Real Estate Law: Eminent Domain and Deeds

The government's right to take private property for public use, even if the owner doesn't want to sell. This is allowed under the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution and is used for roads, schools, or other public projects.

A type of title insurance that protects the buyer's interests in the property. It covers issues like forged deeds, incorrect property descriptions, or undisclosed liens that were not found in public records.

A legal principle where property ownership changes due to natural or artificial causes like adding land through soil deposits or building a structure that extends beyond the boundaries of the property.

A deed that provides the most protection for the buyer, as it guarantees clear title throughout history and protects against unknown issues.

A deed that only guarantees the property ownership during the seller's ownership, not before.

A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another. It must be in writing, signed by the seller, and delivered.

A type of insurance that primarily protects the lender's interests in the property. It covers the lender's financial stake in case of title issues, but doesn't cover the buyer's.

Protects the buyer's interests in the property and covers potential claims from unknown issues like liens, easements, or encroachments.

A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another.

A legal document that releases any interest a person may have in a property, without guaranteeing clear title.

A document that proves ownership of a property, typically provided by a title company after a thorough search of public records.

The official public record where documents like deeds and mortgages are filed, making them available for public inspection.

A method of recording legal documents, like deeds, providing notice to the public about the ownership of a property.

A legal document that authorizes someone else to act on your behalf in a specific transaction or situation.

A thorough examination of past legal records to identify any potential claims or issues affecting the ownership of a property.

A type of title insurance policy that provides broader coverage than a standard policy, covering risks like unrecorded easements, rights of parties in possession, and unrecorded mechanic's liens.

A discrepancy in the name of the grantor on a deed, which may create a cloud on the title and raise questions about the validity of the transfer.

The process by which ownership of property reverts back to the state when there's no legal heir to inherit it.

A person who inherits personal property through a will.

A person who prepares and executes a will.

A type of title insurance policy that provides coverage against risks related to the title, such as liens, encumbrances, and defects in the chain of title.

A person who is authorized to act on behalf of another person, giving them the ability to buy, sell, or encumber property.

A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another. It must be in writing, signed by the seller, and delivered.

A natural process that can add land to a property, such as through soil deposits from a river or a lake.

A legal principle where ownership changes due to natural or artificial causes. For example, if you build a fence that extends beyond your property, the land it's on might become yours.

A type of title insurance that protects the buyer's interests in the property. It covers issues like forged deeds, incorrect property descriptions, or undisclosed liens that were not found in public records.

A type of title insurance that protects the lender's interests in the property. It covers the lender's financial stake in case of title issues, but doesn't cover the buyer's.

This refers to when a deed is recorded officially. This provides public notice that the ownership of the property has changed.

This happens when a person dies without a will. Their property is distributed according to the state's laws.

A person who receives personal property in a will.