To help you get familiar with the loan process, we have put together an on-line definition of common terms you may encounter with the real estate settlement process.

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a specific index.

Amortization
The reduction of a loan balance by equal periodic payments.

Amortization schedule
A timetable for payment of a mortgage loan. An amortization schedule shows the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and shows the remaining balance after each payment is made.

Annual percentage rate (APR)
The cost of a mortgage stated as a yearly rate; includes such items as interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fee (points).

Appraisal
A written analysis of the estimated value of a property prepared by a qualified appraiser. Contrast with home inspection.

Appraised value
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property.

Assumable mortgage
A mortgage loan allowing the buyer of a property to take over the loan of the previous owner at the same interest rate and terms as the original mortgage.

Balloon mortgage
A mortgage calling for monthly payments for a specified period of time and then the entire balance due in one installment.

Buy-down
Money paid by a seller to a lender to reduce the buyer's monthly payments for a home mortgage for an initial period of years.

Closing
A meeting at which a sale of a property is finalized by the buyer signing the mortgage documents and paying closing costs. Also called "settlement."

Compound interest
Interest paid on the original principal balance and on the accrued and unpaid interest.

Conforming loan
A conventional loan that conforms to the guidelines necessary for lenders to sell it to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae on the secondary mortgage market.

Construction loan
A short-term, interim loan for financing the cost of construction. The lender makes payments to the builder at periodic intervals as the work progresses.

Conversion option
A clause in an agreement with a lender that allows the borrower to convert an adustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage at designated times.

Convertibility clause
A provision in some adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that allows the borrower to change the ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage at specified time frames after loan origination.

Convertible ARM
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions.

Cost of funds index (COFI)
An index that is used to determine interest rate changes for certain adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) plans.

BACK TO TOP>>

Fixed-rate mortgage
A mortgage in which the interest rate is set for the term of the loan.

Equity
A homeowner's financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property and the amount still owed on its mortgage.

Escrow
An item of value, money, or documents deposited with a third party to be delivered upon the fulfillment of a condition. For example, the deposit by a borrower with the lender of funds to pay taxes and insurance premiums when they become due, or the deposit of funds or documents with an attorney or escrow agent to be disbursed upon the closing of a sale of real estate.

Escrow account
The account in which a mortgage servicer holds the borrower's escrow payments prior to paying property expenses.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its main activity is the insuring of residential mortgage loans made by private lenders. The FHA sets standards for construction and underwriting but does not lend money or plan or construct housing.

FHA mortgage
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government mortgage.

BACK TO TOP>>

Loan
A sum of borrowed money (principal) that is generally repaid with interest.

Loan-to-value (LTV) percentage
The relationship between the principal balance of the mortgage and the appraised value (or sales price if it is lower) of the property.

Lock-in
A written agreement in which the lender guarantees a specified interest rate if a mortgage goes to closing within a set period of time. The lock-in also usually specifies the number of points to be paid at closing.

Lock-in period
The time period during which the lender has guaranteed an interest rate to a borrower.

BACK TO TOP>>

Maturity
The date on which the principal balance of a loan, bond, or other financial instrument becomes due and payable.

Mortgage
A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.

Negative amortization
A loan payment schedule in which the outstanding principal balance goes up because payments do not cover the full amount of interest due.

Non-conforming or Jumbo loan
Any conventional mortgage loan that is over a certain amount for loans bought by quasi-governmental agencies on the secondary mortgage market, such as Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. A buyer must pay a higher interest rate for these loans because they have to be sold to investors.

Origination fee
A closing cost charged by a lender to process a loan - usually expressed as a percentage of the loan.

BACK TO TOP>>

Prepayment
Any amount paid to reduce the principal balance of a loan before the due date. Payment in full on a mortgage that may result from a sale of the property, the owner's decision to pay off the loan in full, or a foreclosure. In each case, prepayment means payment occurs before the loan has been fully amortized.

Prepayment penalty
A fee that may be charged to a borrower who pays off a loan before it is due.

Pre-qualification
The process of determining how much money a prospective home buyer will be eligible to borrow before he or she applies for a loan.

Prime rate
The interest rate that banks charge to their preferred customers. Changes in the prime rate influence changes in other rates, including mortgage interest rates.

Principal
The amount of debt, exclusive of accrued interest, remaining on a loan.

Rate cap
The limit on how much the interest rate can change on an adjustable loan. Periodic caps limit the rate increase from one adjustment period to the next. Overall caps limit the rate increase over the life of the loan.

BACK TO TOP>>

Settlement
A meeting at which a sale of a property is finalized by the buyer signing the mortgage documents and paying closing costs. Also called "closing."

BACK TO TOP>>

VA mortgage
A mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Also known as a government mortgage.

(VA) Department of Veterans Affairs
An agency of the federal government that guarantees residential mortgages made to eligible veterans of the military services. The guarantee protects the lender against loss and thus encourages lenders to make mortgages to veterans.