A concise, summarized history of the title to a specific parcel of real property, together with a statement of all liens and encumbrances affecting the property. The abstract of title does not guarantee or assure the validity of the title of the property. It merely discloses those items about the property which are of public record, and thus does not reveal such things as encroachments, forgeries, and the like.

One of the two types of codes used to uniquely identify a land patent (the other type of ID code is serial number). An accession number directly relates a document image to the original hardcopy document. It identifies the state, volume number and page number of the original GLO document (valid only for the 13 eastern public domain states, with the exception of Iowa).The format of accession numbers is SSVVVV__.PPP where SS is state code, VVVV is the volume number, and PPP is the page number. For example, LA3010__.023 identifies the document on the 23rd page of volume 301 for Louisiana.See also Accession/Serial Number.

Area measurement (square measure) used primarily in the United States. One (1) acre is equal to 43,560 square feet, 4,046.86 square meters, or 0.4047 hectares.

The acquiring of title to real property owned by someone else, by means of open, notorious and continuous possession for the statutory period of time (varies by state).

A notation used by rectangular survey system to represent the exact subdivision of a section of land.

Title to real property that is free of encumbrances and obligations, including taxation. It denotes absolute or supreme ownership. Strictly defined, allodial title is not subject to county, state, or federal codes, ordinances, or zoning regulations ("police power"), nor can it be taken through legal or regulatory means ("inalienable"). In practical use, title in the United States is often said to be allodial (as opposed to feudal), even though it does not meet all of the qualifications listed above.

Land tenure characterized by the highest degree of ownership legally possible. Allodial tenure describes title to real property that is free of encumbrances and obligations, including taxation. It denotes absolute or supreme ownership. Strictly defined, allodial title is not subject to county, state, or federal codes, ordinances, or zoning regulations ("police power"), nor can it be taken through legal or regulatory means ("inalienable"). In practical use, title in the United States is often said to be allodial (as opposed to feudal), even though it does not meet all of the qualifications listed above.

Title to real property that is free of encumbrances and obligations, including taxation. It denotes absolute or supreme ownership. Strictly defined, allodial title is not subject to county, state, or federal codes, ordinances, or zoning regulations ("police power"), nor can it be taken through legal or regulatory means ("inalienable"). In practical use, title in the United States is often said to be allodial (as opposed to feudal), even though it does not meet all of the qualifications listed above.

1. Real property owned under allodial title - completely, independently, without rent, mortgage, encumbrances, taxation or any other obligation to another.
2. Freehold estate; land which is the absolute, inalienable property of the owner.
3. Real estate held in absolute independence, without being subject to any rent, service, or acknowledgment to a superior.

A room or set of rooms divided from others in the same building and leased as a separate dwelling; usually including at least a bathroom, kitchen or kitchenette, and a sleeping area.
Also known as a flat.

1. A set of facts, documents, or circumstances that give the appearance of title to real property, but are invalid or insufficient to legally show or prove title.
2. Something that on its face appears to be title, but is not actually title, nor does it show or prove title (as in a forged deed or other muniment of title).
Also known as "color of title".

The legal process of seizing the real or personal property of a defendant in a lawsuit, by levy or judicial order, and holding it in the custody of the courts as security for satisfaction of the judgment which the plaintiff may recover in any action upon a contract, express or implied

An evaluation of the status or validity of a title to real property by an attorney qualified to examine such titles.
See also "Certificate of title", "Chain of title", and "Abstract of title".

Bounds refers to definite boundary markers such as natural landmarks. Natural landmarks may often consist of such things as a specific tree or stream. Part of an old system of measuring land and establishing boundaries, commonly referred to as Metes and Bounds.

Creates or re-establishes, marks, and defines boundaries of tracts of lands.

1. Document designating the legal owner of a parcel of real property and the state of its title, provided by a title company.
2. An opinion issued by a title examiner or attorney that the title to a particular property is clear and marketable.
3. Document issued by the Registrar of Titles for real estate registered under the Torrens system, which is considered conclusive evidence of the present ownership and state of the title to the property described therein.

The recorded history of matters (muniments of title) which affect the title to a specific parcel of real property, such as ownership, encumbrances and liens; usually beginning with the original recorded source of the title.

1. Title to real property that is free from liens, encumbrances, or defects aside from those which the buyer has agreed to accept (mortgage to be assumed, ground lease of record, etc.)
2. Title to real property that is established, marketable, and without clouds.

1. Any document, actual or apparent claim, unreleased lien, or encumbrance which may impair, injure, or otherwise adversely affect the title to real property.
2. A state or condition of real estate title characterized by the existence of a defect or encumbrance which adversely affects the title and causes it to be unmarketable.

A state or condition of real estate title characterized by the existence of a defect or encumbrance which adversely affects the title and causes it to be unmarketable.

1. A set of facts, documents, or circumstances that give the appearance of title to real property, but are invalid or insufficient to legally show or prove title.
2. Something that on its face appears to be title, but is not actually title, nor does it show or prove title (as in a forged deed or other muniment of title).
Also known as "apparent title".

To damage, destroy, abuse, or otherwise cause the value of property to be diminished, especially by one whose interest in the property is less than fee simple, such as a tenant, life tenant, mortgagor, or vendee.

Land or improvements designated for the use and benefit of all residents, property owners and tenants. Typically includes recreation areas such as workout facilities, gymnasiums, tennis courts, swimming pools, jacuzzis, saunas, etc.; any open land without structures is a common area, as are parking spaces and structures, roofs, lobbies and entrances, hallways, and the like.

A form of ownership of units of a larger building, such as apartments or condominiums. Under this form of title, owners of individual units form a company, with property title in the form of shares of the company. These shares allow owners to occupy a unit in the building. Company title is cumbersome and often does not clearly define who owns a particular unit, leading to inaccuracies and confusion. Company title has largely been replaced by strata title in most areas.

Definition:
A stipulation by the grantor of an estate in qualified fee subject to condition subsequent specifying that the grantee or his heirs may not commit certain acts with or on the real property in question, or use the property for certain purposes. If the condition is violated, the grantor may exercise the right of reentry and recover fee ownership (a process known as reversion).

Example: If the condition subsequent is that a historic structure may not be removed from the property, and the grantee removes it, the grantor has the right to reacquire full ownership of the property, with no compensation paid to the grantee.


Terms, Definitions, and Concepts: Real Estate, Title and Title Insurance, Legal (Law), Management