Radiant BarrierA radiant barrier is a type of building material that reflects thermal radiation and reduces heat transfer.
Rain Barrel/Cistern(s)A rain barrel or cistern is a water tank used to collect and store rainwater runoff, typically from rooftops via pipes.
Rammed EarthA technique for constructing foundations, floors, and walls using natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel.
Ranch StyleRanch style homes are one-story houses with an open and casual layout. The shape of the house is either rectangular or an "L" or "U"(...)
RangeA “range” is an “all-included” cooking appliance that combines a cooktop with a wall oven. It is generally larger in size, includes an(...)
Rate LockA rate lock is a freeze of the interest rate on a mortgage loan for a period of time. It is a guarantee from a lender that the(...)
Reaffirmation AgreementA reaffirmation agreement is used in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases when the person filing for bankruptcy wants to continue paying one or(...)
Real EstateReal estate is private property in the form of buildings and land. Real estate can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial(...)
Real Estate AgentA real estate agent is a licensed professional who guides buyers and sellers through real estate transactions. Agents perform(...)
Real Estate BubbleA real estate bubble, also referred to as a “housing bubble,” occurs when the price of housing rises at a rapid pace, driven by an(...)
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)Real estate investment trusts, referred to as REITs, are companies that own and manage income-generating real estate or related assets.
Real Estate Settlement Procedures ActThe Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) is a federal law that imposes controls on the way lenders of federally backed home(...)
RealtistA Realtist is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an organization that brings together minority real estate(...)
RealtorA Realtor is a salesperson licensed to sell real estate but differs from a real estate agent in some ways. A Realtor is a member of(...)
RecessionA recession is a significant, widespread decline in economic activity lasting more than a few months. Experts define this period as(...)
ReconveyanceReconveyance is the transfer of a title to the borrower after a mortgage has been fully paid.
Recourse LoanA recourse loan is a type of loan whereby the lender can seek financial damages in the event that the borrower defaults in his loan(...)
Recreation RoomA “recreation room” (also known as a rec room, rumpus room, playroom, or ruckus room) is a room used for a variety of purposes, such(...)
RedliningRedlining is the illegal practice of refusing to provide financial services to consumers based on the area where they live.
RefinanceRefinance, also called refinancing or refi, is the process by which one loan is replaced by another loan, in most cases with more(...)
Regulation ZRegulation Z is part of the Truth in Lending Act of 1968. The legislation is designed to protect consumers against misleading lending(...)
RelictionReliction is the increase in land that occurs when a river or the ocean permanently withdraws from the site.
Remaining BalanceThe remaining balance refers to the unpaid portion of a loan, debt or credit card.
Renovation YearThe year in which an existing structure is updated with cosmetic changes.
Replacement CostsReplacement cost is an insuranceterm that refers to how much it would cost to replace something, such as a home, using the same type(...)
Resale ValueA home’s resale value is the amount it is expected to sell for at some point in the future. Many things, including any improvements(...)
RescissionRescission is the act of canceling a contract and returning both parties to the status they held before they entered the agreement.(...)
Reserve FundA reserve fund is a savings account or other liquid asset managed by a condominium, business or individual for anticipated future(...)
Residential Lease AgreementThe term “residential lease agreement” refers to the legally binding contract made between a landlord and his tenant and contains all(...)
Residential Real EstateResidential real estate is an area developed for people to live on. As defined by local zoning ordinances, residential real estate(...)
Residuary EstateResiduary estate is a probateterm that refers to the assets in a deceased person’s estate after all gifts are bequeathed and debts,(...)
Restrictive CovenantsA covenant imposing a restriction on the use of land so that the value and enjoyment of adjoining land will be preserved.
Reverse MortgageA reverse mortgage is a loan for people aged 62 and up in which the lender pays homeowners in advance on the equity of their homes.
Revolving Line of CreditA revolving line of credit refers to a type of loan offered by a financial institution. Borrowers pay the debt as they would any other.
Right of First RefusalRight of first refusal is a contractual agreement that gives a specific party the opportunity to buy property before the owner can(...)
Right of RescissionRight of rescission is a federal law and a part of the Truth in Lending Act that gives borrowers the right to cancel a financial(...)
Riparian Water RightsDoctrine pertaining to properties adjacent to a waterway that governs the use of surface water and gives all owners of land contiguous(...)
Roll InRoll in is when the costs of a loan are added to the principal balance. Roll in, which is also called “rolling” or “to roll,” is(...)
Roof Turbine(s)Roof turbines are installed directly on the top of a roof and use wind power to suck hot and humid air out of the attic.
