Adjustable Rate Mortgage
A loan that allows the lender to adjust the borrower’s interest rate and payments at prescribed times and sometimes with prescribed limits. Lower interest rates are customary.
Amortized Loan
A loan which is paid off in equal installments during its term.
Appraisal
An estimate of real estate value, usually issued to the standards of FHA, VA, and FNMA. Recent comparable sales in the neighborhood are the most important factor in determining value.
Assumable Mortgage
Purchaser takes ownership to real estate encumbered by an existing mortgage and assumes responsibility as the guarantor for the unpaid balance of the mortgage.
Closing Costs
Expenses incurred in the closing of real estate or mortgage transaction. Purchaser’s expenses normally include:
- Cost of title examination
- Premiums for title policies
- Survey
- Attorney fee
- Lender’s service fees
- Recording charges
In addition, the purchaser may have to place, in escrow, a sum of money to cover accrued real estate taxes and insurance.
Escrow Payment
That portion of a mortgagor’s monthly payment held in trust by the lender to pay for taxes, hazard insurange, mortgage insurance, lease payments, and other items as they become due, known as impounds in some states.
Equity
The difference between the market value of property and the homeowner’s indebtedness(mortgage).
Exchange
The trading of an equity in a piece of property for the equity of another.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A loan that fixes the interest rate at a prescribed rate for the duration of the loan.
Freddie Mac
Nickname for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), a federally controlled and operated corporation to support the secondary mortgage market. It purchases and sells residential conventional home mortgages.
Fannie Mae
Nickname for Federal National Mortgage Assiation (FNMA), a tax paying corporation created by Congress to support the secondary mortgages insured by FHA or guaranteed by VA, as well as conventional home mortgages.
Graduated Payment Mortgage
An FHA, VA, or Conventional loan where the borrower pays a portion of the interest due each month during the first few years of the loan. The payment increases gradually during the first few years to the amount necessary to fully amortize the loan during its life.
Investor
The holder of a mortgage or the permanent lender for whom the mortgage banker services the loan. Any person or institution that invests in mortgages.
Lease Purchase Agreement
Buyer makes a deposit for the future purchase of a property with the right to lease the property to the interim.
Loan to Value Ratio
The ratio of the mortgage loan principal (amount borrowed) to the property’s appraised value (selling price). On a $100,000 home, with a mortgage loan principal of $80,000, the loan to value ratio is 80%.
Mortgage/Deed of Trust
Pledge of real property to secure a debt by written instrument given by the mortgagor. Should be recorded in the County Recorder’s Office.
Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)
The consideration paid by a mortgagor for mortgage insurance either to FHA or a private mortgage insurance (PMI) company. This insurance protects the investor from possible loss in the event of a borower’s default on a loan.
Mortgagee
The lender of money or the receiver of the mortgage document.
Mortgagor
The borrower of money or the giver of the mortgage document.
Note
A written promise to pay a certain amount of money.
Origination Fee
A fee or charge for work involved in the evaluation, preparation, and submission of a proposed mortgage loan.
Point
One percent of loan amount.
Prepayment Penalty
A fee paid to the mortgagee for paying the mortgage before it becomes due. Also known as repayment fee or reinvestment fee.
Source: Courtesy of CTX Mortgage Company
