Abbreviations

Listed below are definitions of commonly used transactions.

NOTE: What's in parentheses is the abbreviation from the Instrument Type column of the Deeds Look-up table. You may also find what's in parentheses is from the Grantee column of the Grantor search or in the Grantor column of a Grantee search.

Abstract of Title

A concise statement of the substance of documents or facts appearing on the public land records that affect the title to a particular tract.

Assignment (ASGT)

Process of transferring contract rights to another; e.g., assignment of a mortgage.

Attachment (ATT)

Process of creating a lien, security interest, or other creditor's interest in property; results when the creditor has complied with all requirements.

Co-ownership

Label given to ownership of property by more than one person.

Covenant (CVNT)

Promise that affects or limits the use of the conveyed property.

Deed (DEED)

Instrument used to convey title to real property.

Discharge of Mortgage (DIS)

Release of your mortgage from lien holder paid in full.

Deed of Trust (TRD)

Security interest in real property in which title is held by a trustee until the borrower and occupant of the land repays the beneficiary (lender) in the amount of the loan.

Deed of Power (DPO)

Otherwise known as Forclosure, is the process of selling mortgaged property to satisfy the debt owed by the defaulting mortgagor.

Easement (EMNT)

Right to use another's property for access, light, etc.

Federal Tax lien (FTL)

A lien imposed for non-payment of taxes.

Fee

Term referring to an inheritable interest in land.

Financing Statement (FIN STATE)

Document filed to protect a security interest; must contain name and address of debtor and description and address of the property.

Foreclosure (DPO)

Process of selling mortgaged property to satisfy the debt owed by the defaulting mortgagor.

Gift

Transfer of property without consideration of donative intent and by actual or constructive delivery.

Grantee

Person to whom land is conveyed.

Grantor

Person conveying title to land.

Homestead (DHOME)

Entitles the debtor to a certain amount in real property that is exempt from attachment by creditors.

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Lease (LSE)

Agreement between the owner of land and another party for the use and occupation of the land.

License (LICN)

Revocable right to enter another's property.

Lien (LIEN)

Interest in real property that serves as security for repayment of debt.

Life Estate

Interest in land that lasts for the life of the grantee.

Life Tenants

Those who hold a life estate in property.

Lis Pendens (LIS PNDN)

Suit or action pending document recorded with the land records to indicate a suit involving the land that's pending.

Master Deed (MDEED)

The document recorded in a condominium development to reflect the location of the project and the individual's unit.

Mechanic's Lien

Liens placed on real property to secure the amount due to those who performed the work or supplied materials for improvements or other projects on the land.

Mortgage (MTG)

Lien on real property used to secure a debt.

Mortgagee

Lender, or party who holds the mortgage lien.

Mortgagor

Borrower or party occupying land that is mortgaged.

Mun Lien (ML)

A Lien put on by each City and or Town shows that taxes are paid up to date.

Notc Betterment Agrt

Usually refers to property being assumed for sewage

Notice Child Support Lien (NCSL)

Lien recorded for amount of unpaid child support.

Notc Ma T Lien

Tax Lien put on by the Commonwealth of Mass (i.e.Like a non payment of any type of taxes)

Option (OPTN)

Right to purchase property during a certain period of time. This right is paid for with consideration.

Order of Conditions (ORDR CONDN)

Puts certain conditions on property e.g., wetlands.

Ordinance

Laws passed on a local level of city, county or state governments.

Plat Map

Method of land description that relies on a recorded map of a subdivision, with each deed making reference to the map and the particular lot being conveyed.

 Recording

Process of placing a deed or other document on the public records to give notice of a transaction or interest in land.

Refinancing

Negotiating a new loan for real estate; generally done to obtain a lower rate, or in the case of a sale to allow the buyer to purchase the property.

Rl Ma T Lien

The payment of taxes that the Commonwealth of Mass put on has been made.

Sheriff's Deed (DEED)

Form of title given to a buyer at a mortgage foreclosure sale; carries no warranties.

Subordinate Mortgage (SUBOR MTG)

Mortgage with a lesser priority than a pre-existing mortgage.

Taking (TAKE)

Term used to describe the government action of using private property for public purposes.

Tax Deed

Form of title given in the event property is sold to satisfy taxes; carries no warranties.  

Tax Lien

Lien placed on property for amount of unpaid taxes.

Tenancy by the Entirety

Form of co-ownership between a husband and wife; a joint tenancy. Husband and wife each own the entire property.

Tenancy in Common

Simplest form of co-ownership. Each owner owns his/her percentage of the property.

Title Insurance

Insurance that pays the buyer of property in the event certain title defect arises.

Trustee of Deed (TRD)

See Deed of Trust

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)

See Fin State

Will

Document used to specify the transfer of property after the testator's death.

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