An indefinite measure of a flow of liquid. Generally agreed to be 1/40th or 1/50th of a cubic foot per second, but which fraction is used depends on area of the country.

The ownership of the minerals (coal, gold, iron, etc.) under the ground, with or without ownership of the surface of the land. See also: Subsurface Rights.

In real estate terms, those minerals of value which may be taken by mining, such as coal, iron, copper, gold, silver, etc. Mineral rights, as well as oil rights, may be sold or leased separately from the land itself.

The smallest allowable lot size for development, as stipulated by local zoning laws.

A fixed rental in a lease which contains some formula for a possibly higher rental, such as a percentage lease, overrides, etc.

A right to extract (mine) minerals (coal, silver, etc.). See also: Oil and Gas Lease; Profit a Prendre.

Any person under the age of 18, or under age 21 with regard to alcoholic beverages.

See: Degree (1).

A term used to describe acceptance of certain types of contracts, such as contracts involving real estate. The term means that the offer must be unequivocally accepted to create the contract. If you looked at the offer and the acceptance, they would be the “mirror image” of each other.

A wrong name or mistake in name.

An appraisal term indicating an improvement on land which is not the highest and best use.

A statement or conduct by a person which represents to another a fact which is not true. A seller, broker, or builder may have a duty to disclose certain defects in property to a buyer or tenant. Failure to disclose is also misrepresentation. The misrepresentation may be deliberate (known to be wrong), negligent (should have known), or innocent (reasonably believed to be true). Depending on the facts and extent of misrepresentation, there may be a suit for damages, recision of a contract, punitive action against the broker (loss of license), etc.

A Spanish style of architecture resembling those features of California missions.

An unintentional, non-negligent error or misunderstanding. A mistake may be of the facts (mistake of fact) or their legal effect (mistake of law).

To cut two pieces (usually wood) at an angle, to form a joint.

Originally, a trailer pulled behind a car or truck cab. Now includes large homes which are not truly mobil but are constructed in the same manner as trailers, as opposed to conventional on-site construction.

Originally, a trailer park, having electrical hookups, and water. Modernly, a park-like area having facilities such as complete plumbing and utilities, a recreation center, security guards at the entrance, and mobil homes which are usually attached to foundations and are permanent structures.

A home, often decorated, which is shown by a builder to prospective buyers of homes yet to be built. An identical home to the model is then constructed on a lot in the subdivision. The model home is generally sold last.

To make changes to the interior or exterior of a structure for the purpose of reflecting developments of function or design which were not available at the time of the original construction.

Any change made to a document.