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A provision in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to demand payment of the entire principal balance, if a monthly payment is missed.
A payment by a borrower of more than the scheduled principal amount due in order to reduce the remaining balance on the loan.
A loan for which the interest rate is periodically subject to change based on changes in a specified index. Interest rates may move up or down, as market conditions change.
The original cost of a property plus the value of any capital expenditures for improvements to the property minus any depreciation taken.
The date on which the interest rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
The period that elapses between the adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.
Shows the amount of each payment applied to interest and principal and the remaining principal balance after each payment is made.
The annual cost of a mortgage over the life of a loan including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance and other items.
An opinion of a property’s fair market value, based on an appraiser’s knowledge, experience and analysis of the property.
An increase in the value of a property; the opposite of depreciation.
A valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor for purposes of taxation.
The process of placing a value on property for the strict purpose of taxation or the tax levied on the property by a taxing authority.
A public official who establishes the value of a property for taxation purposes.
The transfer of a mortgage from one person to another.
A mortgage that can be taken over (“assumed”) by the buyer when a home is sold. The loan does not need to be paid in full by the original borrower upon sale or transfer of the property.
One who holds a power of attorney from another to execute documents on behalf of the grantor of the power.
A mortgage that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining principal balance due in a lump sum (balloon payment) at the end.
The person designated to receive the income from a trust, estate or a deed of trust.
A loan obtained by a homeowner who has not yet sold and existing property for use in closing on a new property. Also known as “swing loan.”
A real estate professional that has a higher level of training than an agent. A broker is the legal representative and/or manager of the office. The term may also refer to the company or brokerage under which an agent is licensed.
Local regulations that control design, construction and materials used in construction. Building codes are based on safety and health standards.
A subsidy (usually by a builder) to reduce the monthly payments on a mortgage loan.
A limit to the amount an interest rate or a monthly payment can increase or decrease for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) either during an adjustment period or over the life of the loan.
The completion of documents that transfer property from a seller to a buyer (also referred to as a settlement).
Charges paid at closing for obtaining a mortgage loan and transferring title to real estate.
Any conditions revealed by a title search that adversely affect the title to real estate.
An asset (such as a car or a home) that guarantees the repayment of a loan.
A person who signs a promissory note along with the borrower. A co-maker’s signature guarantees that the loan will be repaid, because the borrower and the co-maker are equally responsible for the repayment
The fee paid to a real estate agent/broker for services rendered during the sale or purchase of a home. Usually a percentage of the property’s sale price.
A formal written communication by a lender, agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property indicating loan amount, length of time and other terms and conditions. See mortgage commitment.
A form of ownership in which each spouse holds and undivided one-half interest in the estate, unless acquired as separate property of either spouse.
A form of ownership in which each spouse holds and undivided one-half interest in the estate (unless acquired as separate property of either spouse) and the estate passes to the surviving spouse outside of probate.
A survey of attributes and selling prices of comparable homes listed for sale or recently sold; used to help determine correct pricing strategy for seller’s property.
The standars that define how a property can be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.
Interest paid on the original principal balance and on the accrued and unpaid interest.
The taking of private property for a public purpose through an exercise of the right of eminent domain.
Type of real estate ownership where the owner has title to a specific unit and shared interest in common areas.
Changing the ownership of an existing building (usually a rental project) to the condominium form of ownership.
A condition in a contract that must be met before a contract is legally binding.
An agreement to do or not to do a certain thing.
A mortgage loan made by a lender to a borrower that requires no insurance or guarantee.
An adjustable-rate mortgage that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specific circumstances.
A type of multiple ownership in which the residents of a multiunit housing complex own shares in the cooperative corporation that owns the property, giving each resident the right to occupy a specific apartment or unit.
A standard of practice in real estate in which brokers or sellers agree to share a commission with a buyer’s broker.
An index that is used to determine interest rate changes for certain adjustable-rate mortgages. It represents the weighted-average cost of savings, borrowings and advances of the 11th District members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.
An offer made in response to an offer received.
A person’s reputation for solvency and integrity; allowing a borrower to receive something of value in exchange for a promise of repayment.
A record of an individual’s current and past debt obligations. Helps a lender to determine a potential borrowers ability to repay a debt in a timely manner.
A person to whom money is owed.
A report prepared by a credit bureau of an individual’s credit history and used by a lender to determining if a borrower is a good credit risk.
An organization that gathers, records, updates and stores financial and public records information of individuals who are being considered for credit.
A statistical methodology for determining a potential borrower’s ability to repay a loan. The higher the crdit score, the more likely a borrower can qualify for a loan with a good interest rate.
Something owed. An obligation to pay something.
A comparison of gross income to expenses (both housing and non-housing)
Legal document that formally conveys title/ownership of property from seller to buyer.
A deed given by a borrower to a lender to satisfy a debt and avoid foreclosure.
A document used instead of a mortgage; title is conveyed to a trustee.
Legally binding rules for the building of homes
Failure to make mortgage payments on a timely basis or to comply with other requirements of a mortgage.
Failure to make mortgage payments when mortgage payments are due.
A sum of money given to bind the sale of real estate.
A decline in the value of property; the opposite of appreciation.
A fee paid to a lender by a borrower to get a lower interest rate on a mortgage loan.
The portion of the purchase price the buyer pays in cash.
A provision in a mortgage requiring the borrower to repay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.
A deposit made by the buyer at the time of the offer to show s/he is serious about buying.
A right-of-way giving persons other than the owner access to or over a property.
The right of a government to take private property for public use upon payment of its fair market value. Eminent domain is the basis for condemnation proceedings.
An improvement that intrudes illegally on another’s property.
Anything that affects or limits the fee simple title to a property, such as mortgages, leases, easements or restrictions.
A federal law that requires lenders and other creditors to make credit equally available without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or receipt of income from public assistance programs.
The difference between the value of a property and what is owed on it.
The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of the buyer and seller.
The periodic examination of escrow accounts to determine if current monthly deposits will provide sufficient funds to pay taxes, insurance and other bills when due.
The total of all the real and personal property owned by an individual either currently or at time of death.
The lawful expulsion of an occupant from real property.
A written contract giving a broker the exclusive right to sell a property for a specified time period.
A person named in a will to administer an estate. The court will appoint an executor if none is named. “Executrix” is the feminine form.
A consumer protection law that regulates the disclosure of consumer credit reports by consumer/credit reporting agencies and establishes procedures for correcting mistakes on one’s credit record.
The highest price that a willing buyer would pay and the lowest price a willing seller would accept.
A New York Stock Exchange company and the largest non-bank financial services company in the world. It operates pursuant to a federal charter and is the nation’s largest source of financing for home mortgages.
An agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It insures loans made by an approved lender, as long as the loan is in accordance with FHA regulations.
The greatest possible interest a person can have in real estate.
Obligations owed by one to another. In real estate these include loyalty, obedience, full disclosure, skill, care, diligence and accounting of all monies.
A mortgage in which the interest rate is fixed over the life of the loan.
Personal property (like a chandelier, kitchen cabinet or built-in shelves) that becomes real property when attached to real estate.
Required for properties located in federally designated flood areas.
The legal process whereby a borrower, in default under a mortgage, loses its interest in the mortgaged property. This usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction.
A government-owned corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Created by Congress on Sept. 1, 1968, GNMA assumed responsibility for the special assistance loan program formerly administered by Fannie Mae. Also known as Ginnie Mae.
A specified amount of time during which a loan payment may be made after its due date, without incurring a late penalty.
The person to whom an interest in real property is conveyed.
The person conveying an interest in real property.
A fixed-rate mortgage that provides scheduled payment increases over an established period of time, with the increased amount of the monthly payment applied directly toward reducing the remaining balance of the mortgage.
Insurance coverage that compensates for physical damage to a property from fire, wind, vandalism, or other hazards.
A mortgage loan secured by the equity in a home.
A nonprofit association that manages the common areas of a planned unit development (PUD) or condominium project.
An insurance policy that combines personal liability insurance and hazard insurance coverage for a dwelling, its contents and inhabitants.
Insurance that covers repairs to specified parts of a house for a specific period of time.
A document that provides an itemized listing of the funds that are payable at closing. Items that appear on the statement include real estate commissions, loan fees, points and initial escrow amounts. Each item on the statement is represented by a separate number within a standardized numbering system. The totals at the bottom of the HUD-1 statement define the seller’s net proceeds and the buyer’s net payment at closing. The blank form for the statement is published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HUD-1 statement is also known as the “closing statement” or “settlement sheet.”
The condition when a buyer and seller have agreed on a price, terms and conditions for the sale of property and have signed a purchase contract.
A number used to compute the interest rate for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). The index is generally a published number or percentage, such as the average interest rate or yield on Treasury bills. A margin is added to the index to determine the interest rate that will be charged on the ARM.
The fee charged for borrowing money.
A retirement account that allows individuals to make tax-deferred contributions to a personal retirement fund. Individuals can place IRA funds in bank accounts or in other forms of investment such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds.
A form of ownership in which each joint tenant holds an equal and undivided interest in the estate and the estate passes to the surviving joint tenant outside of probate.
A decision made by a court of law. In judgments that require the repayment of a debt, the court may place a lien against the debtor’s real property as collateral for the judgment’s creditor.
A type of foreclosure proceeding that is handled as a civil lawsuit and conducted entirely under the auspices of a court.
A loan that exceeds Fannie Mae’s mortgage amount limits. See nonconforming loan.
The penalty a borrower must pay when a payment is made after the due date or grace period, if there is one.
A written agreement between the property owner and a tenant that stipulates the conditions under which the tenant may possess the real estate for a specified period of time and rent.
A way of holding title to a property wherein the mortgagor does not actually own the property but rather has a recorded long-term lease on it.
A property description, recognized by law that is sufficient to locate and identify the property without oral testimony.
A person’s financial obligations. Liabilities include long-term and short-term debt, as well as any other amounts that are owed to others.
Insurance coverage that offers protection against claims alleging that a property owner’s negligence or inappropriate action resulted in bodily injury or property damage to another party.
A security claim against a property until debt is satisfied.
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a limit on the amount that payments can increase or decrease over the life of the mortgage. See cap.
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a limit on the amount that the interest rate can increase or decrease over the life of the loan. See cap.
An agreement by a commercial bank or other financial institution to extend credit up to a certain amount for a certain time to a specified borrower. See home equity line of credit.
The asking price of a home, which is typically negotiable with a potential buyer.
An agreement whereby an owner engages a broker for a specified period of time to market a property for which (upon sale) the broker receives a commission.
Cash or an asset that is easily converted into cash.
A sum of borrowed money (principal) that is generally repaid with interest.
The ration between the principal balance of the mortgage and the appraised value or sales price) of the property.
A written agreement in which the lender guarantees a specified interest rate if a mortgage goes to closing within a set period of time. See rate lock.
The time period during which the lender has guaranteed an interest rate to a borrower.
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the amount that is added to the index to establish the interest rate on each adjustment date, subject to any limitations on the interest rate change.
The date on which the principal balance of a loan, bond or other financial instrument becomes due and payable.
A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.
A company that originates mortgages and typically services the loan.
A company that represents numerous lenders and facilitates a loan from a lender to a borrower. Mortgage brokers typically charge a fee or a commission for their services.
A formal written communication by a lender, agreeing to make a mortgage loan on a specific property indicating loan amount, length of time and other terms and conditions. See commitment letter.
The lender in a mortgage agreement.
A contract that insures the lender against loss caused by a mortgagor’s default on a loan. Mortgage insurance can be issued by a private company or by a government agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
The amount paid by a mortgagor for mortgage insurance, either to a government agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or to a private mortgage insurance (MI) company.
A life insurance policy whereby a mortgage debt is automatically satisfied by insurance proceeds.
The borrower in a mortgage agreement.
A system that provides to its members detailed information about properties for sale
A national trade organization of more than one million real estate agents and brokers, known as REALTORS®.
An increase in the outstanding mortgage debt that occurs when the monthly payment is not large enough to cover the interest due. The amount of the shortfall is added to the remaining principal balance (increasing the balance), creating “negative” amortization.
A California based, private down payment assistance program that allows one to purchase a home with no down payment when combined with an FHA loan.
The income that remains for an investment property after all expenses are subtracted from the gross income.
The total value of all of a person’s assets, minus all liabilities.
An asset that cannot easily be converted into cash.
A loan that does not comply with Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) underwriting guidelines.
An agreement that obligates a borrower to repay a loan, stating the terms of repayment.
A formal written notice to a borrower that a default has occurred and that legal action may be taken.
The total amount of principal owed on a mortgage before any payments are made.
A fee paid to a lender for processing a loan application. The origination fee is stated in the form of points. One point equals 1 percent of the mortgage amount.
A transaction in which the property seller provides all or part of the financing.
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance; the four major components of a monthly housing payment.
A payment that is not sufficient to cover the scheduled monthly payment on a mortgage loan.
The date when a new monthly payment amount takes effect on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Generally, the payment change date occurs in the month immediately after the adjustment date.
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a limit on the amount that payments can increase or decrease during any one adjustment period.
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a limit on the amount that the interest rate can increase or decrease during any one adjustment period.
Any property that is not real property.
A subdivision that includes common property, owned and maintained by a homeowners’ association for the benefit and use of the individual PUD unit owners.
A one-time charge paid by the borrower to receive a lower interest rate. One point equals 1 percent of the mortgage amount.
A legal document that authorizes a person to act on one’s behalf. A power of attorney can grant complete authority or can be limited to certain acts and/or certain periods of time.
A mortgage approval obtained before negotiating a contract on a specific property.
When a mortgagee allows a mortgagor to avoid foreclosure by selling the property prior to the scheduled foreclosure sale.
Payment of a debt prior to the maturity date.
A fee charged to a borrower who pays off a loan before its maturity date.
The process of determining how much financing a potential borrower will qualify for prior to applying for a loan.
The interest rate banks charge to their preferred customers.
The amount borrowed, excluding interest or other charges.
The outstanding balance of a loan.
Insurance required on most conventional loans with less than 20 percent down payment to protect the lender against default.
An agreement (or promise) that obligates a borrower to repay a loan, stating the terms of repayment.
The day on which a property’s new owner is entitled to occupy the property.
A tax levied on real property based on the assessed value.
A written contract signed by a buyer and seller stating the terms and conditions under which a property will be sold.
Calculationsused in determining whether a borrower can qualify for a mortgage. The first compares income-to-housing (without including long-term debt), while the second includes all debts.
Quitclaim Deed
A deed that transfers (without warranty) whatever interest or title a grantor may have at the time the conveyance is made.
The resistance of insulation material (including windows) to heat passing through it. The higher the number, the greater the insulating value.
A radioactive gas found in some homes that in sufficient concentrations can cause health problems.
A written agreement in which the lender guarantees a specified interest rate if a mortgage goes to closing within a set period of time. See lock-in.
A person licensed to negotiate and transact the sale of real estate on behalf of the property owner. An agent’s license “hangs” under a broker.
A HUD consumer protection statute designed to help homebuyers be better shoppers in the home buying process. RESPA is about closing costs and settlement procedures. It requires that consumers receive disclosures at various times in the transaction and outlaws kickbacks that increase the cost of settlement services.
Land and appurtenances, including anything of a permanent nature such as structures, trees, minerals and the interest, benefits and inherent rights thereof.
A real estate broker or agent who holds active membership in a local real estate board and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A REALTOR® subscribes to the Code of Ethics.
The cancellation of a transaction or contract by operation of law or by mutual consent. Borrowers usually have the option to cancel a refinance transaction within three business days after it has closed.
The process of registering the deed and other documents with the county recorder, thereby making it a part of the public record.
The process of paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan using the same property as collateral.
The outstanding balance of a loan. See principal balance.
A loan that enables a homeowner to borrow against the equity in their house. Repayment occurs at the time the house is sold.
A provision in an agreement that requires the owner of a property to give another party the first opportunity to purchase or lease the property before it is offered for sale or lease to others.
The right of survivors to acquire the interest of a deceased joint tenant.
A technique in which a seller deeds property to a buyer for a consideration, and the buyer simultaneously leases the property back to the seller.
A mortgage that has a lien position subordinate to the first mortgage.
The buying or selling of existing mortgages.
A loan that is backed by collateral.
The property that will be pledged as collateral for a loan.
A sale of property in which the seller provides financing using the property as collateral. See owner financing.
A company that collects payments from borrower and manages the escrow account.
See closing.
See HUD-1 statement.
A development that is created by dividing a tract of land into individual lots for sale or lease.
Any mortgage or other lien that is junior to the first mortgage.
A drawing or map showing the precise legal boundaries of a property, the location of improvements, easements, rights of way, encroachments and other physical features.
Contribution to the construction or rehabilitation of a property in the form of labor rather than cash.
A form of ownership in which each tenant holds an undivided fractional interest in the estate.
A legal document evidencing a person’s right to or ownership of a property.
A company that specializes in examining and insuring titles to real estate.
Insurance that protects the lender (lender’s policy) or the buyer (owner’s policy) against loss arising from disputes over ownership of a property or defects in the title.
A check of public or other records to determine the legal ownership of property and whether there are any liens or encumbrances affecting the property.
A credit report that combines information from three credit bureaus.
A federal law that requires lenders to fully disclose, in writing, the terms and conditions of a mortgage, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and other charges.
The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender. Underwriting involves an analysis of the borrower’s credit worthiness and the quality of the property itself.
A loan that is not backed by collateral.
A mortgage that is guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Denotes ownership.
A government agency that guarantees mortgages loans for eligible veterans of the military services. The guarantee protects the lender against loss, which encourages lenders to make mortgages to veterans.
A final inspection of a home (prior to closing) to ensure all repairs have been made and that the home is in substantially the same condition at it was at the time the purchase and sal agreement was executed.
Regulations established by local governments regarding the use of any given piece of property within a specific area