Property Pitfalls
This type of restriction is written into a deed by a developer to maintain subdivision standards.
What is a deed restriction (CCR)?
An agreement allowing you to cross someone’s land for a sewer line is an example of this.
What is an easement appurtenant?
These property taxes are based on the value of land, not the income it produces.
What are ad valorem taxes?
The government’s right to regulate land for health, safety, and welfare is called this.
What is police power
A city’s long-range growth policy covering 15–25 years is called this.
What is a comprehensive plan?
If your neighbor’s fence crosses your property line by two feet, this is an example of ____.
What is an encroachment?
This easement arises after long-term, open, hostile use of another’s property.
What is a prescriptive easement?
This “catch-up” tax is triggered when farmland is converted to development use.
What are roll-back taxes?
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay this.
What is just compensation?
A property that no longer fits updated zoning but is still allowed to operate is called this.
What is a non-conforming use?
This lease-like right to use property still binds a new owner when the property is sold.
What is a lease?
What is adverse possession?
The IRS places this type of lien on all of a person’s property for unpaid income taxes.
What is a general lien?
If a person dies without heirs or a will, property ownership transfers to the state through ____.
What is escheat?
This zoning tool lets a property owner build closer to the lot line than normally permitted.
What is a zoning variance?
This type of lien is created without the owner’s consent, often due to unpaid taxes.
What is an involuntary lien?
If two properties merge under one owner, this automatically terminates an existing _____.
What is an easement?
A contractor who isn’t paid for work on a property may file this type of lien.
What is a mechanic’s lien?
A property owner sues the government for loss of value caused by a new road. This is called ____.
What is inverse condemnation?
This zoning strategy allows higher density if a developer provides affordable housing.
What is incentive zoning?
Sometimes private restrictions increase value, like when CCRs require this feature to be included in every home.
What is a garage / architectural standard (any valid example) metal building restriction etc...?
Before closing on a property, a buyer orders this service to make sure no encroachments exist.
What is a survey?
A mortgage lien is an example of this type of lien, which attaches only to one property.
What is a specific lien?
Cities often require developers to provide land for parks, schools, or drainage systems under this rule.
What is mandatory dedication?
After construction, this document is required before people can occupy a building.
What is a certificate of occupancy (C.O.)?