Loan Glossary

Plain-English definitions for every term you'll encounter in the loan process

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Showing 3 terms in Mortgage starting with R
R

Rate-and-Term Refinance

Mortgage

Replacing an existing mortgage with a new one to get a lower interest rate, change the loan term, or both — without taking out additional cash. Different from a cash-out refinance.

Refinancing

Mortgage

Replacing an existing loan with a new loan, typically to lower the interest rate, change the loan term, switch from ARM to fixed, or access equity through a cash-out refinance.

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act)

Mortgage

A federal law requiring lenders to disclose settlement costs and prohibiting kickbacks between settlement service providers. Ensures borrowers receive fair, transparent loan information.