Glossary

A

Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage in which your interest rate and monthly payments may change periodically during the life of the loan based on the fluctuation of an index. Lenders may charge a lower interest rate for the initial period of the loan. Most ARMs have a rate cap that limits the amount the interest rate can change, both in an adjustment period, and over the life of the loan. Also called a variable-rate mortgage.
Amortization
The gradual reduction in the principal amount owed on a debt. During the earlier years, most of each payment is applied toward the interest owed. During the final years of the loan, payment amounts are applied almost exclusively to the remaining principal, unless there has been negative amortization.
Amortization table
A time table or schedule to give you a breakdown of your monthly payments into principal and interest. You can use this schedule to figure out the amount of principal you'll repay during your mortgage term.
Amortization term
The amount of time required to amortize (or pay off) the loan. The amortization term is expressed in months. For example, for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 180 months.
Annual fee
An annual amount you pay for having an open line of credit.
Annual adjustment cap
A limit on how much the variable interest rate on a loan can increase or decrease each year.
Annual percentage rate (APR)
The annual cost of a loan to a borrower. Like an interest rate, the APR is expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Unlike an interest rate, however, it includes other charges or fees to reflect the total cost of the loan. The Federal Truth in Lending Act requires that every consumer loan agreement disclose the APR. Borrowers may use the APR as a basis for comparing certain costs of loans.
Application fees
Non-refundable fees paid when you apply for your loan. They may include charges for property appraisal, a credit profile and so forth.
Appraisal or appraised value
An informed estimate of the value of property. When made in connection with an application for a loan secured by a home, it's usually made by a professional appraiser.
Appraisal fee
The charge charged for a professional appraisal, used to estimate the fair market value of a property.
Appreciation
In the mortgage context, “home appreciation” is the increase in the value of property over time. Important factors in a home's appreciation are its location and condition, and the selling price of similar homes in the area. Appreciation increases the amount of home equity, which may also increase the amount you can borrow for a home equity loan or line of credit.
Asset
Property or a possession of value that a lender may be willing to accept as collateral to secure repayment of debt. For example, real estate, stocks, mutual funds, cash and automobiles.
Assumable Loan
When you sell your home, your buyer may be able to qualify to take over your existing mortgage at your current rate. This can be beneficial if interest rates have risen above the rate you're currently paying on your mortgage. The lower-interest rate benefit may make your home more affordable to prospective homebuyers.
Available funds
The total amount of funds available to you from your own funds and/or other sources that can be used for your down payment and the closing costs associated with a loan.
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B

Balance sheet
A dated financial statement (in table form) that shows your assets, liabilities and net worth.
Balloon loan
A short-term loan with smaller payments for a certain period of time, and one or more large payments for the remaining principal amount, due at a specified time.
Balloon payment
A lump-sum payment, which is larger than your regular periodic payment, that's paid at the end of your loan repayment period.
Bankruptcy
A proceeding in federal court altering or eliminating an eligible individual's obligations to repay some or all of his or her creditors. A borrower may relieve debts by transferring his or her assets to a trustee. If a person files bankruptcy, a record of the filing appears on the borrower's credit report for up to 10 years.
Base rate
The underlying interest rate used as a benchmark, or index, for pricing variable-rate loans such as adjustable-rate mortgages, auto loans or credit cards.
Basis point
An amount equal to 1/100th of a percentage point. For example, a fee calculated as 50 basis points of $200,000 would be 0.50% or $1000.
Bi-weekly
Every other week. Some loans offer a bi-weekly payment option, which requires 26 half payments per year (amounting to one additional full payment each year). This option allows you to pay your loan off more quickly and to build equity faster. Sometimes there are costs associated with choosing this option.
Breach
A violation of any legal obligation or contract.
Broker
A third party who helps arrange funding or negotiates a contract between parties, but does not lend the money himself or herself.
Buydown
A buydown is the prepayment by a lender or homebuilder of a portion of the interest that will become due on your promissory note during the buydown period, thereby reducing your monthly payments. The buydown period may be one, two or three years, during which time your monthly payments will increase annually, in accordance with a predetermined schedule, ending with the monthly payment specified in your note.
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C

Cap
A limit on how much a variable interest rate can increase. Many adjustable rate mortgages have both annual (or semi-annual) rate caps and lifetime caps. They limit the amount your payments can increase in an adjustment period and over the life of the loan.
Capitalized cost
The amount financed under a lease agreement.
Closed-end lease
A lease that predetermines what the specific value of the leased item will be at the end of the lease, and the fees that may be due at that time.
Closing
The time and place at which all documents for your loan are signed, dated and notarized. See also: Settlement.
Closing costs
Fees paid at or prior to the closing of your loan. They may include, among other things, attorneys' fees, fees for preparing and filing a mortgage, taxes, title search, and insurance. They include the expenses incurred in obtaining the loan and in transferring the ownership of any collateral property from the seller to the buyer. Generally closing costs range from 2% to 6% of the mortgage amount.
Co-borrower
An additional person who assumes equal responsibility for repayment of a loan and is fully obligated under the terms of the loan. This person also has equal rights to the proceeds of the loan.
Co-signer
A second person who signs your loan and assumes equal responsibility for payment of the loan but receives no benefit from the loan proceeds.
Collateral
An asset, such as a car or a home, used for securing the repayment of a loan. The borrower risks losing the asset if the loan is not repaid.
Combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV)
The ratio between the unpaid principal amount of your first mortgage, plus your home equity loan - or your credit limit in the case of a line of credit - and the appraised value of your home. Expressed as a percentage.
Commission
The fee charged by a broker or agent for negotiating a real estate or loan transaction. A broker commission is generally a percentage of the price of the property or loan.
Condominium (or condo)
A building or development with many housing units where each person owns his or her individual unit and shares an interest in the common areas and facilities of the entire project. You go through the same process of buying a condo as you do when buying a house, and have a deed to and a mortgage on your particular unit. You also pay property taxes on your unit.
Conforming loan
A mortgage loan that has the standard features as defined by and is eligible for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Contingency
A specified condition that the sales contract requires must be satisfied before the home sale can occur. When buying a home, the two most common contingencies are that the house must pass inspection and that the borrower must be approved for a loan.
Contract
An oral or written agreement to do, or not to do, a certain thing.
Cost benefit analysis
A dollar-value analysis that compares the benefits of owning a home to the costs. Some home ownership benefits may include: tax savings you may receive on the mortgage interest and property taxes you pay; and the appreciation that may occur in the value of your home over time, building your home equity. Home ownership costs may include: interest you pay on the loan; closing costs, including any mortgage points; property taxes and homeowner's insurance premiums; private mortgage insurance premiums; and maintenance costs including those associated with normal wear and tear and weathering on the property.
Credit
An arrangement in which a borrower receives something of value in exchange for a promise to repay the lender at a later date.
Credit history
A record of an individual's debts and payment habits over time. It helps a lender determine whether or not a potential borrower is a good business risk.
Credit limit
The maximum amount you can borrow under a line of credit.
Credit report
A record of an individual's debts and payment habits. It helps a lender determine whether or not a potential borrower is a good business risk.
Credit reporting agency or credit bureau
An organization that gathers, records, updates and stores financial and public records of individuals who have been granted credit and provides this information to lenders and other authorized users for a fee.
Credit score
A number, rating the quality of an individual's credit. Lenders calculate this number, often with the assistance of computer systems, as part of the process of assigning rates and terms to the loans they make.
Creditor
A person or business from whom you borrow or to whom you owe money.
Creditworthiness
The likely ability of a borrower to repay debt.
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D

Debt
An amount of money owed by one person, company, organization or other entity to another.
Debt consolidation
A single loan to pay off multiple debts, usually over a longer term. This is a popular use of home equity loan or line of credit.
Debt-to-income ratio
The percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes are taken out) that you pay towards debt (loans, credit cards, court-ordered payments), as well as your projected total monthly home payment. It will also include HOA dues and PMI, if applicable. Many lenders like to see your debt (including your mortgage payments) be no more than 36% of your total income.
Deed (warranty or quit-claim)
A document that legally transfers ownership of real estate from a seller to a buyer. It's delivered to the buyer at closing. Before making a loan, a lender will usually require a title search or a title report to make sure the real estate that is to secure the loan is legally owned by the borrower.
Default
Failure to make mortgage payments on time or to meet other terms of a loan. Default can lead to foreclosure.
Delinquency
Failure to make payments on time.
Depreciation
A decline in the value of property due to wear and tear or any other reason.
Disclosures
Information given to consumers about their loans.
Discount points
Typically, an amount paid at closing to the lender in conjunction with a mortgage loan in order to lower the interest rate. One discount point equals one percentage point of the loan amount.
Document drawn date
The date on which your legal documents are prepared for closing.
Document preparation fee
Fee required to cover the cost of preparing the necessary documents for closing.
Down payment
The amount of cash you pay toward the purchase of your home to make up the difference between the purchase price and your mortgage loan. Down payments often range between 5% and 20% of the sales price depending on many factors, including your loan, your lender, your credit history and so forth.
Draw
The process of obtaining an advance against your available credit under your line of credit.
Draw period
The period during which a borrower can obtain advances from the available line of credit. At the end of the draw period, borrowers may be able to renew the credit line or may be required to pay the outstanding balance in full or in monthly installments.
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E

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status or receipt of income from public assistance programs.
Equity
The difference between the fair market value (appraised value) of your home and your outstanding mortgage balances and other liens.
Escrow
The process of placing an amount of money and documents with a neutral third party, called an escrow agent, who's given the authority to deposit, disburse and distribute to the proper parties all the money and documents involved in a real estate transaction, upon the fulfillment of a condition. The purpose is to protect both the buyer and seller in the transaction from the other side's unauthorized use of funds and ensures an arm's-length transaction between both sides.
Escrow (or Impound) Account
Required by many lenders and held by the lender during the term of the loan. This deposit is used to hold the borrower's advance payments toward homeowners’ insurance and property taxes until they become due.
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F

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Congress passed this act to give consumers certain rights when dealing with consumer reporting agencies, or CRAs. CRAs are required to provide accurate credit histories to authorized businesses for use in evaluating applications for insurance, employment, credit or loans.
Fair market value
The likely selling price of a home between a willing buyer and a willing seller on the open market. In a mortgage or a home equity loan, the fair market value is usually determined by an appraisal.
Fannie Mae
Federal National Mortgage Association, a government-sponsored enterprise which buys and securitizes mortgages for re-sale in the secondary market.
FHA
An acronym for Federal Housing Administration, which is an agency of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The FHA provides mortgage insurance for certain residential mortgages. It sets standards for underwriting these mortgages and for construction of homes secured by these mortgages.
FICO
An acronym for Fair Isaac Company, Inc., which develops mathematical formulas used to produce its credit scores for assessing credit risk.
Finance charge
The finance charge is the cost of consumer credit expressed as a dollar amount. It includes the amount of interest you will pay during the terms of the loan, origination points and certain other items. Some closing costs are not treated as finance charges.
First mortgage
A mortgage that is the senior lien against a property.
Fixed-rate option or fixed-rate loan option
An option available on all some home equity lines of credit allowing borrowers to convert all or a portion of their available line amount into a fixed rate loan for a specific term. Customers may be charged a fee for this privilege.
Fixed-rate mortgage
A home loan with a predetermined fixed interest rate for the entire term of your loan. This means that the interest rate will never change for as long as you have the loan.
Flood certification
A determination about whether the property is located within a special flood hazard zone.
Flood insurance
Insurance that protects against loss due to floods. When available, this type of insurance is required by law when a property is determined to have been located in a special flood hazard zone.
Foreclosure
A legal procedure in which property securing a defaulted loan is sold by the lender in order to repay a borrower's loan. The amount paid by a buyer at the foreclosure may not be enough to fully repay the loan and the borrower may continue to owe the lender the difference.
Freddie Mac
A government-sponsored enterprise which buys and securitizes mortgages for resale in the secondary market.
Funding date
The date on which the proceeds from a loan are available to or disbursed for the benefit of the borrowers.
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G

Gift funds
The funds a borrower receives that do not have to be paid back.
Good faith estimate (GFE)
An itemized, detailed list of certain estimated costs associated with a home loan that the lender is required to provide to the borrower within three business days of the application.
Gross annual income
The total amount of income from all sources (not just salary) that a borrower receives per year before deductions.
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H

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A line of credit for a specific maximum credit amount, such amount is determined by borrower qualification and the available equity in borrower's residence. The HELOC is secured by the property. A HELOC can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation and other major purchases or expenses. Interest on these loans may be tax deductible. (Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest In most cases, the borrower can access the line of credit by one or more of a variety of access devices, such as convenience checks, debit cards and credit cards.
Home equity loan
An installment loan obtained when there is available home equity in a borrower's residence. It can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation and other major purchases or expenses. Interest on these loans may be tax deductible. (Consult a tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest.) On the funding date, all of the principal is advanced for the benefit of the borrower(s).
Home inspection
An inspection of the condition of a property. A third party conducts the inspection,, including all major appliances and structural elements. If an inspector finds something wrong, and your sales contract allows you to, you can request that the seller pay for the repairs. If the seller refuses, and your sales contract allows you to, you may not have to proceed with the purchase of the home.
Homeowners' association
An organization of property owners that administers the rules and upholds the covenants of a subdivision, development or condominium complex.
Homeowners' insurance
Insurance to protect your home against damage from fire, hurricanes and other catastrophes. Usually, homeowners' insurance also covers you against theft and vandalism, as well as personal liability in case someone is hurt or injured on your property. A lender will likely require you to name it as a payee under the insurance if you need to make a claim.
HUD
An acronym for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD is a governmental agency responsible for the implementation and administration of housing and urban development programs.
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I

Index
When used in a mortgage note or credit agreement, the financial index is the measurement a lender uses to decide how much the annual percentage rate will change at the beginning of each adjustment period. Generally, the index plus margin equals the new rate that will be charged, subject to any caps. Different lenders use different financial index rates (cost of funds index (COFI), prime rate, LIBOR, etc.).
Inflation rate
The increase in price of consumer goods, usually expressed as a percentage over a specific period of time.
Initial rate
The starting interest rate. Some people call this a teaser rate, because it gives you low interest and low monthly payments at the beginning, but may adjust up at the next adjustment period (it will usually adjust even if the index doesn't go up, since it's lower than index plus margin for the initial period).
Interest
A charge paid for borrowing money.
Interest rate
Cost for the use of a loan, usually expressed as a percentage of the loan, paid over a specific period of time. The interest rate does not include fees charged for the loan. See also: Annual Percentage Rate.
Interest rate cap
A limit on how much the variable interest rate can increase at any one time. Many real estate loans have both annual (or semi-annual) caps and lifetime caps, which limit the amount your payments can increase in an adjustment period and over the life of the loan.
Interest-only payments
Some lenders permit you to pay only the interest due on a loan for a portion of the loan term, which lowers your periodic payment during that limited timie, but does not decrease your principal balance on the loan. Making interest-only payments will result in increased monthly payments due after the interest-only period expires.
Investment property
Property that is purchased to generate rental income, or to be sold once it's appreciated in value.
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J

Jumbo loan
Also known as a non-conforming loan. The amount of the loan exceeds standards that would make it eligible for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (certain markets have temporary increases in loan acceptable loan amounts, ask for details.).
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L

Late charge
The penalty charged to the borrower when a payment is made past the due date and any allowable grace period.
Lender
An individual or business entity making a loan.
Lien
A legal claim of a creditor on the property of another as security for a debt.
Lien holder
An individual or entity that has placed a lien on real property.
Lifetime adjustment cap
A limit on how much the variable interest rate can increase during the term of a loan.
Line of credit
An agreement by a lender to extend credit up to a maximum amount for a specified time. In a home equity line of credit, the line of credit is secured by the borrower's home.
Listing price
The asking price of the home, or the price the home is listed for.
Liquidate
To sell assets for the purpose of accumulating cash.
Loan amount
The amount of debt, not including interest.
Loan application
The process of providing financial and other information (such as employment history and proposed collateral) by a prospective borrower in conjunction with a request for credit.
Loan term
The period of time during which a loan must be repaid. For example, a 30-year fixed loan has a term of 30 years. Also called term. See maturity date.
Loan-to-value ratio (LTV)
The ratio between the unpaid principal amount of your loan, or your credit limit in the case of a line of credit, and the appraised value of your collateral. Expressed as a percentage.
Lock-in
A lock-in period refers to the amount of time prior to closing that you can secure an interest rate for your loan. Generally, “rate lock” periods range from 30 to 90 days. Fees may apply to obtain a rate lock or an extended rate lock period. Some new construction loan programs allow rate locks up to 24 months (fee applies).
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M

Manufactured housing
A structure that has been partially or entirely constructed at another location and moved onto the property (on a permanent foundation). A manufactured home may or may not be a mobile home.
Margin
The number of percentage points the lender adds to the index rate to determine the interest rate.
Market value
The likely selling price of a home between a willing buyer and a willing seller on the open market. In a mortgage or a home equity loan, the fair market value is usually determined by an appraisal. Also called fair market value.
Maturity date
The day on which all outstanding principal, interest and fees must be repaid.
Minimum payment
The minimum amount you must pay (usually monthly) on your account to avoid a delinquency. Some loans may permit a minimum payment of interest only. Other loans may require a minimum payment of principal and interest. Many other variations of minimum payments exist.
Mobile home
A type of residence that's built upon a wheeled chassis that can be transported from site to site.
Modular home
A factory-built home that's erected on-site, with the appearance and characteristics of a site-built residence.
Monthly payment
The amount paid by the borrower to the lender each month per the terms of the note[what about I/O payments?]. The monthly payment may or may not include taxes and insurance.
Mortgage
A legal document giving a lender a lien on real estate to secure repayment of a loan. Mortgage loans generally run from 15 to 30 years, after which the loan is required to be paid off. Also called deed of trust and/or security deed.
Mortgage insurance
Insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. This insurance usually costs from 0.15% to 2.5% of the loan amount. If your down payment is less than 20%, most lenders will require you to get mortgage insurance. Also called private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Mortgagee
The lender or other party named in the mortgage as the party who's entitled to receive repayment of the home loan.
Mortgagor
The borrower, or other party named in the mortgage as the party obligated to repay the home loan.
Multi-family residence (two to four units)
A residential property with two to four individual housing units (duplex, triplex, quadplex).
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N

Negative amortization
The result when monthly payments don't cover all the interest due on the loan. The unpaid interest is added to the unpaid balance, which means the homebuyer will owe increasingly more than the original amount of the loan.
Non-conforming loan
A mortgage loan that's not eligible for sale to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac due to non-standard features. These loans are often sold on the secondary market to private investors or held in the lender's portfolio as an asset.
Non-owner occupied
Properties in which the owner does not live.
Notarize
Act by a notary public who witnesses the signing of documents, authenticating the identity of the signer.
Note
A written agreement in which the signer promises to pay to a named person or company a specific sum of money at a specified date or on demand.
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O

Open-end lease
This lease leaves open the amount you may have to pay at the end of the lease term, as opposed to a closed-end lease. At the end of an open-end lease, you will have to pay the difference between the residual value and fair market value of the car, if the fair market value is lower.
Origination date
The date on which a loan was closed. See closing.
Origination fee
A fee imposed by a lender to cover certain processing expenses in connection with making a loan. Usually a percentage of the amount loaned (often 1%).
Outstanding balance
The balance owed on a debt on a given day.
Owner-occupied
A property that the owner occupies either as a principal residence or second home.
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P

Payment
The periodic amount of money to be paid by the borrower to reduce the balance of a loan. Sometimes referred to as principal and interest or P&I.
Payment cap
A limit on how much a monthly payment can increase at any one time. Some adjustable-rate mortgages have payment caps in addition to annual (or semi-annual) interest rate caps and lifetime interest rate caps. Also called a cap.
P and I
An acronym meaning “principal and interest”. Principal and interest accounts for the majority of your mortgage payment, but doesn't include escrow payments for taxes, insurance, and any other costs that are paid monthly, or fees that periodically come due.
Per diem interest
The amount of interest that accrues daily on a loan. This is calculated by multiplying the outstanding loan balance by the annual rate of interest and then dividing the result by 365.
PITI
An acronym for “principal, interest, taxes and insurance.” Also referred to as the monthly housing expense.
PMI
An acronym for “private mortgage insurance.” If your down payment is less than 20%, most lenders will require you to get private mortgage insurance. This is insurance that protects the lender if you default on your loan. This insurance usually costs from 0.15% to 2.5% of the loan amount. Also called mortgage insurance.
Points
Each point is equal to 1% of the loan amount (for example, two points on a $100,000 mortgage would cost $2,000). Points, if charged, are usually collected at settlement with all other closing costs. Points or a fraction of a point are often chosen by borrowers to reduce the available interest rate to “buy down” the rate. Negative points reflect the amount that will be credited to you and reduce the amount of closing costs you will pay, but with a related increase in the available interest rate. Point are also referred to as discount points.
Prepaid expenses
The expenses that are usually paid in advance, such as escrows for taxes and insurance (which are paid at closing).
Prepaid interest
The interim interest that's collected at closing of a first mortgage, covering the period from the date of disbursement to the first of the next month.
Prepayment penalty
A penalty assessed on some loans if the loan is paid off early. This is a lump-sum amount due and payable in addition to the loan balance, and is usually limited to the early years of a mortgage. A prepayment penalty is an option made at the borrower’s choice.
Prequalification
The process of providing financial and other information (such as employment history and proposed collateral) by a prospective borrower in conjunction with a lender providing an estimate of how much loan the borrower can obtain for the purchase of a home.
Primary applicant
The applicant whose name appears first on the application.
Primary residence
This is the home in which a borrower resides most of the time.
Prime rate
The interest rate that banks charge on short-term loans to its most creditworthy customers. Changes in the prime rate influence changes in other rates, including mortgage interest rates.
Principal
The amount of money borrowed on a loan.
Processing fee
A fee charged to cover the administrative costs of processing your loan request.
Property tax
A fixed percentage based on the appraised value of your home that you pay to the county in which the home is located. The specific percent varies dramatically from county to county in every part of the country. You pay this tax annually, semi-annually or as part of your monthly mortgage payments. Depending on when you actually close your loan, some of this property tax may be due at the time of closing. The local county assessor's office can give you the rate for your county.
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R

Rate
The rate of interest on a loan, expressed as a percentage.
Rate cap
A limit on how much the interest rate can change, either per adjustment period or over the term of the loan.
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
The federal law that defines the rules for proper disclosure of fees and information related to residential real estate transactions.
Refinancing
Paying off one loan with the proceeds from another loan, generally using the same property as collateral.
Repayment period
In a line of credit, the period when no advances of principal are available and during which the line must be fully repaid, according to the payment terms. In a home equity line of credit, the repayment period is the portion of the loan term that follows the draw period.
Rescission
The cancellation of a contract. In certain real estate-secured transactions that involve the refinance of a primary residence, applicants have three business days to cancel the transaction.
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S

Second mortgage
The traditional term for a home loan that's a subordinate lien and not a first mortgage, such as a home equity loan or line of credit.
Secondary market
The market in which lenders and investors buy and sell existing mortgages or mortgage-backed securities, which in turn provides greater availability of funds to lenders for additional mortgage lending.
Secured loans
Loans for which you've given the lender a lien on property such as an auto, boat or other personal property or real estate that will serve as collateral for the loan.
Security interest
The legal right an owner gives to a lender to use the owner's property as collateral for repayment of a debt to either the owner or another borrower.
Settlement
The completion of a property's sale or purchase, or the completion of all steps necessary to receive the proceeds of and create an obligation to repay a loan. Also called a closing.
Settlement costs
Fees paid at, or prior to, the closing of your loan. They may include attorneys' fees, as well as fees for preparing and filing a mortgage, and for taxes, title search, and insurance. They're all the expenses incurred in obtaining the loan and in transferring the ownership of property from the seller to the buyer. Generally, settlement costs range from 2% to 5% of the mortgage amount. Also called closing costs.
Single-family residence (SFR)
A detached individual housing unit. The property shares no common ground with neighboring properties and shares no wall or roof, but can be part of a planned unit development (PUD).
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T

Tax rate
The percentage of your income that you owe in income taxes.
Tax savings
The amount you may save in taxes by itemizing deductions on income tax returns. Mortgage interest and property taxes are two expenses that you may realize tax savings on, since you may be able to deduct these expenses from your income. Always check with your tax advisor for advice on tax deductibility.
Term
The number of years it will take to pay off a loan.
Third-party fees
Fees charged for services rendered by parties other than the borrower or the lender. Such fees may include appraisal, credit report, title and flood certifications.
Title
Written evidence of ownership in property.
Titleholder
The legal owner of real property, including a home or automobile.
Title insurance
Insurance that protects an interested party, either the owner or the lender, against defects that would affect legal ownership of the property.
Title search
An examination of records used to determine the legal ownership of property and all liens and encumbrances on it. Usually performed by a title company or attorney.
Total cash required to close
The total of all closing costs, points, prepaid expenses, down payment and any other fees or adjustments due at closing.
Total housing expense
The total of all of your combined expenses due to the ownership of property, including: principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, mortgage insurance, homeowners' association dues and any special assessments.
Townhome
A type of residence that shares common walls with other dwellings.
Transaction fee
The fee that may be charged each time you draw on your credit line.
Truth-in-Lending Act
A federal law requiring disclosure of credit terms using a standard format. This is intended to facilitate comparisons between the lending terms of different financial institutions.
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U

Underwriting
The lender's process of deciding whether to make a loan to a potential borrower based on credit, employment, assets and other factors, and the matching of this risk to an appropriate rate, term and loan amount.
Upfront costs
The costs you must pay when applying for a loan. Typically these include loan application fees. Some lenders require some of your closing costs also be paid when you apply.
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V

VA
An acronym for the Veterans Affairs, a branch of the federal government that provides home loan guarantees for qualified veterans of U.S. military forces.
Variable rate
An interest rate that may fluctuate or change periodically, often in relation to an index, such as the prime rate or other criteria. Payments may increase or decrease accordingly.