The term title must be considered as including not only the full fee simple but any interest in the real property. Under strict legal rules title to real property can be transferred in only two ways, either by operation of law or by purchase: transfer by operation of law taking place only when the title passes to the heirs of an owner who dies leaving no will. Every other transfer is considered a purchase.

For all practical purposes, however, as indicated in the first chapter, title to realty may be transferred in any one of the following ways:

1. By descent.

2. By will.

3. By voluntary alienation.

4. By involuntary alienation.