Ownership

Actual Possession
Actual possession refers to the physical control or occupancy of a property, distinct from legal ownership, where a person or entity exercises real custody or control over a property.
Adverse Possession
Adverse possession is a legal principle that allows a person who occupies land without permission to claim legal title to that land under certain conditions, including actual, open, notorious, exclusive, hostile, and continuous occupancy for a specified period.
Bearer Instrument
A Bearer Instrument is a type of security that does not record the owner's name on the instrument itself, making it payable to whoever physically holds the instrument.
Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is a written instrument that serves as a legal document transferring ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. It is commonly used for transactions involving items such as furniture and portable appliances.
Disclaimer
A disclaimer is a statement that rejects responsibility or renunciation of ownership concerning a specific matter. In real estate, disclaimers are commonly used in financial documents and ownership claims.
Equity Kicker
An equity kicker, also known simply as “kicker,” is a form of equity participation that lenders or investors can demand as part of a loan agreement. It provides the lender the right to share in the future success of the borrowing venture, typically in the form of a percentage of ownership or profits.
Good and Marketable Title
A good and marketable title refers to a title free from significant defects, claims, or liens, ensuring the property can be freely transferred without legal complications.
Interest
Interest in real estate can refer to both the cost associated with borrowing money to finance real estate transactions and the extent of ownership in a property.
Minority Interest
Minority interest represents ownership or stake in an entity that is less than 50%. This type of interest does not grant controlling power but can offer significant financial interests or gains.
Participation
Participation refers to the sharing of ownership in a loan by two or more investors, enabling them to collectively pool resources and share the risks and rewards associated with the loan.
Possession
Possession in real estate refers to the holding, control, or custody of property for one’s use, either as the owner or as a person with another legal right to the property. Possession can vary based on the extent and legality of the occupier's claim or usage.
Real Estate
Real estate refers to land and anything attached to it, including buildings and other structures. It encompasses ownership, use, and transfer of physical property. Real estate business activities include accounting, appraisal, legal advising, brokerage, counseling, regulation, and financing.
Severally
Explaining the term 'severally' in the context of real estate transactions, which refers to individual or separate ownership or responsibility.
Tenancy
Tenancy refers to the right of possession of real property, which can relate to both ownership and occupancy. It includes various forms such as tenancy in common and joint tenancy.
Title Abstract
A Title Abstract, or Abstract of Title, is a comprehensive summary of the history of a piece of real estate. It includes a chronological record of all historical transactions, liens, easements, encumbrances, and other activities affecting ownership rights.

Real Estate Lexicon

With over 3,000 definitions (and 30,000 Quizes!), our Lexicon of Real Estate Terms equips buyers, sellers, and professionals with the knowledge needed to thrive in the real estate market. Empower your journey today!

Real Estate Real Estate Investment Real Estate Law Property Management Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Financing Real Estate Development Mortgage Property Valuation Commercial Real Estate Real Estate Appraisal Real Estate Valuation Property Rights Land Use Property Ownership Urban Planning Property Value Real Estate Finance Foreclosure Market Value Real Estate Contracts Depreciation Property Law Interest Rates Construction Estate Planning Lease Agreement Appraisal Investment Financing Mortgage Loans Financial Planning Real Estate Terms Legal Terms Zoning Real Estate Market Rental Income Market Analysis Lease Agreements Housing Market Property Sale Interest Rate Taxation Title Insurance Property Taxes Amortization Eminent Domain Investment Analysis Property Investment Property Tax Property Transfer Risk Management Tenant Rights Mortgages Residential Property Architecture Investments Contract Law Land Development Loans Property Development Default Condemnation Finance Income Tax Property Purchase Homeownership Leasing Operating Expenses Inheritance Legal Documents Real Estate Metrics Residential Real Estate Home Loans Real Estate Ownership Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Affordable Housing Cash Flow Closing Costs Collateral Net Operating Income Real Estate Loans Real Property Asset Management Infrastructure Mortgage Loan Property Appraisal Real Estate Investing Urban Development Building Codes Insurance Loan Repayment Mortgage Payments Real Estate Broker Shopping Centers Tax Deductions Creditworthiness Mortgage Insurance Property Assessment Real Estate Transaction