Glossary of Terms

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

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

A fixed-rate mortgage that includes a provision that gives the borrower a one-time option to reduce the interest rate (without refinancing) during the early years of the mortgage term.

A consumer protection law that requires lenders to give borrowers advance notice of closing costs.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

A mortgage created to cover the costs of repairing, improving, and sometimes acquiring an existing property.

The amount of principal that has not yet been repaid. See principal balance.

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

Insurance that protects a landlord against loss of rent or rental value due to fire or other casualty that renders the leased premises unavailable for use and as a result of which the tenant is excused from paying rent.

See lease-purchase mortgage loan.

An arrangement made to repay delinquent installments or advances. Lenders’ formal repayment plans are called “relief provisions.”

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.

A credit arrangement, such as a credit card, that allows a customer to borrow against a pre-approved line of credit when purchasing goods and services. The borrower is billed for the amount that is actually borrowed plus any interest due.

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.

The right to enter or leave designated premises.

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

An agency within the Department of Agriculture, which operates principally under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of 1921 and Title V of the Housing Act of 1949. This agency provides financing to farmers and other qualified borrowers buying property in rural areas who are unable to obtain loans elsewhere. Funds are borrowed from the U.S. Treasury.