A mortgage calling for principal to be paid in a lump sum at maturity.

One who acts for another, not openly, but as a principal to hide the identity of the party for whom acting.

Any water course, including a river, brook, channel, etc.

A general term which includes any urban road, usually paved.

The number and name of the street (road, drive, avenue, etc.), the town or city, the state and zip code. Not acceptable on a deed, for example, for purposes of recording. The more technical description by lot and tract, sectional property description or metes and bounds is required.

Interest bearing bonds, issued by a local government, to secure assessments for street improvements. The owners of the property assessed may pay in a lump sum or pay installments on the bonds, including interest.

Improvements connected with a street, such as paving, sidewalks, curbs, etc.

The pressure of weight against a structural member. Materials are tested to determine the amount of stress they may hold before bending or breaking.

See: Judicial Foreclosure.

Liability which does not require a finding of fault (negligence). Classic examples for land use are dynamiting and keeping wild animals. Modernly used in environmental contamination cases.

A heavy timber used as a horizontal support for cross members.

The sides which support stair treads.

Any shopping area, generally with common parking, comprised of a row of stores. Usually does not contain major department stores or grocery chain stores.

Lumber used for its strength, 2″ X 4″ or greater.

Any man-made building or edifice.

A construction member, usually wood, placed between other members to support a load vertically, or pressure horizontally.

A wet plaster finish, specifically designed for exterior use, very poplar as an outside wall surface in warm, dry areas.

Vertical supports (wood or metal) in walls and partitions.

The base under a slab or roadway, usually of crushed rock, sand, and gravel.

An entity receiving the protection of the corporate form, but being taxed as an individual.

One who works under a general contractor (builder), such as an electrical contractor, cement contractor, etc.