Accretion

The term "accretion" refers to the process by which an area of real property is increased due to the gradual deposit of soil from a boundary river, stream, lake, pond, or tidal waters. The legal implications that stem from accretion derive from ancient common law.

Tangible and Intangible Property

Property is an external thing that can be owned or possessed. Property can be divided into two categories: tangible and intangible. The word tangible refers to something that has a definable physical form that can be felt or touched. The word intangible refers to something that cannot be perceived by the senses.

Percolation Tests

A percolation test, or "perc test," is performed on undeveloped land in order to determine whether the land is absorbent enough to support the installation of a septic system. Typically, the test is performed by a hydraulic engineer.

Transfers or Assigments of Mortgages

In the real estate finance industry, it is not uncommon for a mortgage loan to be sold one or more times during the life of the loan. When a mortgage lender transfers or assigns its interest in a mortgage loan to another party, some type of written document must be filed to put others on notice of the transfer.

Lis Pendens

Emile and Ericka found their dream house. In examining the title to the property, the title company indicated that it found a "Notice of Lis Pendens." The notice indicated that a bank, the mortgage holder on the property, had initiated foreclosure proceedings.