A-B

C-D

E-G

H-J

K-M

N-P

Q-R

S-T

U-Z

C

Certificate of Title

In areas where attorneys examine abstracts or chains of title, a written opinion, executed by the examining attorney, stating that title is vested as stated in the abstract.

Chain

In real estate measurements (surveying), a chain is 66 feet long or 100 links, each link being 7.92 inches. The measurement may change when used in fields other than surveying.

Chain of Title

The successive ownerships or transfers in the history of title to a tract of land.

Claim

An adverse right or interest asserted by one party against another or against an insurer or indemnitor. Claims may arise from unpaid debts or taxes, as well as from hidden title defects such as fraud, forgery, missing heirs, etc.

Clear Title

Real property ownership free of liens, especially voluntary liens such as mortgages.

Closing

Also known as “escrow” or “settlement”. The process of executing legally binding documents, such as deeds and mortgages most commonly associated with the purchase of real estate and the borrowing of money to assist in the purchase.

Clouded Title
 An encumbered title.

Convey
The act of deeding or transferring title to another.

Conveyance
An instrument by which title is transferred; a deed.  Also, the act of transferring title.

Covenant
An agreement written into deeds and other instruments promising performance or non-performance of certain acts, or stipulating certain uses or non-uses of the property.

D

Debt

Money owing from one person to another.

Debtor

One who owes a debt.

Dedication

The setting aside of certain land by the owner and declaring it to be for public use. Examples: streets, sidewalks and parks.

Deed

A written document by which the ownership of land is transferred from one person to another.

Deed of Trust

Like a mortgage, a security instrument whereby real property is given as security for a debt. However, in a deed of trust there are three parties to the instrument: the borrower, the trustee and the lender (or beneficiary).

Deed Restrictions

Limitations in the deed to a property that dictate certain uses that may or not be made of the property.

Defective Title

(1) Title to a negotiable instrument obtained by fraud. (2) Title to real property which lacks some of the elements necessary to transfer good title.

Delivery

In conveyancing, the placing of the property in the actual or constructive possession of the grantee. Usually accomplished by delivery of a deed to the buyer or agent of the buyer, or by recording the deed. The transfer of a deed from seller to buyer in such a manner that it cannot be recalled by the seller. A necessary requisite to the transfer of title.

Deposit

(1) Money given by the buyer with an offer to purchase. Shows good faith. Also called earnest money. (2) A natural accumulation of resources (oil, gold, etc.) which may be commercially recovered and marketed.

Depreciation

Loss in value occasioned by ordinary wear and tear, destructive action of the elements, or functional or economic obsolescence.

Description

The exact location of a piece of real property stated in terms of lot, block, tract, part lot, metes and bounds, recorded instruments, or U.S. Government survey (sectionalized). This is also referred to as legal description of property.

Devise

A disposition of property made by a will.

Documentary Stamps

A State tax, in the forms of stamps, required on deeds and mortgages when real estate title passes from one owner to another. The amount of stamps required varies with each state.

Due on Sale Clause

Provision in a mortgage or deed of trust which requires loan to be paid in full if property is sold or transferred. 

Westcor Land Title Insurance Company does not guarantee complete accuracy of this dictionary.