The summary of a court judgment that creates a lien against a property when filed with the county recorder.
Accelerated cost recovery system
A tax calculation that provides greater depreciation in the early years of ownership of real estate or personal property.
Acceleration clause
A provision that gives a lender the right to collect the balance of a loan if a borrower misses a payment.
Accelerated depreciation
A bookkeeping method that depreciates property faster in the early years of ownership.
Acceptance
The seller's written approval of a buyer's offer.
Access
Any means by which a person can enter property.
Accessibility
The degree to which a building or site allows access to people with disabilities.
Accretion
The gradual addition to the shore or bank of a waterway by deposits of sand or silt.
Acknowledgment
A written declaration affirming that a person acted voluntarily.
Acre
A measurement of land equal to 43,560 square feet.
Acre foot
The volume of material needed to cover an acre of land one foot deep.
Active solar system
A system that utilizes electric pumps or fans to transfer solar energy for storage or direct use.
Actual age
The number of years a structure has been standing.
Addendum
An addition or change to a contract.
Additional principal payment
Extra money included in the monthly payment to help reduce the principal and shorten the term of the loan.
Add-on interest
The interest a borrower pays on the principal for the duration of the loan.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
A loan with an interest rate that is periodically adjusted to reflect changes in a specified financial index.
Adjusted cost basis
The cost of any improvements the seller makes to the property. Deducting the cost from the original sales price provides the profit or loss of a home when it is sold.
Adjustment period
The amount of time between interest rate adjustments in an adjustable-rate mortgage.
Administrator
A person given authority to manage and distribute the estate of someone who died without leaving a will.
* Glossary
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