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Glossary:

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taking
See eminent domain.

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tenancy by the entirety
A special kind of property ownership that's only for married couples. Both spouses have the right to enjoy the entire property, and when one spouse dies, the surviving spouse gets title to the property (called a right of survivorship). It is similar to joint tenancy, but it is available in only about half the states.

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tenancy in common
A type of ownership in which two or more people have an undivided interest in property, without the right of survivorship. Upon death of one of the owners, his/her interest passes to his/her heirs or devises. Contrast with joint tenancy.

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tenant
Anyone, including a corporation, who rents real property, with or without a house or structure, from the owner (called the landlord). The tenant may also be called the "lessee."

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tenants in common
See tenancy in common.

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tenement
Everything that may be occupied under a lease by a tenant.

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term
The actual life of a mortgage, at the end of which the mortgage becomes due and payable unless the lender renews the mortgage.

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time is of the essence
A clause, which if included in a contract, makes failure to perform by a specified date a material breach or violation of the contract.

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timeshare
An arrangement under which a purchaser receives an interest in real property and the right to use an accommodation or amenities, or both, for a specified period and on a recurring basis. Used primarily for selling vacation properties.

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title
The right of ownership of a property.

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title company
A company that provides title insurance policies. Tiitle companies also act as escrow agents, conduct title searches and hold closings.

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title insurance
Protection for lenders or homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in the title.

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title search
Checks all the records relating to the property to determine whether the seller can sell the property, and can do so free of liens.

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title theory state
The system in which the lender has legal title to the mortgaged property and the borrower has equitable title. Michigan is not a title theory state. Contrast with lien theory state.

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townhouse
A dwelling unit usually with two,three or four floors, and shared structural walls. It can be individually owned, a condominium, a cooperative, a planned unit development or a rental property.

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trustee
One who as agent for others handles money or holds title to their land.

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Truth-in-Lending
A federal law that requires lenders to fully disclose, in writing, the terms and conditions of a mortgage, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and other charges.  

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two-step mortgage
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that has one interest rate for the first five or seven years of its mortgage term and a different interest rate for the remainder of the amortization term. 

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