An appraisal term. The line which arbitrarily splits a lot which fronts on two parallel streets, so that each portion will have the highest value.

A credit history that is compiled from all three of the major credit bureaus and combined into one report.

The combining of two or more entities (businesses) into one surviving entity.

A lesser interest in real property being merged (absorbed) into a greater interest. For example: A lessee purchases the property being leased. The interest as a lessee is merged into the interest as an owner, thus ending the leasehold interest.

A circle or semicircle around the Earth in a North and South direction, always touching or passing through the poles. Used as a guide in surveying, being placed twenty-four miles apart and running from a base line.

Intermediate, intervening.

Assignment from A to B to C to D would be described as passing from A by “mesne assignments” to D.

See: Flashing.

One of the three major types of rock. A rock formed by metamorphosis (change) caused by heat and/or pressure.

(1) A metric unit of measurement, equal to 39.37 inches. (2) A device for measuring the use of public utilities, such as electricity, gas, etc.

Description of land by boundary lines, with their terminal points and angles. Originally metes referred to distance, bounds to direction; modernly, the words have no individual meaning of practical significance.

A major city and surrounding area. The extent of the surrounding area is usually determined by the extent of the influence of the city (commuters for work, shopping, etc.), on the surrounding area.

See: Regional Shopping Center.

(1) A partial floor between two floors (usually between the first and second). (2) The partial balcony of a theater between the orchestra floor and first balcony.

Minor surface changes, such as channels, dunes, or low hummocks, rather than hills or mountains. The term is used by farm appraisers.

A linear measurement equal to 5280 feet on land and 6076 feet across water (nautical mile). See also: Knot (2).

See: Equity Skimming.

A type of construction specifically to retard fire. Relies on heavy timbers instead of normal size lumber, extensive use of brick, masonry, and other fire resistant materials.

Parts of a building produced in a mill, such as doors, window sashes, etc. Differs from cabinet work, which is the work of a finish carpenter, done at a construction site, or precision work done by a cabinet maker, on or away from the construction site.