assessed value A tax assessor's
determination of the value of a home in order to calculate a tax
base.
capital gains tax
A tax placed on profits from the sale of real estate or
investments.
conveyance
tax A tax imposed on the transfer of real
property.
earthquake
insurance A policy that provides coverage
against damage to a home from an earthquake.
flood insurance Hazard coverage
that is required in designated flood areas.
homeowner's insurance This
insurance includes hazard coverage for any damages that may affect the value of
a house, in addition to personal liability and theft
coverage.
home warranty
A type of insurance that covers repairs to certain parts of a house
and some fixtures.
insurance Owners and buyers can
purchase various types of insurance including hazard, private mortgage, and
earthquake. The policies guarantee compensation for specific
losses.
mortgage-interest
deduction The tax write-off that the Internal
Revenue Service allows most owners to claim for annual interest payments made on
real estate loans.
passive
loss A tax term that refers to any loss from a
passive activity, such as the ownership but not the operation of a piece of
rental real estate.
property
tax Tax paid on privately owned property.
Property taxes are usually paid semiannually, or monthly if the lender requires.
The amount is based on local tax rates and assessed property
value.
property tax
deduction The U.S. tax code allows homeowners
to deduct the amount they have paid in property taxes.
tax deduction A tax break given
by the government. Mortgage interest, loan points, and property taxes can be
deducted.
tax lien
A lien placed against a property for nonpayment of
taxes.
tax shelter
A term often applied to real estate investment, referring to
various tax advantages.
title
insurance A policy issued to lenders and buyers
to protect against loss due to disputed property ownership.
transfer tax An assessment by
state or local authorities at the time a piece of property changes
hands.
