Home Terms Main Page

This site contains comprehensive definitions for a wide range of terms that cover topics such as home, mortgage, insurance, homebuyer, real estate, property, buy home, home insurance, financing, home financing, home buyer, first time homebuyer, homes, homebuying, credit, condo...

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Accidental Death Benefit (ADB)

Coverage against accidental death usually payable in addition to base amount of coverage.

Cost of Insurance

The cost of insuring a particular individual under the policy. It is based on the amount of coverage, as well as the underwriting class, age, sex and tobacco consumption of that individual.

Lapses

Policies which are sold but do not remain in force because the policyholder fails to pay premiums.

Amortization Period

The time over which all regular payments would pay off the mortgage. This is usually 25 years for a new mortgage, however can be greater, up to a maximum of 40 years.

Gross Household Income

Gross household income is the total salary, wages, commissions and other assured income, before deductions, by all household members who are co-applicants for the mortgage.

Open Mortgage

A mortgage which can be prepaid at any time, without penalty.

Attic Access

An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic. Sometimes found in halls, closets or garages.

Barge

A horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

Building Code

A comprehensive set of laws that controls the construction or remodeling of a home or other structure.

Gable End Wall

The triangular end of an exterior wall above the eaves formed under a gable roof.

Insulation Density

Denser insulation products have more fibers per square inch and, therefore, give you greater insulating power through higher R-values.

Metal Insulation Support

16" or 24" wire rod or crisscrossed wire to hold floor insulation in place.

Noncombustible

The material will not burn. The glass fibers in PINK fiber glass insulation have a natural fire resistance, and are considered non-combustible when tested in accordance to ASTM E136.

Radiant Barrier System

A Radiant Barrier System (RBS) is a building section that includes a radiant barrier facing an air space.

Siding

See Lap Siding