Common Real Estate Terms
Real Estate & Title Glossary
Buying or selling property comes with a lot of new terminology. We've simplified some of the most common real estate and title insurance terms to help you feel confident throughout your transaction.
NOTE: The following terms are defined only in their real estate or title insurance context. These terms may have different meanings when used in other contexts. For more precise definitions, you are advised to seek legal counsel.
Appraisal
A professional estimate of a property’s current market value.
Closing
The final step in a real estate transaction when documents are signed, funds are distributed, and ownership transfers to the buyer.
Closing costs
The fees associated with completing a real estate transaction, including title services, lender fees, recording costs, and more.
Deed
The legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one party to another.
Earnest money
A deposit made by the buyer to demonstrate their serious intent to purchase a property.
Easement
A legal right that allows someone to use a portion of another person’s property for a specific purpose, such as utilities or access.
Escrow
Funds or documents held by a neutral third party until all conditions of a transaction have been met.
Lien
A legal claim against a property due to an unpaid debt or obligation.
Mortgage
A loan used to purchase real estate, secured by the property itself.
Survey
A drawing that identifies property boundaries, easements, and improvements.
Title
Your legal ownership rights to a property.
Title insurance
A one-time insurance policy that protects property owners and lenders against covered title defects, liens, or ownership disputes.
Title search
A detailed review of public records used to verify ownership and identify any issues that could affect a property’s title.
Underwriter
The insurance company that backs and issues title insurance policies.
Zoning
Local regulations that determine how property may be used, including residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial purposes.
Have Questions?
Real estate transactions can be complex, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact Texas Country Title to learn more about the title and closing process.
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Milam County
Cameron
112 West Second Cameron, Texas 76520
254-605-0140
(254) 605-0200 (Fax)
Milam County
Rockdale
200 North Main St., Rockdale, Texas 76567
(512) 446-3898
(512) 446-3132 (Fax)
Lee County
Giddings
103 South Main P.O. Box 1519 Giddings, Texas 78942
(979) 542-3836
(979) 542-2436 (Fax)
Burleson County
Caldwell
209 S Main P.O. Box 387 Caldwell, Texas 77836
(979) 567-0345
(979) 567-0342 (Fax)
Falls County
Marlin
410 Williams P.O. Box 719 Marlin, Texas 76661
(254) 804-0140
(254) 804-0156 (Fax)
Fayette County
Lagrange
215 N Main LaGrange, Texas 78945
(979) 968-2800
(979) 968-2806 (Fax)
Colorado County
Columbus
323 Radio Lane Columbus, Texas 78934
(979) 733-0058
(979) 733-0995 (Fax)
Bastrop County
Bastrop
Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
(512) 321-5552
(512) 321-5559 (Fax)
Washington County
Brenham
204 S Market Street Brenham, Texas 77833
(979) 251-7064
(979) 251-7637 (Fax)
Lee County
8541 HWY 77 Lexington TX 78947
254-605-0140 | (979) 542-3836
By Appointment Only
Meet your professional team
Providing comprehensive Title Insurance in Bastrop, Burleson, Colorado, Falls, Fayette, Lee, Milam, and Washington Counties.
Alicia Lopez
- Escrow Officer -
– Cameron –
Serving Milam and Falls Co.
Serving Milam and Falls Co.
Ana Alicia Perales
- Escrow Officer -
– LaGrange –
Kellie Whitmire
- Orders -
Harley Weatherly
- Orders -
Lori Towery
- Escrow Officer -
– Cameron –
Serving Milam and Falls Co.
Serving Milam and Falls Co.
Melissa Boyer
- Management Team -
– Title Examiner –
Ashleigh Moehling
Escrow Officer / Manager & On-Site Manager
Will Sanders
Examiner
Carlene Bowman
Examiner
Emma
- Escrow Officer -
Kirsten
- Escrow Officer -