Glossary

    A

    Adjustable Rate Loan or Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
    A loan with an interest rate that changes during the term of the loan. The payments generally increase or decrease with the interest rate.
    Amortize or Amortizing
    (See Fully Amortizing).
    Amount Financed
    A required Truth in Lending Act disclosure for consumer loans. It is calculated by starting with the full amount borrowed (principal) and subtracting out the dollar amount of prepaid finance charges (finance charges the borrower is paying in advance).
    Application Fee
    A fee charged by the lender or broker for the loan application.
    Appraisal
    A report that estimates the value of real estate.
    Appraiser
    A person typically hired by a lender to provide an appraisal.
    Annual percentage rate (APR)
    A required Truth in Lending Act disclosure for consumer loans. It is a calculation of the cost of credit as a yearly rate and shown as a percentage. It is often higher than the interest rate because it incorporates prepaid finance charges that are not interest.

    B

    Balloon payment
    A scheduled payment due at the end of a loan term that is substantially greater than the regular monthly payments. This may be a very large payment. It is designed to occur when the regular payments do not pay off all interest and principal owing (not fully amortizing) on the loan over the term of the loan.
    Bankruptcy
    U.S. Court proceedings to relieve the debts of an individual or business unable to pay its creditors. Bankruptcy may be declared under one of several chapters of the federal bankruptcy code.
    Beacon score
    (See Credit Score).
    Borrower
    A person who receives funds in the form of a loan with the obligation to repay the loan in full.
    Broker
    A person who, for a fee or commission, acts as a "middle-man" or intermediary between the parties in a transaction. (SeeMortgage Broker and Real Estate Broker).
    Broker Agreement (Mortgage Broker Agreement)
    A contract between a borrower and a mortgage broker. It describes what the broker will do for the borrower, and the terms of the agreement, including compensation.
    Broker Compensation or Fee
    The amount of money the broker will receive for finding a loan for a borrower. This may be an amount paid by the borrower, an amount paid by the lender or a combination of the two. (See also Yield Spread Premium(YSP)).

    C

    Cash-out Refinancing Loan
    A loan that refinances a prior mortgage and that provides additional cash to the borrower.
    Closed-End Loan
    A loan for a specific amount of money with a specific repayment schedule. The borrower does not have the right to borrow additional funds. A typical car loan is a closed-end loan.
    Closing
    The time when loan and mortgage documents are formally signed and the loan transaction is completed. Sometimes called "Settlement."
    Closing Agent
    (May also be called settlement agent or settlement attorney) . The person who organizes and is in charge of the loan closing. The closing agent is the person who can explain any document the borrower must sign.
    Closing Agent Fee
    (May also be called settlement fee or attorneys fee) . The closing agent is the person who conducts the signing and completion of loan documents (for home purchases, deeds and other sales documents). This event is generally referred to as a closing or settlement. The closing or settlement agent generally charges a fee for conducting the signing of loan and other documents. The amount of that fee may vary widely in different areas of the country.
    Closing Costs
    A general term to describe the fees that a borrower will pay at closing. Sometimes called "settlement fees."
    Courier Fee
    This is a fee that may be charged to send documents or payments by courier, messenger or overnight mail service to various parties involved in the loan transaction.
    Credit Disability Insurance
    This is completely optional insurance which pays the mortgage payments if the borrower becomes disabled.
    Credit Insurance
    This is completely optional insurance. There are many types, including credit life, credit disability, credit unemployment (loss of income), credit property, etc. They are supposed to pay your mortgage payments or pay off all or part of the mortgage if you meet the conditions of the policy-for example, credit life is designed to pay in the event of the mortgage holder's death. Credit insurance can be purchased from the lender either as: (1) a monthly charge that is added to each monthly mortgage payment or (2) as a lump sum that is charged upfront and is generally added to the amount of your loan.
    Credit Life Insurance
    This is completely optional insurance which is supposed to pay off all or a portion of your mortgage if you die.
    Credit Report
    This is a report which is generated by a credit reporting agency (such asTrans Union, Experion or Equifax). It is supposed to show accurately the history of your on-time and late payments on mortgages, credit cards, rent, utilities, and other debts. It may also show how much you owe on your various debts and whether you have taken the maximum amount of credit available to you through credit card borrowing. Your credit reports are used, with other information, to generate a credit score that is supposed to reflect how good a credit risk you are.
    Credit Score
    This is a number that is supposed to show the lender how likely you are to repay a loan--whether you are a good or poor credit risk. This score can be a very big factor in determining whether you will get a loan, from whom, and what interest rate and fees you will be charged for your loan. The score is generated by a mathematical formula that considers your credit reports and other factors. It may also be referred to as FICO score (Fair Isaac Company) or Beacon score or some other name-these are companies that create credit scores.
    Credit Union
    This is a company that takes deposits and makes loans to its members. Credit unions often provide favorable interest rates.

    D

    Debt Consolidation
    This refers to a loan that combines all or many of a person's debts into a single loan. Debt consolidation loans might combine some or all of the following types of debts: mortgages, credit card bills, medical bills, car loans, loans to purchase major appliances, home improvement loans, etc.
    Deed of Trust
    In some states mortgages are made through a document called a deed of trust, instead of a document called a mortgage. (See Mortgage).
    Deed to Secure Debt
    In Georgia, mortgages are made through a document called a deed to secure debt, instead of a document called a mortgage. (See Mortgage).
    Discount Points
    A fee charged by the lender to lower your interest rate. (See Points).
    Document Preparation Fee
    An amount of money that you may be charged for the preparation of mortgage loan documents. This charge will be shown on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

    E

    Equity.
    This is the dollar amount of your home that you really own because it is not covered by a lien for the debt. You can calculate equity by taking the market value of your home and subtracting out all of the debt that is secured on your home. For example, your house is worth $150,000; you owe $44,000 on a first mortgage; you owe $10,000 on a home equity line of credit and you have a $500 tax lien. $150,000 - (44,000 + 10,000 + 500) = $150,000 - $54,500 = $95,500 = home equity.

    F

    Fees
    This is money you pay or is charged to you up front to get a mortgage loan. You may pay fees in cash or finance them (or a portion of them) as part of the loan. If you finance fees, your loan balance will be higher and your equity will be lower. The fees appear on the Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 Settlement Statement. Many of these fees are negotiable or can be reduced if you shop around.
    FICO.
    Credit scores calculated by Fair Isaac Company are often referred to as FICO.(See Credit Score).
    Finance Charge
    The finance charge is a disclosure that appears on the Truth in Lending Act Disclosure Statement. It is intended to show the cost of your loan as a dollar amount. It includes (1) interest that will be charged over the life of the loan and (2) some up front fees (prepaid finance charges). Prepaid finance charges include such items as mortgage broker fees; lender fees; points; and some closing agent fees. Any closing fees that are unreasonably high should also be included. You may also be required to pay other fees that will not be included in the finance charge.
    Finance Companies
    These are companies that make loans which are generally at higher rates than are available from banks or credit unions.
    Fixed Rate Loan
    A loan where the interest rate does not change during the term of the loan.
    Flipping
    Common term for frequent unnecessary refinancing of loans by lenders, brokers or home improvement contractors.
    Flood Certification Fee
    A fee charged to determine if the property lies in a flood zone and whether flood insurance is required.
    Foreclosure
    The legal procedure by which a lender holding a mortgage on your house forces a sale of your house to obtain repayment of your loan. Foreclosure proceedings are typically started by a lender when you do not pay your loan on time. It might also be started if you fail to pay property taxes or insurance or keep other promises .
    Fully Amortizing
    This describes a loan where the balance owed at the scheduled end of the loan is zero if all regular monthly payments are made as scheduled.

    G

    Good Faith Estimate
    This document lists the estimated fees you will have to pay to get the loan. It also identifies who is expected to provide services and receive fees in connection with your loan, such as credit bureaus, appraisers, and closing agents.
    Government Recording Fees and Taxes
    Fees and taxes required to be paid to the local government where your mortgage documents are filed.

    H

    Home Equity Loan
    A loan made to a current homeowner that is secured by the equity in the home.
    Home Improvement Contractor
    This is a firm or individual who performs repairs or makes improvements to your home. Some contractors may provide or arrange for the financing of the work.
    Homeowner's/Hazard Insurance
    Homeowner's or Hazard Insurance is insurance required to protect the mortgage lender against possible damage to your home. It can also protect the borrower. A borrower must obtain this insurance and bring proof of its existence to the loan closing.
    HUD.
    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
    HUD Special Information Booklet
    This is a booklet published by HUD that describes important terms and provides information about the home buying and mortgage loan process.
    HUD-1.
    (See Settlement Statement).

    I

    Interest Rate
    The cost you pay to borrow money stated as a percentage rate.
    Introductory Rate
    ASome loans have a lower introductory interest rate, which is in effect for a limited time. At the end of the introductory period, the interest rate will increase. It is also known as a "teaser rate."

    J

    Judicial Sale
    A court-ordered foreclosure sale.

    L

    Late Charge
    A penalty you will have to pay if you do not make your loan payment on time. This usually is calculated as a percentage of the payment amount or a minimum dollar amount, such as 5% of the late payment, or $25.
    Lender
    A company or person that makes mortgage loans, such as a mortgage banker, credit union, bank, or savings and loan. Your lender's name will appear on your promissory note.
    Lender Paid Compensation to Broker
    (See Yield Spread Premium (YSP) ).
    Lien
    A claim (legal interest) against a home. Common types of liens include a mortgage, tax lien or judgment lien.
    Line of Credit
    (See Open-End Loan).
    Loan Approval/Commitment
    A lender's agreement to make a loan on particular terms, including interest rate, fees and charges.
    Loan Term
    (See Term).
    Loss of Income Insurance
    (See Credit Insurance).

    M

    Mortgage
    A mortgage is a promise in which you agree to put up your home as security for a loan. The mortgage is the instrument which allows the forced sale of your home through foreclosure if, for example, you fail to make payments, to pay property taxes or insurance, or keep other promises. In many states, the mortgage document is called a "deed of trust."
    Mortgage Banker
    A lender, other than a bank, credit union, or savings and loan, that specializes in making residential mortgage loans.
    Mortgage Broker
    A person or company that obtains a mortgage loan for the borrower from another lender. A mortgage broker will not always be representing the borrower and will not necessarily be looking after the borrower's best interests.
    Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI)
    Insurance that may be required when a loan is greater than 80% of the value of the home. This insurance protects the lender in the event a borrower fails to make his or her loan payments. The borrower ordinarily pays the cost of MI or PMI, in the form of monthly premiums added to the mortgage payments.
    Mortgage Loan
    A loan secured by a mortgage on your home.

    N

    Negative Amoritization
    Negative Amortization occurs when your monthly payment does not pay the entire amount of principal and interest that is due for that month. Your payment does not cover the accrued interest, and that interest is added to the principal amount of the loan. In other words your loan balance increases with each payment, so unless you pay extra you never reduce the principal balance.
    Notice of Right to Cancel
    Under federal law, you may be permitted to cancel or "rescind" a mortgage loan within a specified time, generally three days, after you have signed the loan documents. The lender is required to give the borrower notice in writing of this right to cancel or rescind and the deadline to cancel. The borrower has this right in refinancings, second mortgage loans, or other mortgage loans that do not involve the purchase of a home.

    O

    Open-End Loan
    A loan that permits the borrower to draw money from time to time up to a credit limit. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an open-end loan secured by a home.
    Origination Fee
    A fee charged by a lender as additional compensation for making the loan. May be referred to as "points." One "point" is equal to 1% of the principal amount of the loan.

    P

    Payment Schedule
    This information on the Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement shows the amount of the first loan payment, the amount and number of the regularly scheduled payments (usually monthly), the amount of the final payment, and when all those payments are due. The actual payment due may be greater for a number of reasons, including taxes and insurance. If the loan has an "adjustable rate," the actual payments will differ from the payment schedule.
    Pest Inspection
    An inspection of a property to determine if there is a pest infestation, such as termites.
    Points
    A fee charged by the lender as additional compensation for making the loan. One "point" is equal to 1% of the principal amount of the loan.
    Prepayment Penalty
    A substantial charge that may be imposed for early payment of all or a large part of a loan. The Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement will show whether a loan has a prepayment penalty.
    Prime Loan
    A loan offered to borrowers with better credit history (sometimes called "A" loans). Prime loans generally are priced lower and cost the borrower less.
    Processing Fee
    A fee charged by lenders or brokers to prepare a complete loan application file. A processing fee may be charged to the borrower and shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Promissory Note
    A legal contract in which the borrower promises to pay back the loan. The "promissory note" sets forth the terms and conditions that apply to the loan repayment, such as interest rate, when payments are due, where payments are made, what happens if payments are not made, etc.
    Purchase Money Loan/Mortgage
    A loan for the purpose of purchasing a home.

    R

    Rate Lock (Lock in the Rate)
    Refers to the agreement between the borrower and the lender or broker that as long as the loan is closed within a certain period of time (for example, 30 or 60 days), the interest rate on the loan will be set (locked) at an agreed- upon rate. A "rate lock" agreement must be in writing or it will be unenforceable.
    Recording Fees
    Fees charged by the local government to record loan documents (for example, the mortgage). These fees will be charged to the borrower and shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Refinance
    To repay one or more existing mortgage loans by getting a new mortgage loan.
    Rescind (also Right to Cancel)
    Literally means "to take back" or "cancel." If a borrower rescinds a mortgage loan, it is as if the mortgage loan never existed. Some borrowers have by law a right to "rescind" certain mortgage loans and get back all of the fees they have paid. See Notice of Right to Cancel

    S

    Savings and Loan or Savings Bank
    A type of bank that traditionally focuses its activities on mortgage lending. Also referred to as a thrift institution.
    Secondary Mortgage Loan
    A mortgage loan that is in addition to a mortgage that already exists on the home.
    Servicing Release Premium
    (See Yield Spread Premium(YSP)).
    Settlement.
    The time when loan and mortgage documents are formally signed and the loan transaction is completed. Sometimes called "Closing."
    Settlement Agent
    (May also be called closing agent or settlement attorney). The person who organizes and is in charge of the loan closing. The settlement agent is the person who can explain any document the borrower must sign.
    Settlement Statement
    A mortgage loan closing form required by HUD that is often called a HUD-1. It provides details of all charges and payments made in connection with your loan, and shows to whom they are distributed.
    Single Premium Insurance
    Insurance requiring one initial lump sum payment.
    Subprime Loan
    These loans are priced higher than prime loans, often much higher. Loans to borrowers whose credit is less than perfect will almost always be subprime loans. There are also other circumstances that lead to subprime loans, including high outstanding debt, unproven income, etc. Even borrowers with good credit may receive subprime loans for a variety of reason, including fraud, discrimination, failure to shop around, etc.
    Survey
    A drawing or map showing the precise legal boundaries of a property and other physical features, prepared by a registered land surveyor.

    T

    Teaser Rate
    A very low, but very temporary, short-term introductory interest rate often associated with an adjustable rate mortgage loan.
    Term
    The period of time during which loan payments are made. At the end of the loan term, the loan must be paid in full.
    Title Abstract
    A summary of the public records relating to the title to a home. A fee for this may be charged to the borrower and shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Title Company
    A company that specializes in examining and insuring titles to real estate.
    Title Examination
    (See Title Search).
    Title Insurance
    An insurance policy that protects against problems in the title to a home. Lender's Insurance protects only the lender's mortgage interest. Homeowners generally buy title insurance to protect their ownership when they buy a home. Ordinarily, the borrower pays the charges (premiums) for both types of title insurance.
    Title Search
    An examination of official real estate records to determine if any problems (such as defects or liens) exist that may affect the title (ownership) of a home. A fee for this search may be charged to the borrower and shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Transfer Tax or Charge
    This is a government tax or charge that is usually based on a percentage of the property value or loan amount and imposed by state or local law. Many states do not require this charge for a refinance loan, but almost all require it for a home purchase. A transfer tax will be shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
    This is a federal law designed to protect borrowers and to give them enough information to comparison shop for loans. TILA requires certain disclosures about the loan and when they must be given to the borrower. TILA also provides additional protections and prohibitions. (See Notice of Right to Cancel).
    Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement
    This is a very important document that federal law requires for all consumer loans. It provides key information to enable borrowers to shop around and compare loan terms from various lenders.

    U

    Underwriting Fee
    This is a fee charged by the lender to evaluate whether the borrower qualifies for a mortgage loan. An underwriting fee may be charged to the borrower and shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1).
    Up Front Costs
    These are costs or fees which are charged to the borrower at or before closing of the mortgage loan, such as loan application fees, appraisal fees, points, broker fees, credit report fees, real estate taxes, etc. Upfront costs can be paid in several ways: (1) they can be paid by the borrower in cash; or (2) they can be added to the loan amount and financed over the life of the mortgage.

    Y

    Yield Spread Premium (YSP)
    This is a payment made by a lender to a mortgage broker in connection with a borrower's mortgage transaction. It is shown on the Settlement Statement (HUD-1), but often in a way that is difficult to understand. For example, a $1,000 yield spread premium may be shown as "YSP POC 1000."Borrowers are often unaware that the YSP payment is being made. The payment of a YSP by a lender affects the interest rate charged to the borrower.