Real Estate Terms - R

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Las Vegas real estate home page

radon

A radioactive gas found in some homes that in sufficient concentrations can cause health problems.

rate lock

A commitment issued by a lender to a borrower or other mortgage originator guaranteeing a specified interest rate for a specified period of time.

real estate agent

A person licensed to negotiate and transact the sale of real estate on behalf of the property owner.

real property

Land and appurtenances, including anything of a permanent nature such as structures, trees, minerals and the interest, benefits and inherent rights thereof.

realtor

A real estate broker or an associate who holds active membership in a local real estate board that is affiliated with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®.

recission

The cancellation or annulment of a transaction or contract by the operation of a law or by mutual consent. Borrowers usually have the option to cancel a refinance transaction within three business days after it has closed.

reconveyance

An instrument used to transfer title from a trustee to the equitable owner of real estate, when title is held as collateral security for a debt. Most commonly used upon payment in full of a trust deed. Also called a deed of reconveyance or release.

recorder

The public official who keeps records of transactions that affect real property in the area. Sometimes known as a "Registrar of Deeds" or "County Clerk."

recording

The noting in the registrar’s office of the details of a properly executed legal document, such as a deed, a mortgage note, a satisfaction of mortgage or an extension of mortgage, thereby making it a part of the public record.

refinance transaction

The process of paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan using the same property as security.

rehab

A home or property in need of rehabilitating.

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

A private corporation or trust that is allowed special status under the U.S. tax code, enabling the entity to pay no corporate income tax as long as its activities meet statutory tests restricting its business to certain commercial real estate activities. By law, REITs must pay out 90% of their taxable income in the form of stockholder dividends to maintain their tax-exempt status.

remaining balance

The amount of principal that has not yet been repaid.

remaining term

The original amortization term minus the number of payments that have been applied.

rent

Compensation or fee paid for the occupancy and use of any rental property, land, buildings, equipment, etc.

RESPA - Real Estate Settlements Procedures Act

A federal law requiring disclosure of certain costs in the sale of residential property which is to be financed by a federally insured lender. Also requires that the lender provide a "good faith estimate" of closing costs prior to closing of the loan.

restrictive covenants

Private restrictions limiting the use of real property. Restrictive covenants may bind all subsequent purchasers of the land or may be binding only between the original seller and buyer. Restrictive covenants may affect the property's value and marketability of title. Covenants are widely used today because of the proliferation of privately planned communities which use them as a tool to control and guide future development. (see CC&Rs)

replacement reserve fund

A fund set aside for replacement of common property in a condominium, PUD, or cooperative project -- particularly that which has a short life expectancy, such as carpeting, furniture, etc.

right of first refusal

A provision in an agreement that requires the owner of a property to give another party the first opportunity to purchase or lease the property before he or she offers it for sale or lease to others.

right of ingress or egress

The right to enter or leave designated premises.

right of survivorship

In joint tenancy, the right of survivors to acquire the interest of a deceased joint tenant.

right of way

(1) The right to pass over property owned by another, usually based upon an easement. (2) A path or thoroughfare over which passage is made. (3) A strip of land over which facilities such as highways, railroads or power lines are built.

riparian rights

The rights of owners of lands bordering watercourses which relate to the water and its use.