Gifts

A gift is a transfer of property without any money changing hands. The person who makes the gift is called the donor. The recipient is called the donee. The requirements of a valid gift are that the donor voluntarily intends to give property, which is delivered to and accepted by the donee.

Mortgagee Insurance

Most residential real estate transactions involve a mortgagee. A mortgagee is the financial institution that loans the money to enable the homeowner to purchase the real estate. The mortgagee is a creditor of the homeowner. When the mortgagee lends the funds, it takes back a security interest in the real estate. As a secured creditor, the mortgagee is entitled to protect its interest in the real estate to the extent of the unpaid balance of the mortgage.

Self-Help Remedy for Encroachment by Neighbor's Trees

A property owner may cut back branches and roots that stray onto his or her property. The right of self-help, as it is called, is not found in state law; however, it derives from the common law.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

A real estate investment trust, also known as an REIT, is a type of investment opportunity. More specifically, shares in REITs are considered a type of real estate security.

Falling Behind on Your Mortgage Payments

Many circumstances can cause a borrower to fall behind in his or her mortgage payments.