Real Estate Dictionary

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JACK RAFTER

A short rafter, used in a hip roof or valley roof, or to simulate a rafter which extends beyond the exterior walls.

JACOB'S LADDER

A hanging ladder, made with wooden steps and sides of rope.

JALOUSIES

Fixed or adjustable horizontal slats, used in doors, windows, shutters, etc., to keep out sun and rain, while letting in light and air.

JAMB

The vertical lining of an opening, such as a doorway, fireplace, window, etc.

JANITOR

One who is hired to take care of a building. Generally associated with cleaning, locking up after closing, and minor repair.

JERRY-BUILT

A structure built of inferior and inexpensive materials. Poorly built.

JETTY

(1) A pier or other structure (usually of stones), built out into a body of water to hinder the currents and so protect a harbor. (2) A part of a building which projects out beyond the exterior walls, such as an overhanging second story, a balcony, etc.

JOINDER

Joining together in some legal proceeding.

JOINT

(1) Meaning two or more, such as joint tenants, joint adventurers, etc. (2) The point of union or connection of two members, whether pipes, boards, or other members.

JOINT ADVENTURE

A combining by two or more persons of their property, skill, efforts, etc., for a specific business purpose. Single purpose partnerships are now most commonly used and are based on the same idea of the single purpose business venture.

JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

Allowing the plaintiff to sue one defendant (sever that one from the others) for the entire amount of damages, as well as the ability to sue more than one or all defendants (joint).

JOINT APPRAISAL

An appraisal by more than one appraiser, but one which states common conclusions of all.

JOINT ESTATE

See: Joint Tenancy.

JOINT NOTE

A promise to pay, executed by two or more persons, each having equal liability. See also: Surety.

JOINT OWNERSHIP

Property owned by more than one person or entity.

JOINT PROTECTION POLICY

A policy of title insurance which insures both the owner and the lender under the same policy.

JOINT TENANCY

An undivided interest in property, taken by two or more joint tenants. The interests must be equal, accuring under the same conveyance, and beginning at the same time. Upon the death of a joint tenant, the interest passes to the surviving joint tenants, rather than to the heirs of the deceased.

JOINT TENANTS

Those holding under joint tenancy. See also: Joint Tenancy.

JOINT VENTURE

See: Joint Adventure.

JOINTURE

A life estate for a wife which takes effect upon the death of her husband. Takes the place of dower, but must be agreed to by the wife and is not an automatic right such as dower.

JOISTS

Small beams, usually not more than five inches thick, which are in parallel and support floors and ceilings. The joists are supported by larger beams, bearing walls, girders, etc. A joist is rectangular in cross-section, the narrow face being the joist, the wide face the plank.

JUDGEMENT CREDITOR

A person, corporation, etc., that has been awarded a money judgement by a court. Recording and abstract of said judgement will create a lien on real property owned by the judgement debtor in the county where the abstract is recorded.

JUDGEMENT DEBTOR

A person, corporation etc., against whom a money judgement has been awarded by a court. See: Judgement Creditor.

JUDGMENT (JUDGEMENT)

The decision of a court of law. Money judgments, when recorded, become a lien on real property of the defendant.

JUDGMENT LIEN

A lien against the property of a judgment debtor. An involuntary lien.

JUDGMENT PROOF

One against whom a judgment creditor cannot collect (no assets). If one can show he was defrauded by a "judgment proof" real estate licensee, he may recover from the state fund in states having such a fund.

JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE

Foreclosure through court action rather than by a power of sale. Judicial foreclosure is sometimes necessary to remove certain tax liens.

JUDICIAL SALE

A sale made under court order, by one court appointed, rather than a voluntary sale by the owner, or one appointed by the owner.

JUMBO LOAN

A loan greater than the amount allowable for purchase by a federal agency.

JUMBO VA LOAN

A loan for an amount greater than the allowable 100% financed amount. It is determined by subtracting the maximum allowable 100% financed amount from the purchase price and financing 75% of the difference. Example: maximum allowable VA Loan - $110,000. Sale price - $130,000. Difference is $20,000;75% of the difference is $15,000. Total jumbo loan - $110,000 plus $15,000=$125,000. Required down payment - $5000.

JUNCTION BOX

A metal box used to enclose the meeting (junction) of electrical circuits, wires, and cables.

JUNIOR LIEN

A lien which is subordinate to a prior lien.

JUNIOR MORTGAGE

Any mortgage of lesser priority than a first mortgage.

JUNK VALUE

See: Salvage Value.

JURAT

(1) The certificate of an officer before whom a writing was sworn to, such as a notary public. (2) That part of an affidavit stating where, when, and before whom, the affidavit was sworn.

JURISDICTION

The extent of the authority of a court, or other governmental branch or agency.

JUST COMPENSATION

In condemnation the amount paid to the property owner. The theory is that in order to be "just", the property owner should be no richer or poorer than before the taking.