Gifts made prior to death to one who would inherit the property. The value of the gifts is deducted from the donee’s (recipient’s) inheritance upon the death of the donor.

A use which causes surrounding property to lose value, such as an industrial development in a residential area.

A method of obtaining ownership rights by the open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile possession of private real property for a statutory period which varies from state to state (from 5 to 30 years). Some states have additional requirements, such as payment of property taxes by the adverse possessor. The true owner is then barred (statute of limitations) from asserting his/her rights. The adverse possessor has no evidence of title without court action.

Soil composed of materials deposited by the wind.

The surface soil to a depth from which plants draw moisture.

The value of a property attributable to the beauty of the improvements or surroundings.

One who makes an affidavit. Also called a deponent, although technically not the same.

A written statement or declaration, sworn to before an officer who has authority to administer an oath.

A sworn statement of a separated or divorced person showing the amount (if any) of alimony or child support.

An affidavit by a seller of real property that, as of a certain date, no defects of title exist except those which have been disclosed in the sales contract or deed.

(1) Relationship not of the blood. Related by marriage. (2) Any group for a specific purpose is called an affinity group, such as clubs, people in the same school, etc.

A substitution for an oath when a person objects to taking an oath (Quakers, atheists, etc.). A lie after an affirmation is still perjury.

An easement described from the benefited estate (dominant tenement). Also called a parcel 2 easement. The same easement described from the burdened estate (servient tenement) would be a negative easement.

A method to determine the right purchase price and mortgage for a potential home buyer. The price of the home and its future expense, cost to obtain the loan and its future expense, as well as buyers income, expenses and assets are used to determine the financial feasibility of the purchase.

The growing of a forest where none previously existed, as opposed to reforestation (the replanting of a harvested or destroyed forest).

As applied to a judgement lien, it means that the lien will attach to property of the debtor acquired after the judgement. See also: After Acquired Title.

Legal doctrine by which property automatically vests in a grantee when the grantor acquires title to the property after the deed has been executed and delivered.

Estimating depreciation by using the ratio of the effective age of improvements to the Economic Life (Economic Age-Life Method) or Physical Life (Physical Age-Life Method).

Any relationship in which one party (agent) acts for or represents another (principal) under the authority of the latter. Agency involving real property should be in writing, such as listings, trusts, powers of attorney, etc.