Closing
The final procedure in the real estate sales process, where the sale and pertinent loan are completed by the execution of documents for recording. In some areas, this procedure is known as the closing of escrow.

Closing Service Letter
Also known as Closing Protection Letter. A letter of authorization from a Title Company, for an individual or agency conducting a settlement on behalf of the Title Company and Lender which includes the execution of all documents and disbursements of funds.

Cloud on Title
An irregularity, possible claim, or encumbrance which, if valid, would adversely affect or impair the title.

Commitment
A binding contract with a title company to issue a specific title policy, showing only those exceptions contained in the commitment and any intervening matters after the date of the commitment and prior to the effective date of the policy. The commitment contains all information included in the preliminary title report, plus a list of the title company's requirements to insure the transaction. It also includes the standard exceptions from coverage that will appear in the policy.

Comparable Sales
Sales that have similar characteristics as the subject property, used for analysis in the appraisal. Commonly called "comps".

Condemnation
The taking of private property by the government for public use - as for a street or a storm drain - upon making just compensation to the owner. This right or power of government to take property for a necessary public use is called eminent domain.

Constructive Notice
Notice imparted by the public records of the county when documents entitled to recording are recorded.

Conveyance
An instrument in writing, such as a deed or trust deed, used to transfer (convey) title to property from one person to another.

Corporation
An entity authorized by law and established by a group of people, the stockholders, which is endowed with certain rights, privileges and duties similar to an individual.

Covenant
(1) A formal agreement or contract between two parties in which one party gives the other certain promises and assurances, such as the covenant of warranty in a warranty deed. (2) Agreements or promises contained in deeds and other instruments for performance or nonperformance of certain acts, or use or nonuse of property in a certain manner.

Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
Commonly called CC & R's the term usually refers to a written recorded declaration which sets forth certain covenants, conditions, restrictions, rules or regulations established by a sub divider or other landowner to create uniformity of buildings and use within tracts of land or groups of lots. The restrictions also can be established by deed. CC & R's are sometimes referred to as private zoning.