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Archive for the ‘Mortgage Definitions’ Category

PostHeaderIcon Mortgage Definitions

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - A mortgage with an interest rate that changes over time in line with movements in the index.

Adjustment Period – This is the length of time between rate changes. For example a 6 month adjustment period means that the rate will adjust every 6 months.

Amortization - The loans repayment schedule in equal installments of principal and interest from a starting loan Dollar amount down to a 0 balance.

Balloon Payment – This is a lump sum payment due at the end of a loan term to pay off balance.

Buydown - An interest rate that is lowered by paying a fee up front.

Escrow Account - the bank collects your yearly taxes and insurance dues in easy monthly installments and pays the dues for you.

Lien - A legal hold or claim on a property as security for a debt or charges.

Loan Commitment - This is a written promise to make a loan for a specific term.

Loan to Value - The ratio between the amount of the mortgage and the appraised value of the property. Loan divided by Value = LTV%

Mortgage - The lender that holds the lien on a property as security for the repayment of the loan.

Prepayment Penalty - A penalty fee paid to a lender for paying off the loan prior to the scheduled maturity.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - Insurance paid for by the borrower to insure the lender against default in a conventional loan

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