Surface horizon (layer) of soil, the composition of which is effected by water which percolates through it.

A type of construction usually found in resort areas. The exterior framing of the building is shaped like the letter A.

A national organization composed of member state and local bar associations, which control the licensing of attorneys.

A specialized association of real estate brokers and salespeople who deal primarily in industrial properties. The goal of the association is to further the knowledge and effectiveness of its members.

An organization, composed of title insurance companies, which has adopted certain insurance policy forms to standardize coverage on a national basis.

Originated by the American Bankers Association, it is the number (usually in the upper right hand portion of the check) which identifies the bank upon which the check is drawn.

The voluntary relinquishment of rights of ownership or another interest (such as an easement) by failure to use the property, coupled with an intent to abandon (give up the interest).

A recorded document, executed by those claiming a homestead exemption, giving up said homestead. Not applicable to all states and procedure must be according to local statutes.

A reduction or decrease. Commonly used to describe a decrease of assessed valuation of property for ad valorem taxes. When used regarding wills, it refers to a reduction of gifts to one or more beneficiaries when the assets left in the will are insufficient to pay all creditors and beneficiaries. There is usually a different formula used for debts than for priorities of gifts. See also: Contribution.

Soil having distinct A (upper), B (middle), and C (lower) horizons (layers of soil).

The horizontal axis of a curve; the vertical axis being the ordinate. The terms are used in connection with charts and graphs.

A lessor of real property (usually the owner) that does not occupy all or a portion of the property.

An owner of property who does not occupy said property.

The filling of space, such as the rental of units or sale of a tract. The time or rate must be estimated and considered as part of the owner’s (usually the builder) costs.

A summary; an abridgement. Before the use of photostatic copying, public records were kept by abstracts of recorded documents.

See: Supplemental Abstract.

See: Supplemental Abstract.

A summary of the essential provisions of a court judgement, which when recorded in the county recorder’s office, creates a lien upon the property of the defendant in that county, both presently owned or after acquired.

A compilation of the recorded documents relating to a parcel of land, from which an attorney may give an opinion as to the condition of title. Still in use in some states, but giving way to the use of title insurance.

A certificate contained in an abstract which shows the time period and scope of the search of public records done by the abstracter.