What term refers to the acquisition of property through the payment of money or its equivalent?

The term that refers to the acquisition of property through the payment of money or its equivalent is known as a "Purchase Money Transaction." This concept involves a buyer obtaining ownership of real estate by providing financial compensation, which may include cash or any other form of payment that is considered equivalent to money.

A Purchase Money Transaction typically occurs when the buyer is directly involved in the financing of the property through various means, such as a mortgage or deed of trust, where the seller may also finance part of the purchase. The key aspect is that it directly ties the acquisition of property with the financial transaction that facilitates it.

In contrast, property transfer generally refers to the broader process of transferring ownership rights and may not specifically involve payment. A cash sale implies the buyer pays in cash, which is more specific than the general mechanics of a Purchase Money Transaction. Meanwhile, a real estate exchange often involves trading properties rather than a straightforward purchase with cash or cash equivalents, therefore not fitting the definition of acquiring property through payment specifically.