| 4 | | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | Z | | ALL |
R |
| R-value A construction term that refers to the resistance of to heat loss. The higher the R-value, the slower the rate of heat loss. |
| Radon A ground-generated radioactive gas that seeps into some homes through sump pumps, cracks in the foundation and other inlets. A leading cause of lung cancer , radon is found in mostly the northern half of the country. |
| Rafter Rafters form the slope of a pitched roof and are analogous to floor joists. |
| Rammed-earth construction An alternative building process in which dirt is compacted into large structural frames to create walls. |
| Ranch style Modern ranch-style homes, popularized in the 1950s, were championed by such architectural giants as Frank Lloyd Wright. |
| Rate-improvement mortgage A loan with a clause that entitles a borrower to a one-time cut in the interest rate without going through refinancing. |
| Rate lock When interest rates are volatile, many borrowers want to "lock in" an interest rate and many lenders will oblige, setting a limit on the amount of time the guaranteed interest rate is in effect. |
| Real estate Land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings, fences and other items attached to the structure. |
| Real estate agent A real estate agent has a state license to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most agents work for real estate brokers. |
| Real estate attorney A lawyers who specializes in real estate transactions. |
| Real estate broker A real estate agent who is licensed by the state to represent a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction in exchange for a commission. Most brokers also have agents working for them, and are entitled to a portion of their commissions. |
| Real estate investment trusts (REITs) The trusts are publicly traded companies that own, develop and operate commercial properties. |
| 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. |
| Real property Land and any permanent fixtures on it, including buildings, trees and minerals. |
| 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. |
| Recission The cancellation of a contract by law or consent by the parties involved. |
| Reconveyance When a borrower completely pays off the mortgage, the property is reconveyed to them from the lender. |
| Recorder A public official responsible for keeping the records of all real estate transactions. |
| Recording The filing of a specific document to the appropriate government entity. |
| Recording fee A fee charged by real estate agents for conveying the sale of a piece of property into the public record. |
| Redlining The practice by a bank or insurance company to deny credit or insurance to people based on ethnic background or neighborhood. |
| Refinancing The process of replacing an older loan with a new mortgage that has better terms. |
| Regulation Z The federal code issued under the Truth-in-Lending Act which 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. |
| Relocation benefits Benefits provided by employers for new workers and 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 moving in new employees to the community. |
| Remaining balance The amount of unpaid principal on a home loan. |
| Remaining term The original loan term minus the number of payments made. |
| Renter's insurance A policy that covers the replacement value of possessions. |
| Rent loss insurance A policy that covers any loss of rent or rental value in the event of fire or other damage that renders the property uninhabitable. |
| Repayment plan When a borrower falls behind in mortgage payments, many lenders will negotiate a repayment plan rather than go to court. |
| 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. |
| Repossession When a house is repossessed, it is taken back by the lender holding the mortgage. |
| Resale value The future value of a piece of property that can be affected by many factors, including the surrounding neighborhood, school scores, and economic and housing market conditions. |
| Reserve fund All homeowners associations set aside a certain amount of money for major repairs or improvements. |
| 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 or moves into a retirement community. |
| 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. |
| 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 to recission A provision in the federal Truth-in-Lending Act that allows borrowers to cancel certain kinds of loans within three days of signing. |
| 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. |