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HABENDUM CLAUSE

That provision in deeds which begins with the words "to have and to hold" and which, in effect, defines the quality of the estate or interest which is being conveyed to the grantee.

HAIL

States issue Hail Damage brands when a vehicle has experienced extensive damage in a hailstorm.

HAZARD

A danger, peril or risk. Incident to title insurance, it relates to the risk assumed under a title insurance policy.

HEALTH-CARE-INSURANCE RECEIVABLE

Interest in or claim under a policy of insurance that is a right to payment of a monetary obligation for health-care goods or services.

HEIR

A person who inherits or who is entitled to inherit real estate by provisions of law or under the provisions of a will.

HEREDITAMENTS

Any and all kinds of estates, interests, and rights in real estate which can be inherited.

HIATUS

In title industry parlance, a separation, gap or unaccounted for area. Usually a strip of land between two tracts where the two tracts do not adjoin because of faulty descriptions. (See "Gore." )

HOLDER IN DUE COURSE

One who takes a negotiable instrument before maturity, for value, and without knowledge of any defect therein.

HOMESTEAD

(1) Property designated by the head of a family as his home, which is protected by law from forced sale to pay his debts. (2) Land claimed by a settler under the national homestead act. (3) Under some state laws, the real estate upon which one's home is situated.

HYPOTHECATE

To give a thing as security without parting with possession.