Title insurance, deed, survey, easement, recording, and legal description terms.

Tax deed notice provision requiring notice to owners and interested parties after sale.

Illinois tax deed notice provision governing additional notice requirements.

Tax deed notice provision addressing service and publication-related requirements.

Tax deed notice provision addressing notices to clerks and parties listed by statute.

The petition process for directing issuance of a tax deed after statutory compliance.

A transfer intended to pass ownership outright, not as a new mortgage or security device.

A recorded summary of a court judgment used to create or evidence a judgment lien against real property.

A summary of recorded documents and proceedings affecting title to a parcel of real property.

Touching or bordering another parcel, road, alley, easement, or boundary line.

An easement granting a right to enter, cross, or use land for access.

A legal or practical right to reach property from a public way or other route.

Gradual natural addition of land, often by water depositing soil along a shoreline or watercourse.

A notary statement confirming that a person signed a document voluntarily.

Land measured in acres, usually not subdivided into smaller platted lots.

A lawsuit, claim, or formal legal proceeding brought to enforce a right or remedy.

A claim to ownership based on possession that is actual, open, hostile, exclusive, and continuous for the required period.

A written statement sworn under oath or affirmed under penalty of perjury.

An affidavit addressing possible claimants whose interests do not appear in recorded title.

A recorded affidavit used to correct or explain a clerical or factual error in a prior recorded document.

A sworn statement identifying heirs and family relationships for title or estate purposes.

A sworn statement by an owner about liens, possession, judgments, parties in possession, and title matters.

A Spanish-origin term for a municipal judge or mayor, sometimes appearing in old land-title materials.

A loan or deed restriction allowing acceleration or consent rights when property is sold or transferred.

A statement of fact claimed by a party in a pleading, complaint, notice, or demand, not yet proven unless admitted or established.

A separate paper attached to a note for endorsements when space on the note is insufficient.

Soil deposited gradually by water, potentially changing shoreline property.

The American Land Title Association, whose policy forms and survey standards are common in commercial real estate.

A survey prepared under ALTA/NSPS standards for title, lender, and real estate transaction use.

The person who appears from records or possession to own or control the property.

A party’s formal participation in a court case, often by filing or appearing through counsel.

An expert opinion of property value, rent value, or damages as of a stated date.

A right or improvement that belongs with land, such as easements, parking rights, loading rights, or utility rights.

A distressed-property concept used when a borrower conveys property or related rights to a lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

A court process that seizes or encumbers property to secure a claim before judgment or enforcement.

A lawyer’s lien for fees against a claim, recovery, or proceeds as allowed by law.

An agreement defining the scope of legal representation, fees, expenses, and client duties.

A sudden change in land caused by water, such as a flood cutting a new channel.

A federal court process for dealing with debts, creditor claims, automatic stay issues, asset sales, and discharge or reorganization.

A prior title file or title policy used as a starting point for a current title search.

The elevation of the one-percent-annual-chance flood used for floodplain mapping and regulation.

An east-west survey line used with a principal meridian in the government survey system.

The earlier title work used as the foundation for a later examination of title.

A person or entity entitled to benefit from a trust, escrow, guaranty, or deed of trust arrangement.

An improvement increasing property value or utility.

A mortgage covering more than one parcel or property.

A group of lots or parcels bounded by roads, rights-of-way, water, or other boundary features.

A buyer who purchases in good faith, for value, and without notice of adverse claims.

Replacing a mechanics lien against property with a bond or other security.

The lines, natural features, or monuments defining the limits of land or a district.

The legal line separating one parcel from another.

A gap where the record does not show a complete transfer from one owner to the next.

An updated title search or certification confirming whether new matters appeared after the prior search.

A broker’s estimate of property value, often used by lenders and servicers.

A line on a lot beyond which buildings may not extend under zoning, plat, or approval requirements.

Cash or cash equivalents subject to a creditor’s lien, including some rents or proceeds.

A refinance in which the new loan exceeds the amount needed to pay off existing liens and closing costs, with extra proceeds paid to the borrower.

A legally sufficient reason, ground, or basis for a claim, termination, hearing, or court action.

Covenants, conditions, and restrictions recorded against property, often governing use and improvements.

A certificate issued to a buyer at a judicial or tax sale, often leading to a deed if required steps are completed.

A statement or document identifying ownership or title status, depending on context and issuing authority.

A certified court record suitable for recording in land records.

A court-certified copy of a judgment used for enforcement or recording.

A record certified by its custodian as true or official.

The recorded history of ownership and transfers affecting a parcel of real property.

A missing link or unresolved transfer in the recorded sequence of ownership.

Tangible personal property, as distinguished from real property.

A checklist of points to cover when forming the attorney-client relationship.

A lawsuit brought by one or more representatives on behalf of a larger group with similar claims.

Title free from liens, defects, or other encumbrances that would impair ownership or transfer.

A clerk’s official certification that a document, judgment, or record is true or correct.

A checklist used to gather facts, documents, deadlines, and party information at intake.

Completion of a real estate or loan transaction through signing, funding, recording, and delivery of required documents.

The person or company coordinating signing, funds, recording, and disbursement at closing.

Charges paid in connection with closing a purchase, sale, lease, or loan transaction.

The date on which a sale or loan transaction is scheduled to be completed.

A statement showing the purchase price, loan proceeds, credits, prorations, charges, and disbursements for a closing.

A claim, lien, unreleased mortgage, judgment, error, or other issue that makes title less marketable.

A written instrument that appears to convey title but may be defective.

The usable or saleable part of an acre after excluding streets, sidewalks, or similar public areas.

A deed issued by a court-appointed official or officer under court authority.

A title insurer’s offer to issue a policy if stated requirements are met and exceptions remain acceptable.

The date work is completed for contract, lien, warranty, or limitations purposes.

A government taking of private property for public use, generally with compensation.

A waiver effective only if stated payment is actually received or clears.

A distressed-property concept used when a borrower conveys property or related rights to a lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

A release of borrower liability conditioned on completing stated deed-in-lieu obligations.

A release of guaranty liability conditioned on the deed-in-lieu agreement and closing documents.

A device by which a debtor authorizes judgment without ordinary litigation, where allowed.

A deed signed by a conservator or similar fiduciary under court authority.

Notice the law gives to later purchasers or creditors because an instrument is properly recorded.

Touching or adjoining property.

A supplemental search extending a prior title search to a later date.

An affidavit about work, amounts due, subcontractors, waivers, or completion.

The Illinois statute governing many deed, recording, and conveyancing rules.

A deed recorded to correct a mistake in an earlier deed, such as a legal description or name error.

The county office or function responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land records.

A county officer or function connected with surveys, plats, boundaries, and public records where applicable.

Illinois statute concerning county surveyors.

The direction and length of a boundary line in a legal description.

A promise in a contract, deed, lease, or recorded instrument.

A distressed-property concept used when a borrower conveys property or related rights to a lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

Recorded private rules limiting or governing use of land, often in subdivisions, associations, or commercial developments.

Recorded rules and limits governing property use, often in subdivisions, condominiums, and planned developments.

An update of title from a prior commitment or search date to a later effective date.

A recorded amendment changing a declaration of covenants, condominium declaration, or similar instrument.

A recorded instrument imposing covenants, restrictions, easements, or association rules on property.

A court order or judgment, often used for equitable relief, foreclosure, probate, divorce, or title matters.

A written instrument that conveys an interest in real property.

The deed delivered to the confirmed purchaser after a judicial sale.

The closing where a borrower conveys property to the lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

A voluntary transfer of title from borrower to lender to resolve a defaulted mortgage and avoid foreclosure, subject to the parties’ agreement.

The deed, agreement, releases, affidavits, assignments, and closing documents used to complete a deed in lieu.

A security instrument used in some states in which title is placed with a trustee to secure repayment of a debt.

A deed-of-trust clause addressing waiver or extension of limitations defenses.

A recorded covenant or limitation controlling the use, occupancy, or transfer of property.

A clause providing that a mortgage or lien becomes void or must be released when the debt is paid or conditions are satisfied.

A notary or acknowledgment problem that may affect recording, notice, or insurability.

An older pleading that challenged whether the opponent’s allegations stated a legally sufficient claim.

A person who gives testimony under oath in a deposition or sworn statement.

A zoning or planning district with special design, setback, landscaping, or architectural standards.

Government approval for a site plan, plat, subdivision, development standard, or related land-use step.

A statement in a court opinion that is not necessary to the decision.

A beneficiary’s refusal to accept an interest passing under a transfer on death instrument.

The number assigned by the recorder to identify a recorded document.

An easement allowing stormwater flow, drainage facilities, or access for drainage maintenance.

A right to use or control part of another person’s land for a specific purpose.

An easement implied when property is divided and one part cannot be reached without crossing the other.

A right to use another’s land acquired through open, continuous, adverse use for the required legal period.

An easement benefiting a person or entity rather than a particular parcel.

An easement tied to ownership of a particular parcel and usually transferred with that parcel.

A court action to recover possession of real property from someone wrongfully occupying it.

A signature made electronically under applicable electronic transaction laws.

Annual crops produced by a tenant’s labor that may be treated as the tenant’s property in certain possession-ending situations.

Government power to take private property for public use with required compensation.

An improvement, structure, or object extending onto another’s land or into a restricted area.

A lien, easement, restriction, claim, or other matter affecting title or property rights.

A lien recognized by equity rather than solely by statute or recorded instrument, often to prevent unfairness.

The owner’s value in property after debts and liens are considered.

A legal description that misidentifies, omits, or incorrectly describes the property.

An arrangement where a neutral holder receives documents or funds and releases them when conditions are met.

An account held by a lender, title company, or escrow agent for taxes, insurance, deposits, or closing funds.

An attorney reviewing title evidence, recorded documents, and legal issues affecting ownership.

Language excluding a stated parcel, right, or interest from the conveyance.

A portion carved out of a conveyance or legal description.

Post-judgment procedures used to enforce a judgment, such as levy, sale, garnishment, or turnover.

An attachment to a lease, contract, pleading, or recorded instrument.

Title insurance coverage that removes or modifies standard exceptions after additional title, survey, and affidavit requirements are satisfied.

A title-company affidavit supporting removal of standard exceptions from a title policy.

A fraud, identity, or misrepresentation risk concept that can affect title, closing, financing, or enforceability.

The broadest common ownership interest in land, subject to governmental powers and valid private restrictions.

A fee-simple estate subject to a condition that can cause title to end or shift if the condition is violated.

A fee estate that automatically ends when a stated limitation occurs.

A fee estate that may be terminated if a condition is breached and the right is enforced.

A final court order resolving the issues before the court, subject to any appeal rights.

A lien waiver given on final payment for all work or materials covered.

The final approved plat intended for recording and legal creation of lots, streets, easements, or dedications.

A lien securing repayment of debt or another financing obligation, such as a mortgage, deed of trust, or UCC lien.

The mortgage with priority over later mortgages or subordinate liens against the same property.

A search for UCC filings tied to fixtures or goods attached to real property.

A legal process to enforce a mortgage or lien by selling the property or cutting off ownership interests.

A person or entity named in a foreclosure case because of ownership, debt liability, possession, or a lien claim.

A title insurance policy issued after completion of a foreclosure sale or deed.

A title commitment prepared for foreclosure, identifying parties, liens, and requirements.

A timing rule for recording certain mechanics lien claims to affect third parties.

The length of a lot line along a road, street, or other access feature.

A clause allowing later loan advances to be secured by the same mortgage or lien.

Title insurance coverage for matters arising between the effective date of the commitment and recording of the deed or mortgage.

A seller or borrower undertaking covering title matters that arise during the gap between title search and recording.

A legal process allowing a creditor to collect from money or property held by a third party for the debtor.

A computerized mapping system that stores, analyzes, and displays spatial and parcel-related information.

Title supported by the public record chain and not subject to unacceptable defects.

The original conveyance of land from the government to a private owner.

The rectangular land survey system dividing land by townships, ranges, sections, and related survey lines.

The person or entity receiving title or another property interest by deed or grant.

The recorder’s index organized by the name of the person or entity receiving an interest.

The person or entity transferring title or another property interest by deed or grant.

The recorder’s index organized by the name of the person or entity conveying an interest.

A network of intersecting lines used for mapping, surveying, or coordinate reference.

A deed signed by a court-appointed guardian on behalf of a ward, usually with required court authority.

A rule allowing certain out-of-court statements to be admitted as evidence.

A metric land measure equal to 10,000 square meters, or about 2.471 acres.

A person entitled to inherit from a decedent under intestacy law or sometimes used more loosely for family beneficiaries.

A person entitled to inherit under intestacy law.

The identity and shares of persons entitled to inherit when property passes by intestacy.

Money retained in escrow after closing to secure completion of repairs, documents, tax adjustments, or other obligations.

The person or entity entitled to enforce a promissory note.

Language by which a grantor releases homestead rights as part of a conveyance.

Work that adds to, alters, repairs, or benefits real property.

Rights to enter and leave property.

Notice that may arise when someone other than the record owner appears to possess or occupy the property.

Title that a title insurer is willing to insure, often subject to listed exceptions.

A procedure allowing a stakeholder to require competing claimants to litigate entitlement to property or funds.

A lien imposed without the owner’s voluntary mortgage or pledge, such as a tax lien, judgment lien, or mechanics lien.

An owner whose interest is subject to special rules when a transfer on death instrument involves multiple owners.

A court’s final determination of rights, liability, or relief, often enforceable through liens or collection procedures.

A lien arising from a judgment, usually after proper recording or statutory steps.

A search for court judgments that may create or evidence liens against real property.

A deed issued under authority of a court order or judicial proceeding.

A lien with lower priority than another lien on the same property.

A lienholder whose interest is subordinate to a senior lien.

A court or governmental body’s legal power to decide a matter or act over a person, property, or subject.

An installment sale contract where the seller retains legal title until the buyer satisfies stated payment or performance conditions.

A conveyance of land from a government to a private person or entity.

A claimed lien or security interest in tenant property to secure rent or lease obligations.

Angular distance north or south of the equator, used in mapping and location systems.

An officer-worn recording device used under rules governing law-enforcement recordings.

A short recorded document giving notice of a lease without recording the full lease.

A formal property description used to identify land in deeds, mortgages, plats, and title documents.

An entity or person designated by the lender to take title or receive documents, often in deed-in-lieu or REO transactions.

A person or entity designated by the lender to take title in a deed-in-lieu transaction.

Recent letters of office often required by transfer agents, title companies, or third parties.

Permission to use property without creating a leasehold estate.

A claim or charge against property to secure payment of a debt or obligation.

A bond posted to substitute security for a mechanics lien or discharge property from the lien.

A person or entity asserting a lien for labor, materials, services, or improvements.

A lawsuit to enforce a mechanics lien against real property.

A dispute over the order in which liens are paid from property or sale proceeds.

A search for recorded or filed liens affecting a person or parcel.

A document by which a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier waives lien rights to the extent paid or promised.

Work or materials that can support a mechanics lien.

A deed creating ownership for a person’s lifetime, with future ownership passing to another.

A recorded notice that litigation is pending concerning title to or an interest in real property.

A recorded notice that litigation is pending and may affect title to the property.

Angular distance east or west from a reference meridian, used in mapping and location systems.

Processes intended to avoid foreclosure or reduce loss, including modification, repayment, short sale, or deed in lieu.

The horizontal area within the boundaries of a lot, measured under the applicable zoning or survey rule.

Rights a spouse may have in property, including homestead or estate-related rights.

Title that is treated as marketable from a statutory root of title, subject to listed exceptions.

Title reasonably free from doubt and unacceptable defects, so a prudent buyer would accept it.

An equitable doctrine requiring a creditor with access to multiple funds or assets to avoid unfairly harming another creditor when possible.

A deed executed by a court-appointed officer after a chancery sale under older or local practice.

A lien claimed by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers for unpaid labor or materials improving property.

A recorded or filed claim by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier for unpaid improvement work.

A document summarizing a judgment for recording or lien purposes.

Title that a reasonable buyer should accept because it is free from serious doubt or litigation risk.

A north-south reference line used in surveying and mapping.

A legal description method using courses, distances, monuments, and boundaries.

A title or survey search based on calls, courses, distances, monuments, and adjoining parcels.

Title-company language describing foreclosure proceedings for title insurance purposes.

An absent conveyance needed to complete the chain of title.

The absence of a recorded release for a lien, mortgage, or other encumbrance expected to be terminated.

A legal-description call referring to a physical or record monument.

A lien or security instrument given to secure repayment of a debt with real property.

A search of records under a person’s or entity’s name for judgments, liens, bankruptcies, and related matters.

A convenience-oriented shopping center, often anchored by a supermarket or daily-needs tenant.

A notice commonly associated with subcontractor mechanics lien rights in Illinois.

A clause stating that the lender’s mortgage lien and acquired title do not merge unless intended.

An affidavit stating that no unpaid work or claims exist that could support a mechanics lien.

Persons claiming an interest not shown in the public land records.

A signature or notation transferring or authorizing enforcement of a negotiable note.

Notice required or used to preserve or enforce mechanics lien rights.

A recorder or assessor index organized by parcel number or document number.

A subordinate lienholder not named in the foreclosure, which may leave that lien unresolved.

A person or entity with an interest who should have been named in a proceeding but was not.

A catch-all clause in a will, trust, deed, lease, or contract that sweeps in additional property or rights.

A tenant promise to open for business by a required date and remain open after opening.

A tenant promise to continuously operate its business at the premises.

The order approving a foreclosure sale and authorizing deed delivery and distribution of proceeds.

A contractor contracting directly with the owner.

A freestanding parcel or building site within or near a larger shopping center or commercial development.

A recorded matter that does not appear in the normal chain of title for the parcel.

A seller or owner affidavit used by a title company to insure over certain off-record risks.

A title insurance policy protecting the owner’s title interest subject to the policy terms, exclusions, and exceptions.

A sworn statement listing contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, amounts due, and payments.

A lien waiver limited to a progress payment or stated amount.

Condemnation of part, but not all, of the property or premises.

Occupants, tenants, licensees, or others physically using or occupying the property.

A court action to divide jointly owned property or force sale and allocation of proceeds.

A title search tracing ownership back to the original government patent.

The person who received title from the government patent.

A distressed-property concept used when a borrower conveys property or related rights to a lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

Another name for a property index number used to identify a parcel.

Allowed periods when a tenant may close despite an operating covenant.

Title exceptions a buyer or lender accepts, such as easements, restrictions, taxes, and recorded matters.

Movable property not treated as real estate, such as furniture, equipment, inventory, and some trade fixtures.

A deed signed by an executor or administrator conveying estate real property.

A petition by a tax buyer seeking a deed after redemption period and statutory notice requirements.

A document identifying parcel index numbers for a property or transaction.

A local body that reviews planning, subdivision, zoning, comprehensive plan, and development matters.

A public commission that studies and recommends land-use plans, zoning changes, subdivisions, and development policies.

The Illinois statute regulating when divisions of land require platting or subdivision approval.

An affidavit used to satisfy title-company requirements about compliance with the Plat Act.

Local approval of a subdivision, consolidation, dedication, or other survey plat required before recording or development.

A recorder or survey record containing recorded subdivision plats or related maps.

An index used to locate recorded plats and subdivisions.

A survey drawing showing boundaries, improvements, easements, encroachments, and other site matters.

The legal cancellation or removal of a recorded plat, street, alley, easement, or subdivision feature.

A plat showing a survey township under the government land survey system.

Formal court documents stating claims, defenses, admissions, denials, and requested relief.

The full set of items or observations being studied, such as all parcels in an assessment area.

The rule that visible possession may require a buyer to inquire into the possessor’s rights.

A future interest remaining after a fee simple determinable, triggered by violation of a stated limitation.

A shopping center dominated by large category retailers, discount stores, warehouse clubs, or similar anchors.

An initial subdivision plat submitted for review before final engineering and recording.

The land, building, unit, or space described in a lease, deed, contract, or other document.

A deed signed before a later conveyance but not recorded before the later interest arises.

The order in which competing rights, liens, claims, or interests are paid or enforced.

The order in which surplus funds are paid to lienholders, owners, or other claimants.

Private restrictions or interests affecting property, such as easements, covenants, and subdivision controls.

A qualifications-based or statutory process for selecting architects, engineers, land surveyors, or other professional-service providers.

A financing program allowing certain energy or resiliency improvements to be repaid through a property assessment.

Combining multiple parcel numbers into one parcel for tax administration.

Division of one parcel index number into multiple parcel numbers.

The boundary line defining the limits of a parcel.

A draft court order submitted for entry by the judge.

Dividing costs or credits between parties based on time, usually as of closing, commencement, expiration, or termination.

An evidence rule allowing certain public records to be admitted.

Buying property while an existing mortgage remains on title, without necessarily assuming personal liability for the debt.

A tall freestanding sign, often used in shopping centers or along roads.

A landlord covenant that tenant may possess and use the premises without wrongful interference by landlord or those claiming through landlord.

A lawsuit to resolve competing claims or defects affecting title.

A pleading claim asking the court to determine title and remove adverse claims.

A deed transferring whatever interest the grantor has without warranties of title.

A release of whatever interest a person may have, without warranties of title.

In the government survey system, a column of townships measured east or west of a principal meridian.

Recording a document again, often to correct, supplement, or clarify the original recording.

A neutral person appointed by a court to preserve, manage, or operate property during litigation or enforcement.

A transfer or release returning title or security interest after a deed of trust or similar obligation is satisfied.

The sequence of recorded instruments connecting the current owner back through prior owners.

The owner shown by the recorded chain of title.

The person or entity shown in the public records as holding title.

Filing a document with the recorder so it becomes part of public land records.

The official or office that records real-estate instruments in the county land records.

The date a document is accepted and entered into the recorder’s records.

A government charge for recording land records.

Priority among competing interests based on recording, notice, and applicable recording statutes.

The recorder’s notation showing when and where a document was recorded.

The required period for keeping public records before lawful destruction or transfer.

A broker who refers a prospective client or property opportunity to another broker or auctioneer.

A large shopping center with general merchandise, fashion, and department-store or large-format anchors.

A written waiver or discharge of claims, liens, obligations, or parties.

A deed or instrument releasing a claim or interest in real property.

A recorded document releasing notice of pending litigation affecting title.

A person holding a future interest that becomes possessory after a life estate or other prior estate ends.

Collecting information about land or objects without physical contact, often through aerial or satellite technology.

A defined term for laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, codes, recorded covenants, insurance requirements, and similar obligations.

Language by which the grantor keeps a right or interest while conveying other title.

A recorded or contractual restriction limiting property use, construction, occupancy, or operations.

A future interest that returns to the grantor or the grantor’s successor after a condition or estate ends.

A change in the zoning classification applied to a parcel or area.

A right connected to land bordering running water, such as access, reasonable use, or accretion, depending on applicable law.

A public or private way providing vehicular access or through travel.

The deed or other recorded instrument used as the starting point for a title examination.

Form language used to describe foreclosure proceedings in title-insurance review.

A drafting or clerical error in a legal document.

The dates covered by a title search for a specific owner, parcel, or issue.

The person who examines public records for deeds, mortgages, liens, taxes, and other title matters.

A document creating a lien or security interest, such as a mortgage, deed of trust, or security agreement.

A lienholder whose lien has priority over another lien.

An assessment or tax bill assigned to a specific parcel, unit, or portion of a project.

A defense asserting that the borrower is entitled to reduce the plaintiff’s claim by amounts owed back to the borrower.

A deed delivered after a judicial sale to transfer title to the purchaser.

A planned or managed commercial development with multiple stores and related parking or common areas.

The location or parcel where a building, use, event, or development exists or is proposed.

A claim based on false statements or filings that disparage another’s property title.

An original grant of land from a sovereign government.

A specific exception listed in a title commitment or policy for a particular parcel.

A deed in which the grantor gives limited title warranties, usually only against claims arising through the grantor.

A spouse signing a deed or mortgage to release homestead, marital, or other statutory rights.

A general title-policy exception, often covering matters not shown by public records or not removed by extended coverage.

A deed appearing in records but not clearly connected to the parcel’s chain of title.

A shortened abstract beginning from an accepted base point rather than from the original government patent.

A lien claim by a subcontractor or supplier not contracting directly with the owner.

Local regulation of dividing land into lots, blocks, streets, easements, and public improvements.

A review of subdivision plats, restrictions, easements, and municipal approvals affecting divided land.

Lower in priority or made subject to another right, lien, lease, or interest.

A loan or lien that is junior in priority to another mortgage or lien.

A court-issued notice requiring a defendant or respondent to appear or respond in a case.

A lien claim based on unpaid materials supplied for an improvement.

An affidavit addressing whether improvements, fences, driveways, or uses have changed since a prior survey.

A title-policy exception for matters that an accurate survey would disclose.

Statutory tax deed notice informing interested parties of sale, redemption deadline, and deed petition.

A court proceeding seeking issuance of a deed based on a tax sale.

The clerk’s issuance of a tax deed after court order and statutory requirements.

A court order directing issuance of a tax deed.

Recording the tax deed to put the transfer into land records.

A title search focused on tax sale, redemption, notice, and tax deed proceedings.

Allocation of real estate taxes between buyer and seller, or landlord and tenant, for a period of ownership or occupancy.

A search of property tax records for unpaid taxes, assessments, exemptions, redemptions, or forfeitures.

The legal basis or evidence of ownership of property.

A title insurer’s promise to issue a policy if listed requirements are met and exceptions are accepted.

A person who reviews title evidence and decides what affects ownership or insurability.

A matter excluded from title insurance coverage, such as easements, covenants, taxes, survey matters, or recorded restrictions.

Insurance protecting an owner or lender against covered losses from title defects, liens, or other matters not excluded from the policy.

A written objection to a title exception, defect, lien, or survey matter before closing.

A condition the title company requires before issuing the requested policy or endorsement.

Review of public records affecting ownership and encumbrances.

A person who searches public records to identify interests affecting title to real property.

The process by which title passes to the judicial-sale purchaser after confirmation and deed.

Abbreviation for transfer on death instrument.

A person designated to receive real estate under a transfer on death instrument.

A recorded act or later instrument revoking a transfer on death instrument.

A map showing land surface features and elevations.

The contour, slope, and surface features of land.

A survey unit in the rectangular survey system, typically about six miles square.

A title index organized by parcel or legal description rather than by party name.

An Illinois instrument that transfers real estate at the owner’s death without probate if statutory requirements are met.

A person entering or remaining on property without legal right or permission.

A deed signed by a trustee conveying property held in trust.

A timing rule for filing suit to enforce a mechanics lien.

A search for filed financing statements that may cover personal property, fixtures, or related collateral.

A waiver effective without a payment condition.

Persons whose possible interests in property cannot be identified from available records.

Title subject to defects or reasonable doubt that may justify refusal to close.

A property right or claim that exists but has not been recorded in the public land records.

A mortgage that appears of record but has not been released or satisfied.

A distressed-property concept used when a borrower conveys property or related rights to a lender or nominee instead of completing foreclosure.

The proper county, district, or court location for a case or proceeding.

A lien created by the owner’s agreement, such as a mortgage or deed of trust.

Promises about facts, condition, title, performance, or quality that may create remedies if untrue.

A deed containing warranties or covenants of title from the grantor.

A right to use or receive water, controlled by state law, deed rights, permits, or local rules.

A recorded deed outside the apparent chain of title, often because a connecting deed is missing.

The official map showing the zoning classification of parcels within a jurisdiction.