Here is a list of 50 common real estate and title insurance terms with their definitions:
1. Abstract of Title: A summary of the public records related to the ownership of a property.
2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage with interest rates that can change periodically, based on an index.
3. Amortization: The process of paying off a loan through regular payments over time.
4. Appraisal: An estimate of a property’s market value by a qualified appraiser.
5. Assessed Value: The dollar value assigned to a property by a public tax assessor for taxation purposes.
6. Assessment: A levy placed on property owners to pay for public improvements that benefit their property.
7. Beneficiary: The person or entity entitled to receive benefits, typically in a trust or insurance contract.
8. Chain of Title: The sequence of historical transfers of title to a property.
9. Closing: The final step in a real estate transaction where ownership is transferred and the title changes hands.
10. Closing Costs: Fees and expenses associated with finalizing a real estate transaction.
11. Cloud on Title: Any claim or issue that may affect or invalidate the title’s clear ownership.
12. Commitment for Title Insurance: A document that states the conditions under which a title insurance company will issue a policy.
13. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): A report that compares the prices of recently sold homes to estimate the value of a similar property.
14. Contingency: A condition that must be met for a real estate contract to become binding.
15. Covenant: A legally binding agreement or promise in a deed concerning the use of the property.
16. Deed: A legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one party to another.
17. Deed of Trust: A document used in some states that acts like a mortgage, where the property acts as collateral for a loan.
18. Default: Failure to meet the terms of a mortgage or loan agreement.
19. Easement: The right to use someone else’s land for a specific purpose, such as a utility line.
20. Earnest Money: A deposit made to demonstrate the buyer’s commitment to purchasing a property.
21. Encumbrance: A claim or liability on the property, such as a lien or easement.
22. Equity: The difference between the market value of a property and the outstanding mortgage balance.
23. Escrow: A neutral third party that holds funds or documents during a transaction until all terms are met.
24. Foreclosure: The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property due to non-payment.
25. Grantor: The person or entity transferring ownership of a property.
26. Grantee: The person or entity receiving ownership of a property.
27. Homeowners Association (HOA): An organization that sets and enforces rules for properties in a subdivision or condominium.
28. Lien: A legal claim against a property for unpaid debts, such as a mortgage or taxes.
29. Loan Estimate: A document provided by a lender that outlines loan terms, including interest rates and closing costs.
30. Market Value: The estimated price that a property would sell for under normal conditions.
31. Mortgage: A loan specifically for purchasing a property, where the property serves as collateral.
32. Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Insurance required for loans that exceed a certain percentage of the property value, protecting the lender in case of default.
33. Notary Public: An official authorized to witness the signing of legal documents.
34. Owner’s Policy: Title insurance that protects the buyer from claims against the property’s ownership.
35. Power of Attorney: A legal document that grants someone the authority to act on another person’s behalf.
36. Pre-Approval: A lender’s conditional commitment to lend a specific amount to a buyer based on financial documents.
37. Prepayment Penalty: A fee charged by a lender if the borrower pays off the loan before the agreed-upon term.
38. Principal: The original amount borrowed in a loan or the remaining balance to be paid.
39. Quitclaim Deed: A deed that transfers any interest the grantor has in the property, without any guarantee of clear title.
40. Real Estate Agent: A licensed professional who represents buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.
41. Recording: The process of filing a legal document, such as a deed, with the local government office to make it part of the public record.
42. Refinance: Replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan, usually to get better terms or lower interest rates.
43. Restrictive Covenants: Rules or restrictions placed on the use of the property, typically enforced by HOAs or developers.
44. Survey: A map of the property’s boundaries, including any structures, easements, or encroachments.
45. Tax Lien: A government claim against a property for unpaid taxes.
46. Title: Legal ownership of a property.
47. Title Insurance: Insurance that protects against losses due to defects or disputes over a property’s title.
48. Title Search: A detailed review of public records to ensure that the property’s title is clear of any legal issues.
49. Underwriting: The process by which a lender or insurer assesses risk and determines whether to approve a loan or insurance policy.
50. Warranty Deed: A deed in which the seller guarantees that they hold clear title to the property and have the right to sell it.
These terms are commonly used in real estate transactions and title insurance, helping buyers, sellers, and professionals navigate the complex process of property ownership and transfer.
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