Mortgage Glossary

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J
joint tenancy
A form of co-ownership that gives each tenant equal interest and equal rights in the property, including the right of survivorship.

judgment
A decision made by a court of law. In judgments that require the repayment of a debt, the court may place a lien against the debtor's real property as collateral for the judgment's creditor.

judgment lien
A lien on the property of a debtor resulting from the decree of a court.

judicial foreclosure
A type of foreclosure proceeding used in some states that is handled as a civil lawsuit and conducted entirely under the auspices of a court.

jumbo loan
A loan that exceeds Fannie Mae's legislated mortgage amount limits. Also called a nonconforming loan.