purposes, based on the condition
of the property. It may be more or less that the actual chronological
age. |
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EGRESS |
Leaving a property by traveling across the servient tenement property. |
|
EMBLEMENTS |
Crops nurtured in the year of the transfer or sale of the property. They
are considered personal property. |
|
EMINENT DOMAIN |
The right of the government to take title, at fair market value, to land owned
by a private individual. |
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ENCROACHMENT |
The unauthorized intrusion of a building, tree, or other improvements onto a
neighbor's property. |
|
ENCUMBRANCE |
Anything which burdens the title to real property so as to restrict, limit, or
otherwise affect an owner's rights. |
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ENFORCEABILITY |
The issue of whether a contract dispute could be taken into the court to be
settled. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY |
The government entity which deals with the impact of commercial, industrial and
residential development on the environment. |
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EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 1974 |
Federal act which prohibits discrimination in financing, based on race, age,
sex, or marital status. |
|
EQUITABLE PERIOD OF REDEMPTION |
In foreclosure, the period of time during which the borrower can reinstate
the loan before the foreclosure sales takes place. It is sometimes
referred to as equity of redemption. |
|
EQUITABLE TITLE |
The legal interest held in a property by the buyer between the time the
contract is signed and his receiving the actual deed. |
|
EQUITY |
The market value of a property minus the debts secured by the property. |
|
ESCALATION CLAUSE |
A clause written into a loan or lease that allows for payments to be increased
at specified times by stated amounts. |
|
ESCROW |
A neutral depository to handle real estate closings, or a situation where a
neutral third party is used to hold money or documents. |
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ESTATE FOR YEARS OR TENANCY FOR YEARS |
A lease which contains a termination date. Its term can be for any agreed-upon
period of time. (It can be more or less than one year.) |
|
ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE |
A document provided by a lender which reveals all the terms of a loan as
requested by the borrower or ordered by the court. |
|
ESTOVERS |
The right of a tenant to use natural resources on leased land,
such as timber, water, etc. when required as necessities. |
|
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF COMMERCE |
The person who appoints the Director of the Utah Division of Real Estate. |
|
EXCEPTION AND RESERVATION CLAUSE |
Usually found in a deed, it retains part of the real property for the grantor
and is another name for the habendum clause. |
|
EXCHANGE |
See Tax Deferred Exchange |
|
EXCLUSIVE AGENCY LISTING |
One broker is named as the exclusive agent of the seller, but the seller
reserves the right to locate a buyer without paying a commission. |
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EXCLUSIVE RIGHT-TO-SELL LISTING |
One principal broker is designated to represent the seller and receive a
commission when the buyer is found, regardless of who finds the buyer. |
|
EXECUTE |
To put a contract into effect by signing it. |
|
EXECUTED CONTRACT |
A contract with all of the terms completed by all parties. |
|
EXECUTOR |
The title of a person named in a will to carry out the terms of the will after
the death of the testator. |
|
EXECUTORY CONTRACT |
A contract that is not fully performed, but which is not in default. |
|
EXPRESS AGENCY |
Agency created through words, written or oral, between the principal and the
agent, such as a listing agreement. |
|
EXTENDED COVERAGE TITLE INSURANCE |
Covers claims both on and off the record. It includes a site visit to
give protection against unrecorded liens and encumbrances, such as mechanic's
liens, as well as defects in the land itself, such as unrecorded easements,
encroachments, and information based on incorrect surveys. It can
be obtained by private individuals. |
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FAIR MARKET VALUE |
What a willing buyer is willing to pay, and a willing seller is willing to
accept, with neither of them under duress and the property has been on the
market for sufficient time to verify its value. |
|
FAMILIAL STATUS |
One of the protected classes under Fair Housing referring to families with
children under 18. |
|
FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1866 |
This body of law stated no discrimination based on race in the sale or lease of
real estate is allowed and all people are to be treated the same as white
people. |
|
FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968 |
Extended the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1866 by adding the prohibition
of discrimination according to color, sex, religion, and natural or national
origin. It specifically stated that no discrimination should take
place relative to sale or rental of real estate, or real estate brokerage
services. |
|
FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING AMEND-MENT ACT OF 1988 |
Added two new protected classes to Fair Housing: handicapped and
familial status. |
|
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK |
The bankers' bank; it regulates the money supply by establishing discount rates
(cost of money to lending institutions) and setting a reserve requirement (how
much cash lenders must keep on hand). |
|
FEE SIMPLE, FEE ESTATE, FEE SIMPLE ABSOLUTE |
The highest or most complete form of ownership that can be held under
the law. The ownership rights go on forever. |
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FEE SIMPLE DEFEASIBLE |
See "Defeasible Fee Estate." Also sometimes called "fee simple
qualified." |
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FHA LOAN |
A government loan with a low down payment, insured by the borrower's
payment of the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). |
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FHLMC (FREDDIE MAC) |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation; serves as a secondary money market
for Savings & Loan associations. |
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FIDUCIARY |
The word which describes the responsibility of an agent toward the principal,
involving trust, loyalty, confidence, care and diligence. |
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FIXED COST |
A contract where the price is established up front and there is no allowance
for overruns. |
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FIXTURE |
That which is attached without losing its identity. They are always
real property. |
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FLAT LEASE |
The lessee makes periodic, equal rent payments. |
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FNMA (FANNIE MAE) |
Federal National Mortgage Association, a major secondary money market. It
is privately owned, but Federally regulated. |
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FORECLOSURE |
The legal process a lender uses to recover the investment from
a defaulting borrower where the loan was secured by the property. |
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FORMAL WILL |
Most valid form of a will, usually prepared by an attorney. It
is the least likely form of a will to be challenged. |
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FORFEITURE |
One of the options to the holder of a Uniform Real Estate Contract in
the event the borrower defaults. The seller can evict the buyer,
causing the buyer to forfeit the property. |
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FRAUD |
An act intended to deceive or misrepresent in order to gain some unfair or
dishonest advantage over another and induce someone to give up something of
value. |
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FREEHOLD ESTATE |
An interest in property in which some form of ownership is held. |
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FULLY AMORTIZED LOAN |
A loan that requires payments of both principal and interest. When
the last payment is made, the loan is retired. |
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FULLY DISCLOSED PRINCIPAL |
The "other party" knows there is a principal, knows who it is, and that
there is an agent. |
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FUNCTIONAL OBSOLESCENCE |
The item in question is working fine, but is not what people want in
their homes any more. Examples are a poor floor plan, four bedrooms
and one bath, inadequate insulation, insufficient electrical outlets,
etc. |
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GENERAL AGENT |
An agent hired by contract to use the agent's expertise to fulfill the
objectives of the principal. |
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GENERAL OR FULL WARRANTY DEED |
A deed that contains all five covenants and covers the period of time from the
date of transfer back to the date of the patent deed. |
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GENERAL PARTNER |
A partner who has full authority to make decisions, act for the
partnership, and has full liability for the business dealings of
the partnership. |
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GENERAL PARTNERSHIP |
A partnership composed only of general partners. |
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GIFT DEED |
A transfer of ownership made for love and affection. Creditors of the
donor could still use the property for payment of the grantor's debts
if it can be shown that the donor was insolvent and transferred the property
to evade creditors. |
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GNMA (GINNIE MAE) |
Government National Mortgage Association. A Federal corporation which operates
in the secondary market. |
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GOOD CONSIDERATION |
Consideration given in the form of love, friendship, loyalty, etc. |
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GRADUATED LEASE |
A lease where the rent will increase periodically in amounts specified
in the lease, as contained in the escalation clause. |
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GRADUATED PAYMENT MORTGAGE |
(GPM) A loan utilizing reverse or negative amortization. Payments begin
below the normal, fully amortized payment and are then increased at a fixed
rate for a set period of years. The low payment generates unpaid interest
which is added to the balance of the loan. It is effective when the
value of property is appreciating and the salary of the borrower is increasing. |
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GRANT DEED |
A type of deed used in some states that contains no warranties,
the title insurance is considered sufficient cover any necessary warranties. |
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GRANTEE |
One who receives property or property rights from a grantor. |
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GRANTOR |
One who conveys property or property rights to a grantee. |
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GROSS LEASE |
The tenant pays a set amount of rent. From this rent, the lessor
is required to pay some or all operating expenses. |
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GROSS OPERATING INCOME (GOI) |
The total income received from an investment property after subtracting
vacancies and lost rents. |
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GROSS RENT MULTIPLIER |
A "quick and dirty" estimate of value based only on a relationship between the
value of the property and the gross rents. The formula is to divide the
selling price by the gross rents. It is referred to as the GRM. |
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GROSS SCHEDULED INCOME (GSI) |
What an investor would receive if there were no vacancies or lost rents. |
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GROUND LEASE |
The landlord leases the land to the tenant, and the tenant builds the
improvements on the leased land. |
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GROWING EQUITY MORTGAGE |
A loan where payments increase each year, thereby allowing the loan to be paid
off many years sooner and a substantial amount of interest dollars to be saved. |
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HABENDUM CLAUSE |
Known as the "to have and to hold clause," and sometimes as a "subject to"
clause, it defines and limits the estate which the grantee
will receive when the property is transferred. |
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HABITABILITY CLAUSE |
If not actually written in the lease, there is a written or implied warrant of
this in every lease, that says the property is liveable. |
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HAZARD OR HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE |
An insurance policy which indemnifies real property against loss resulting from
physical damage to the property such as fire, vandalism, etc. |
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HIGHEST AND BEST USE |
The appraisal principle which states that value should be based on the
utilization of the property which will bring the greatest return to the
owner. That use must be legal and feasible. |
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HOLDER OF LIFE ESTATE |
The receiver of a life estate who has the property for the duration of the
grantee's own life. |
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HOLDOVER TENANT |
The tenant had an estate for years which has now terminated. The
lessor accepted a rent check so now the tenant is on periodic tenancy
basis. |
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HOLOGRAPHIC WILL |
A handwritten will, which must be dated, written entirely in the handwriting
of the testator, and does not have to be witnessed in order to be valid. It
can pass both real and personal property. |
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HUD 1 SETTLEMENT STATEMENT |
The required form to be used whn closing a real estate transaction. |
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HYPOTHECATION |
Using property as collateral or security for a debt without giving up
possession of the property. |
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IMPLIED AGENCY |
See Ostensible Agency. |
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IMPOUND, RESERVE OR ESCROW ACCOUNT |
A trust account established to set aside funds for future needs relating
to a parcel of real property. Those needs typically include such
things as property tax and hazard insurance. |
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IMPROVEMENTS |
A term that refers to any additions to the land made by man. It
includes buildings, roads and utilities and landscaping. |
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INCOME OR CAPITILIZATION APPROACH |
An appraisal approach based on the cash flow the property produces. It
addresses the question, "How much will a potential investor pay for the
cash flow?" |
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INCORPOREAL RIGHTS |
Intangible or nonpossessory rights in real property, such as easements,
licenses, mining claims, etc. |
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INCURABLE DEPRECIATION |
Physical deterioration that cannot be repaired in a cost-effective manner. |
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INDEX LEASE |
Rent payments are periodically adjusted based on an economic indicator, such as
the consumer price index. |
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INGRESS |
Entering by travelling across the servient tenement property. |
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INJUNCTION |
Legal action taken to enforce the restricitve covenants given through the
Uniform Declaration of Restrictions or to prevent a neighbor from encroaching |
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INTEREST RATE |
Money paid during the term of a loan that is profit to the lender. It
represents the return, or yield, on the lender's investment. |
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INTERMEDIATE THEORY |
A combination of Title Theory and Lien Theory that allows the lender to sell
the property in case of default, but does not allow him to keep any equity. |
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INTESTATE |
The name given a person who dies and leaves no will. |
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INVERSE CONDEMNATION |
The legal process by which a private individual sues to have the property taken
by eminent domain. |
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INVESTMENT PROPERTY |
Property which is generating a cash flow, such as a strip mall or a single or
multi-family rental property. |
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JOINT TENANCY |
A form of concurrent ownership where all owners have equal rights of
possession, equal interest, took title at the same time, there is
one deed, and each owner has full rights of survivorship. |
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JOINT VENTURE |
A "temporary" partnership between individuals and/or companies to accomplish
a particular project or business activity. |
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JUDGMENT |
The decision given by a court after a case has been heard. |
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JUNIOR LIENS |
Any loans or encumbrances which come after the one which was recorded first
against the property. |
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LAND CONTRACT, INSTALLMENT SALES CONTRACT, OR CONTRACT FOR DEED |
A document wherein the lender (usually the seller) retains title to the
property until the debt is paid. It is known in Utah as a Uniform
Real Estate Contract. |
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LATERAL SUPPORT |
The duty to give support to a neighbor's property, such as building a retaining
wall. |
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LEASE |
A contract for a less-than-freehold estate or right in real property.
Rent is paid for the right of possession in someone else's
property. |
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LEASE WITH OPTION TO PURCHASE |
A lease contract which allows the lessee the right to purchase the
property. Sometimes a portion of the rent will apply to the down payment
if the right is exercised. The rent is the non-refundable consideration. |
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LEGAL NONCONFORMING USE |
The right of an individual to continue a use of land contrary to current zoning
regulations because the use existed prior to the establishment of the current
zoning category. |
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LEGAL PURPOSE |
The essential element of a contract that protects the public. |
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LESS THAN FREEHOLD |
An estate or legal interest in real property that is a less than ownership
interest. |
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LETTER FORM REPORT |
An appraisal report that provides a short, written statement giving the bare
essentials of the appraisal. |
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LEVERAGE |
Using as much of other people's money and as little of your own as possible in
order to buy property. |
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LICENSE INTEREST |
A limited, revocable interest in property. It grants a privilege, not a
right, and is often an oral agreement granting a short term use of real
property. Examples would include an owner allowing someone to hunt,
boat, or fish on his property; or attendance at movie theaters and sporting
events. |
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LICENSE RENEWAL |
Two years after the month in which a licensee receives a real estate license
this action is necessary to continue practicing real estate. |
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LIEN |
An encumbrance which is secured by real estate. |
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LIEN THEORY |
A legal doctrine or theory of mortgage law, used in most states, which allows
the lender to hold a lien against the property and force the owner to sell the
property to pay the debt in the event of default. |
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LIEN WAIVER |
When the owner of the property pays the general contractor for the work done,
this form should be given by the mechanic who did the work. |
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LIFE ESTATE |
A form of freehold estate wherein the holder acts as though he owns the
property so long as he lives. |
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LIFE ESTATE PUR AUTRE VIE |
A life estate based on the life of a person other than the holder of the life
estate. |
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LIMITED PARTNER |
A partner who has no authority to make decisions or act for the
partnership. He is financially liable only for the amount of his
investment. |
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LIMITED AGENT |
See Dual Agent |
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LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
A partnership with at least one general partner and one limited partner.
Beyond that, there can be as many general or limited partners
as desired. |
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LIQUIDATED DAMAGES |
In anticipation of a particular default, clauses are sometimes written into a
contract to specify the default and its penalty. |
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LIS PENDENS |
It gives constructive notice that an action affecting a particular parcel
of property has been filed in court. The property can be sold, leased,
or otherwise disposed of, but all transactions are subject to the outcome
of the court action. |
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LISTING |
An agency agreement between a seller and a principal broker. The
owner authorizes the broker to place the property on the market and seek
a ready, willing, and able buyer and to pay consideration if the broker
is successful. |
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LITTORAL RIGHTS |
Rights of an owner of property bordering a lake, river, ocean or body of water
subject to tides. |
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LOAN TO VALUE RATIO OR L-T-V-R |
The amount of debt secured by the property compared to the worth of the
property, expressed as a percentage. |
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LOT, BLOCK, AND PLAT |
A method of land description using a lot number or letter, a block designation,
and then the subdivision or area where the lot and block are located. |
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MANAGEMENT CONTRACT |
An employment contract between a property manager and an owner. |
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MARKET DATA OR COMPARISON APPROACH |
An appraisal approach that compares the subject property to other
properties that have recently sold. Adjustments are made to account
for variations between the comparables and the subject property. |
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MARKETABLE RECORD TITLE ACT |
The law that allows the simplification and stabilization of title searches by
allowing old liens and encumbrances to be removed from the deed after 40 years. |
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MECHANIC'S LIEN |
A lien placed by a person who has integrated labor or materials into a property
and has not been paid. |
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MEDIATION |
A non-binding process of meeting with a disinterested third party to
try to resolve a dispute between the two principals in the transaction
or contract. It is much less time consuming and costly than the
legal process of going to court. |
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MERGER |
The joining of two contiguous properties so as to extinguish a lesser
right. For instance, this process can terminate an easement. |
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MERIDIAN |
A north-south line which intersects a baseline and creates a point from which
land can be measured under the Government or rectangular survey method. |
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METES AND BOUNDS |
A method of land description that uses measurements and monuments and utilizes
angles. |
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MILE |
5,280 linear feet |
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MINERAL RIGHTS |
Subsurface rights of an owner of real property which extend downward
to the center of the earth. These rights are considered part of
the real property. |
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MONUMENT |
A fixed surveyor's marker for a metes and bounds description. It
can be natural or man made and marks the corners of the property. |
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MORTGAGE |
A document used to secure a loan. It is a judicial agreement, meaning
if non-payment takes place, the holder of the promissory note can take
it to court and the court will order the sheriff to foreclose. |
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MORTGAGEE |
One who receives a mortgage as security for a loan or debt. |
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MORTGAGOR |
A borrower who hypothecates property as security for a loan through the use of
a promissory note and a mortgage. |
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MUTUAL AGREEMENT |
The essential element of a contract achieved through the offer and acceptance
process. |
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NARRATIVE REPORT |
The longest form of appraisal report which uses a variety of supporting
documentation. |
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NATURAL PERSON |
An individual. The opposite of a legal person. |
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NEGATIVE (PASSIVE) INTENTIONAL FRAUD |
When a person covertly hides facts, thus leading the other contracting party to
believe certain things which are not true. |
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NEGATIVE OR REVERSE AMORTIZATION |
A loan that requires payments of no principal and only part of the
interest. The unpaid interest is added to the principal. This
technique is used on some graduated payment mortgages. |
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NET LEASE |
The tenant pays the landlord rent; and, in addition, also pays the operating
expenses (such as utilities). |
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NET LISTING |
An illegal listing wherein the seller identifies an acceptable amount for the
property and everything above that figure will be commission to the agent. |
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NET OPERATING INCOME (NOI) |
The profit that remains after the operating expenses have been subtracted from
the gross effective income. |
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NON-DISTURBANCE CLAUSE |
A clause in a mortgage which protects the rights of the lessee if the property
should be foreclosed by the lender upon the owner's default. |
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NON-HOMOGENEOUS |
A term that means no two parcels of land are exactly alike. |
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NON-INVESTMENT PROPERTY |
A property that has no cash flow; for example, your home or a vacant lot. |
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NON-RECOURSE LOAN |
The terms of the loan stipulate that even if the lender receives less than the
balance owed as a result of a foreclosure action, the debt is satisfied and the
lender may not go after the borrower's personal assets. |
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NON-RESIDENT LICENSE |
A real estate licensee from another state acquires this kind of a license to
enable him/her to practice real estate in Utah. |
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NOTICE OF DEFAULT |
The action filed to initiate foreclosure under a Trust Deed and Note. |
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NOTICE OF INTEREST |
Holders of junior liens against a property would file this. If the senior lien
holder foreclosed, they would be notified and could protect their interest. |
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NOTICE TO QUIT |
The action a lessor must take against a tenant before filing an Unlawful
Detainer action with the courts. |
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NOVATION |
The substitution of a new party or a new obligation in a contract. This
process requires the agreement of all original parties in the contract,
but once it has been agreed to, the original obligatee is released from
liability. |
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NUNCUPATIVE WILL |
Oral will, written down by someone and witnessed by two non
beneficiaries. It can only convey personal property. |
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OPEN END MORTGAGE |
A loan which can be increased up to an agreed upon maximum, similar to
the way a credit card works. It is often used for construction loans
and home equity loans. |
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OPEN LISTING |
A listing agreement that can be given to as many principal brokers, on
the same property, as the seller desires. It is a non-exclusive
listing. |
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OPERATING BUDGET |
A projection of the financial operation of an investment property. |
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OPTION CONTRACT |
A contract wherein a seller agrees to sell property for a set amount
and specified terms, if the buyer chooses to exercise that right to purchase
during the contracted period of time. In return for the seller taking
his property off the market, the buyer pays valuable, non-refundable consideration. |
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OPTIONEE |
One who receives an option; a potential buyer who may or may not buy by the end
of the term of the option. |
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OPTIONOR |
One who gives an option; the potential seller. |
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ORIGINATION FEE |
A fee (profit) charged by the lender to initiate a loan. |
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OSTENSIBLE AGENCY |
Agency which is created through implication, or the actions of the parties,
rather than through an express agreement. |
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PACKAGE MORTGAGE |
A loan that uses both real and personal property as security. |
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PAR |
The interest rate charged on a loan when there are no discount points involved. |
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PAROL EVIDENCE RULE |
Prevents the admission into court of oral agreements reached prior or
subsequent to the written contract and which contradict the terms in the
written contract. |
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PARTIALLY AMORTIZED LOAN |
A loan requiring payments of both principal and interest, but when the final
payment is made, a balloon payment is required to retire the loan. |