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R-value
A measure of a material’s resistance to heat loss, usually applied to insulation products.The higher the R-value, the slower the rate of heat loss. |
radiant heating
A form of home heating delivered by electric-resistance elements-either wall registers or cables or foils beneath the flooring or above the ceiling-or via hot water circulated through in-the-floor tubing or room radiators. |
radon
A ground-generated radioactive gas that seeps into some homes through sump pumps,cracks in the foundation and other inlets. A serious health hazard. |
rafter
One of a series of beams that form the slope of a pitched roof and are analogous to floor joists. |
rails
The horizontal structural members of a door. Most doors have a top rail, a bottom rail, and a center rail connected at both ends to vertical stiles. |
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rammed-earth construction
An alternative building process in which dirt is compacted into large structural frames to create walls. |
ranch style
A modern style of home popularized in the 1950s and championed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, among others. |
rate cap
The maximum interest rate charge allowed on the monthly payment of an adjustable rate mortgage during an adjustment period. |
rate lock
A lender’s commitment to a borrower to guarantee (or “lock in”) a specific interest rate for a limited amount of time. |
rate type
Rate type determines if and how payments adjust over the loan term. Available rate types include fixed-rate, balloon, and adjustable-rate. |
rate-improvement mortgage
A loan with a clause that entitles a borrower to a one-time interest rate cut without going through refinancing. |
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real estate
Land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings. |
real estate agent
A person licensed by a state to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Unless they are also brokers, agents must work in association with a real estate broker or brokerage company. |
real estate broker
A person, corporation, or partnership licensed by a state to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Brokers supervise licensed sales agents, who then act for the broker (who is legally the principal agent in any transaction). |
real estate investment trust (REIT)
Publicly traded companies that own,develop, and operate commercial properties. |
real estate professional
Any real estate broker, sales agent, or attorney who holds a real estate license. |
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
A federal law designed to make sellers and buyers aware of settlement fees and other transaction-related costs. RESPA also outlaws kickbacks in the real estate business. |
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real property
Land and any permanent fixtures on it, including buildings, trees and other fixtures. |
Realtist
A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. |
Realtor
A designation for an agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. |
reconveyance
A lender’s act of conveying a property back to a borrower who has completely paid off his or her mortgage. |
recorder
A public official responsible for keeping record of all real estate transactions. |
recording
The filing of property-related documents into the public record. |
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recording fee
A fee charged by real estate agents for conveying the sale of a piece of property into the public record. |
redlining
An illegal practice by a bank or insurance company that denies credit or insurance to people based on ethnic background or neighborhood. |
refinancing
The process of replacing an older mortgage with a new mortgage that has better terms. |
regression
The principle that the value of a better-quality property is adversely affected by the proximity of a lesser quality property. |
Regulation Z
A federal code issued under the Truth in Lending Act that requires that a borrower be advised in writing of all costs associated with the credit portion of a financial transaction. |
rehabilitation mortgage
A mortgage that provides for the costs of repairing and improving a resale home or building. |
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REIT (real estate investment trusts)
Publicly traded companies that own,develop and operate commercial properties. |
release clause
A provision in a purchase contract that allows a seller to continue marketing their home and accept other offers. |
relocation benefits
Employer-provided benefits for new employees. These benefits can include moving costs, reimbursement for temporary housing and transportation,real estate agent assistance, and discounted loans. |
relocation company
A firm that administers all aspects of relocating new employees from one location to another. |
remaining balance
The amount of unpaid principal on a home loan. |
remaining term
The original loan term minus the number of payments made. |
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rent loss insurance
A policy that covers any loss of rent or rental value in the event that fire or other damage renders the property uninhabitable. |
renter’s insurance
A policy for renters that covers the replacement value of possessions. |
repayment plan
When a borrower falls behind in mortgage payments, many lenders will negotiate a repayment plan rather than go to court. |
replacement cost
The current cost of rebuilding a structure to its original
specifications. |
replacement reserve fund
Money that is set aside from homeowners’ assessments to replace common property such as furniture in a planned development’s community room. |
repointing
Replacing damaged mortar in the joints between bricks or stones. |
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repossess
To take back property. A lender holding a mortgage may repossess a property if the buyer fails to make payments. |
resale value
A property’s future value, which can be affected by many factors including the surrounding neighborhood, school district scores, and economic and housing market conditions. |
rescission
The cancellation of a contract by law or consent from the parties involved. |
reserve fund
Money set aside by a homeowners’ association for major repairs or improvements. |
resilient channel
A channel run across wall studs underneath wallboard to reduce sound transmission. |
RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act)
A federal law designed to make sellers and buyers aware of settlement fees and other transaction-related costs. RESPA also outlaws kickbacks in the real estate business. |
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restriction
Any limitation on the use of property. |
restructured loan
A mortgage in which new terms are negotiated. |
return on investment
The amount of profit a property generates. |
reverse mortgage
A special type of loan available to equity-rich, older owners. Repayment is not necessary until the borrower sells the property. |
ridge board
A horizontal board that serves as the apex of the roof structure. |
ridge vent
A vent located along the ridge board of the roof that allows moisture to escape. |
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right of first refusal
An agreement by a property owner to give another person the right to buy or rent the property before it goes on the open market. |
right of way
The right to pass over or use another’s land. |
right to rescission
A provision in the federal Truth in Lending Act that allows borrowers to cancel certain kinds of loans within three days of signing. |
riparian rights
An owner’s right to use a river, stream, or lake bordering the owner’s property. |
riser
Vertical boards between the steps of a stairway. |
rocker switch
An electrical switch operated by tapping the top or bottom of the control plate. |
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rollback
A limitation on annual assessed value increases or a reduction in the amount of property tax paid. |
roof sheathing
Flat boards nailed to the rafters to which a covering is fastened. |
rough-in
The installation of plumbing, electrical, and other mechanical systems. |
Rural Housing Service
A U.S. Department of Agriculture program that provides financing to farmers and certain borrowers to purchase rural property when other funds are not available. |
RV pad
A large concrete pad designated for parking a recreational vehicle. |