In real estate practice, REALTOR® is a professional designation used by real estate brokers and agents who are members of a local board or association affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS®. The term is a registered trademark and may be used only by...

In real estate law, real estate refers to land and all things permanently affixed to it. This includes buildings, fences, trees, and other improvements, as well as items attached to structures, such as heating systems, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and similar...

In real estate, raw land refers to land in its natural, undeveloped state. It has not been subdivided into lots and lacks improvements such as streets, utilities, buildings, or other infrastructure. Raw land is often held for future development or investment and may...

In real estate and agency law, ratification is the approval or adoption of an act that was performed on behalf of a person without prior authorization. It occurs when a principal accepts or affirms the actions of an agent after the acts have already been completed....

In real estate investment analysis, the rate of return is the annual percentage earned on an income producing property. It represents the return on the amount invested, based on the property’s financial performance. The rate of return is used by investors to evaluate...

In real estate finance, a rate index is a published benchmark used to adjust the interest rate of an adjustable rate mortgage. The index reflects general market interest rate conditions and fluctuates over time. Common rate indexes include treasury securities,...

In real estate and land surveying, range lines are north south survey lines established under the government, or rectangular, survey system. They are spaced at six mile intervals, beginning at the principal meridian. Range lines form the east and west boundaries of...

In real estate and land surveying, a range is a unit of land measurement used in the government, or rectangular, survey system. It consists of a row of townships that is six miles wide and runs in a north and south direction. Ranges are used as part of legal land...

In real estate law, a quitclaim deed is a type of deed that transfers whatever interest or claim the grantor may have in a property at the time of conveyance. It operates as a release of the grantor’s rights, if any, without guaranteeing that the grantor holds valid...

In real estate law, a quiet title action is a legal proceeding brought to establish or confirm ownership of real property. Its purpose is to resolve competing claims or uncertainties and remove any cloud on the title. By obtaining a court judgment, the property owner...