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Abstract Of Title - A summary of recorded transactions concerning a property. (An attorney or title
insurance company examines an abstract of title for any title defects which must be cleared before a
buyer can purchase clear, marketable, and insurable title.)
Accrued Interest - Interest which has been incurred but not paid.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically
based on a pre-selected index. Subject to certain limitations, the rate and payments on an ARM loan
rise and fall with the market.
Adjustment Interval or Adjustment Period - The length of time between rate adjustments on an
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).
Agreement Of Sale - Contract signed by buyer and seller stating the terms and conditions under
which a property will be sold.
Amortization - The process of paying off a mortgage in regular increments.
Amortization Schedule - A monthly repayment schedule outlining how a loan will be paid off in fixed
payments combining principal and interest.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - A calculation that expresses the total cost of a mortgage loan as a
yearly rate (according to a federally mandated procedure). The APR calculation takes into account
monthly interest payments, mortgage insurance, points, and certain fees paid at origination. It
generally results in a rate slightly higher than the stated interest rate on the loan.
Application - An initial statement of personal and financial information required to approve a loan
provided by the borrower and necessary to initiate the approval process for a loan.
Application Fee - Fees charged by lender at loan closing to cover the initial costs of processing a
loan application.
Appraisal - A written estimate of a property’s current market value, based on recent sales information
for similar properties, the condition of the property, and the neighborhood’s impact on future
property value.
Appraisal Fee - A fee charged by a licensed, certified appraiser to provide an appraisal.
APR - See Annual Percentage Rate.
ARM - See Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
Assessment - A local tax levied against a property for a specific purpose, such as road or sidewalk
construction or sewer or street light installation.
Asset Documentation - We will require recent verification of assets needed to close. This is required
on all of our loan programs except our NoDoc program.
Assignment - The transfer of property rights by one person, the assignor, to another, the assignee.
Assumability - A loan feature that allows the loan to be transferred from the seller to the purchaser of
a home with the same terms and conditions, subject to lender approval.
Balance Sheet - A document showing the financial situation--assets, liabilities, and net worth--of a
company at a specific point in time.
Balloon Mortgage - A short-term, fixed-rate loan with low payments for a set number of years and a
large balloon payment of the remainder of the principal due at the end of the term.
Bankruptcy - Proclamation by a court of an individual’s (or organization’s) state of insolvency, or
inability to pay debts. Petition may be brought by an individual or creditors, with a goal of orderly
and equitable settlement of obligations.
Bearer - The legal owner of a piece of property.
Bequest - A gift of personal property by will.
Bill Of Sale - A document by which one transfers ownership of goods to another.
Bi-weekly Mortgage - A payment plan under which the borrower pays one half of a monthly payment
every two weeks.
Blanket Mortgage - A mortgage covering at least two or more pieces of real estate, both of which
together serve as collateral for the loan.
Bona Fide - In good faith.
Bond - A document representing a right to certain payments on underlying collateral.
Borrower (or Mortgagor) - An individual who applies for and receives a loan in the form of a
mortgage with the intention of repaying the loan in full.
Broker - An individual who assists in arranging funding or negotiating contracts for a client but does
not loan money himself.
Budget - The budget is comprised of the total costs involved in the construction of the home, the
amount of costs that the borrower may have already paid, and the costs remaining to be paid to
complete the home. This will quickly identify the borrower’s equity already paid, and the amount of
borrower funding needed at closing, if any.
Buy-Down - A situation in which the seller contributes money, allowing the lender to give the buyer a
lower rate and payment, usually in exchange for an increase in sales price.
Buyer’s Broker - An agent hired by a buyer to locate a property for purchase and to represent the
buyer in negotiations with the seller’s broker.
Buyers’ Market - Market conditions that favor buyers. With more sellers than buyers in the market,
buyers have ample choice of properties and can negotiate lower prices.
Call Option - A loan feature that allows the lender to require repayment of the loan in full before the
term of the loan is up.
Caps - Limits on changes in ARM interest rates or monthly payments, either in an adjustment period
or over the life of the loan.
Caps (Interest) - Consumer safeguards which limit the amount the interest rate on an adjustable rate
mortgage can change in an adjustment interval and/or over the life of the loan.
Caps (Payment) - Consumer safeguards which limit the amount monthly payments on an adjustable
rate mortgage may change. Since they do not limit the amount of interest the lender is earning,
payment caps may cause negative amortization.
Cash Out - A refinance for more than the balance of the current mortgage. The excess money taken
out reduces the borrower’s equity.
Cashier’s Check (or Bank Check) - A check whose payment is guaranteed because it was paid for in
advance and is drawn on the bank’s account instead of the customer’s.
CC&Rs - See Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
Ceiling - The maximum allowable interest rate of an adjustable rate mortgage.
Certificate Of Eligibility - Document issued by the Veterans Administration to qualified veterans
which entitles them to VA-guaranteed loans. Obtainable through local VA offices by submitting form
DD-214 (Separation Paper) and VA form 1880 (request for Certificate of Eligibility).
Certificate Of Occupancy - Document issued by local government agency stating that a property
meets the requirements of health and building codes.
Certificate Of Reasonable Value (CRV) - A property appraisal performed by a VA approved appraiser
which establishes the limit on the principal of the VA loan.
Certificate Of Title - Written opinion of the status of title to a property, given by an attorney or title
company. This certificate does not offer the protection given by title insurance.
Certificate Of Veteran Status - Document given to veterans or reservists who have served 90 days of
continuous active duty (including training time) which enables them to obtain lower down payments
on certain FHA/VA-insured loans. This certificate is obtainable through local VA offices by
submitting form DD-214 (Separation Paper) with form 26-8261a (request for certificate of veteran
status).
Certified Check - A check drawn on the issuer's account for funds that have been segregated by the
bank, thus guaranteeing sufficient funds for payment.
Chain of Title - The chronological order of conveyance of a property from the original owner to the
present owner.
Clear Title - A marketable title, free of clouds and disputes.
Closing (or Settlement) - Meeting between the buyer, seller, and lender or their agents, at which
property and funds legally change hands.
Closing Agent - Neutral third party appointed to act as a custodian for documents and funds during
the transfer of property from seller to buyer. Depending on local law and custom, this could be an
attorney, escrow agent, or title company.
Closing Costs - Costs associated with the closing of the loan (e.g. title costs, loan fees, discount
fees, inspection fees, appraisals, etc.).
Closing/Settlement Statement - A form prepared by the closing agent that itemizes the closing costs
associated with purchasing or refinancing a home. Also see HUD-1.
Cloud on Title - An outstanding claim or encumbrance that, if valid, would affect or impair the
owner's title.
Combined Loan To Value (CLTV) - The percentage of the property value borrowed through a
combination of more than one loan (for example, first mortgage and home equity line of credit).
Mathematically, the combined loan and line of credit amounts divided by property value equals
Combined Loan To Value Ratio.
COFI - See Cost of Funds Index.
Collateral - Assets that secure a loan. (In the case of a mortgage, real property serves as collateral.)
Commission- Money paid to a real estate agent or broker by the seller (usually 6-7% of the sale price
of the house).
Commitment - A formal offer by a lender to a borrower to make a loan under certain terms or
conditions.
Condominium - A form of property ownership in which the homeowner holds title to an individual
dwelling unit and an interest in common areas and facilities of a multi-unit project.
Conforming Loan - A mortgage loan eligible for purchase by the two federally sponsored housing
agencies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Construction APR - A calculation that expresses the cost of a mortgage loan as a yearly rate
(according to a federally mandated procedure) over the life of the loan, including the construction
phase. The APR calculation takes into account monthly interest payments, mortgage insurance,
points, and certain fees paid at origination.
It generally results in a rate higher than the stated interest rate on the Note, as well as the estimated
APR disclosed on the permanent financing phase of the loan term. You may receive two APRs, one
for the construction period of your loan and the other for the permanent financing of your loan, or
the APR can be combined for both the construction and permanent periods of your loan.
Construction Costs - These are the costs to complete the construction of a home: off-site, on-site,
land value, closing costs, contingency, and interest reserves.
Construction Loan - A short-term interim loan to fund the construction of buildings or homes, which
usually advances the money in installments as work progresses.
Contract Of Sale - The agreement between the buyer and seller on the purchase price, terms, and
conditions of a sale.
Contingency - A condition which must be satisfied before a contract is legally binding--before a sale
can close.
Conventional Loan Loan - A mortgage not insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA.
Conversion Clause - A provision in some ARMs that allows changing an ARM to a fixed-rate loan,
usually after the first adjustment period. The new fixed rate is based on a formula tied to current
rates, and there may be a charge for the conversion feature.
Convertible ARMs - ARMs with the option of conversion to a fixed loan during a given time period
(see "Conversion Clause").
Conveyance - The transfer of a deed, lease, or mortgage.
Cost Of Funds Index (COFI) -A common index used in adjustable rate loans based on the weighted-
average interest rate paid for deposits by savings institutions that are members of the 11th Federal
Home Loan Bank District.
Course Of construction - This policy is in the form of an "all risk" policy with fire, extended coverage,
builder's risk, replacement cost, vandalism, and malicious mischief insurance coverage. The owner
is named insured with insurable value equal to the replacement cost of the improvement or the loan
amount, whichever is lower. Once the improvements are completed and the permanent mortgage
begins, the course of construction policy is usually converted to a standard "all risk" policy.
Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) - A document that defines the use, requirements
and restrictions of a condominium or Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Credit Report - A report detailing the credit history of a prospective borrower, used by lenders to
help determine creditworthiness.
Debt-To-Income Ratio - A figure, expressed as a ratio, that compares the amount of recurring debt
payments a borrower is obligated to make to the amount of their income.
Deed - Legal document by which title to a property is transferred from one owner to another. The
deed contains a description of the property and is signed, witnessed, and delivered to the buyer at
closing.
Deed Of Trust - Document creating a lien on a property as security for the payment of a debt. In
some states, a mortgage is used instead.
Default - Failure to meet legal obligations in a contract, including failure to make payments on a loan.
A mortgage is generally considered to be in default when a payment is 30 days past due.
Deferred Interest - Amount added to the balance of a loan when monthly payments are insufficient to
cover the interest incurred. This results in negative amortization.
Delinquency - Failure to make required payments on time.
Deposit - Cash paid to the seller when a formal sales contract is signed.
Depreciation - Decline in property value.
Discount Points - See Points.
Documentary Stamps - A state tax, in the forms of stamps, required on deeds and mortgages when
real estate title passes from one owner to another.
Document Review - Fee charged by lender for review of documents necessary to fund a loan.
Down Payment - In a home purchase, the difference between the purchase price and the mortgage
amount.
Earnest Money - Deposit made by a buyer toward the down payment as evidence of good faith when
the purchase agreement is signed.
ECOA - See Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Effective Interest Rate - The cost of a mortgage expressed as a yearly rate, usually higher than the
interest rate on the mortgage since this figure factors into the up-front costs of acquiring the loan.
Encumbrance - A legal right or interest in a property that affects title and may lessen the property
value.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) - Federal law requiring 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.
Equity - The difference between the current market value of a property and the outstanding
mortgage balance.
Equity Loan - A loan based on the borrower's equity in his or her home.
Escrow - 1. Neutral third party appointed to act as a custodian for documents and funds during the
transfer of property from seller to buyer or in the course of refinancing property. 2. Account held by
lender containing funds collected in conjunction with monthly mortgage payments. The funds in the
escrow account are used by the lender to pay annual expenses such as taxes and insurance on
behalf of the borrower.
Escrow Account - Account held by lender containing funds collected in conjunction with monthly
mortgage payments. Also known as impounds, the funds in this account are held in trust by the
lender on behalf of the borrower, and are used to pay expenses such as property taxes and
homeowner’s insurance.
Escrow Officer - See Closing Agent
Estimated Settlement (or Closing) Statement - A document provided by the closing agent a few days
before closing, detailing all costs and indicating the final sum the buyer will be required to bring to
the closing.
Expense-To-Income Ratio - Also known as Back-End Ratio and Debt-to-Income Ratio. The figure
derived by dividing a borrower’s monthly financial obligations by his/her gross monthly income.
Fannie Mae (FNMA) - Corporation created by Congress that buys and sells residential mortgages.
Fannie Mae provides funds for one in seven mortgages.
Farmer's Home Administration (FmHA) - An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that
provides financing for purchasers of homes and farms in small towns and rural areas.
FDIC - See Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) - Independent deposit insurance agency created by
Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's banking system.
Federal Home Loan Bank Board (FHLBB) - Former name for the regulatory and supervisory agency
of federally chartered savings institutions, now called the Office of Thrift Supervision.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) - Government agency, division of the Department of Housing
and Urban Development, which insures residential mortgage loans made by private lenders and
sets standards for underwriting mortgage loans.
Federal Reserve - Central bank of the United States and major regulatory agency for many
commercial banks.
Fee Simple - Absolute ownership of real property. FHA - See Federal Housing Administration.
FHA - See Federal Housing Administration.
FHA Loan - Loan insured by the FHA for low to middle income homes, open to all qualified home
purchasers.
FHLBB - See Federal Home Loan Bank Board.
FHLMC - See Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
First Mortgage - The primary lien against a property.
Fixed Rate - An interest rate that is fixed for the term of the loan.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage - A mortgage whose interest rate does not change for the life of the loan.
Payments are also fixed.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) - See Freddie Mac.
Flood Insurance - A form of hazard insurance required by the federal government to cover property
damage or loss in flood zones.
Floor - The minimum interest rate payable on an Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) - See Fannie Mae.
FICO Score - A credit evaluation score developed by Fair, Isaac, and Co., used by lenders as one
factor in making a loan decision. Some methods of improving a score are to establish and maintain a
payment history on credit accounts, keep public records (bankruptcies, judgments, etc.) and
collection accounts to a minimum, pay down loans, keep credit cards well below their limits, avoid
late payments, and limit applying for new credit.
Fixed Price Contract - A construction contract between the borrower and contractor defining the
cost of building and improving a residence. The contract should have a start date and a finish date.
Forbearance - Grace period given when a lender postpones foreclosure to give the borrower time to
catch up on overdue payments.
Foreclosure (or Repossession) - Legal process by which the lender forces the sale of a property
when the borrower has not met the mortgage terms.
Freddie Mac (FHLMC) - Quasi-governmental agency that purchases conventional mortgages from
insured depository institutions and HUD-approved mortgage bankers.
General Liability - Insurance in the form of a comprehensive general policy or included as a broad
form liability endorsement. This can be provided by the borrower or the general contractor. If the
insurance is provided by the borrower, a minimum amount of $300,000 for each occurrence is
required, extended to both property and personal injury. If the contractor is providing the insurance,
a comprehensive general policy of at least $1,000,000 or a policy including broad form liability
endorsement is required.
Ginnie Mae - See Government National Mortgage Association.
GNMA - See Government National Mortgage Association.
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA, or Ginnie Mae) - Government agency that
provides funds for VA and FHA loans.
Good Faith Estimate - Written estimate of costs the borrower will pay at closing, provided by a lender
within three days of loan application.
Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) - Mortgage in which initial low payments (with potential
negative amortization) increase regularly for several years and then level off.
Grace Period - Period of time during which a loan payment may be made after its due date without
incurring a late penalty.
Gross Income - Total income before taxes or expenses are deducted.
Growing Equity Mortgage - A fixed-rate loan in which payments increase by a predetermined amount
each year, reducing the outstanding balance of the loan. This accelerated payment plan allows
repayment of a 30-year loan in 15 to 20 years.
Guarantee or Guaranty - A promise by one party to pay a debt or perform an obligation contracted by
another in the event of that person's default.
Gross Monthly Income - Total monthly income before taxes or expenses are deducted. Used in the
loan origination process to calculate borrower’s ability to make payments on a loan.
Hazard Insurance - A policy that protects the insured against loss due to fire or certain natural
disasters in exchange for a premium paid to the insurer. Also known as Home Owner’s Insurance or
fire insurance.
Home Equity Loan - An additional mortgage secured by the equity in the home. All funds for this
loan are disbursed at closing. (In contrast, see Home Equity Line Of Credit).
Home Equity Line Of Credit - A revolving line of credit secured by the equity in the home. Unlike a
Home Equity Loan, these funds may be drawn and repaid like a credit card.
Homeowner's Warranty - A type of insurance that covers repairs to specified parts of a house for a
specific period of time.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - A U.S. government agency established to implement
federal housing and community development programs; oversees the Federal Housing
Administration.
Housing Code - Local government ordinance that sets minimum standards of safety and sanitation
for existing residential buildings.
Housing Expense-To-Income Ratio - The ratio, expressed as a percentage, that is result of dividing a
borrower's housing expenses by his/her gross monthly income. HUD - See Housing and Urban
Development.
HUD - See Housing and Urban Development.
HUD-1 Settlement Statement - A form mandated by the federal government that itemizes the closing
costs associated with purchasing a home. Also see Estimated Settlement Statement.
Impound (or Reserves) - Portion of a borrower's monthly payments held by the lender to pay for
taxes, insurance, and other items as they become due.
Impound Account - See Escrow Account.
Index - A published rate used by lenders to calculate interest adjustments on adjustable rate
mortgages (Index + Margin = Interest Rate). Common indexes include 1-Year Treasury securities,
COFI (Cost Of Funds Index), and Six-Month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate).
Initial Rate - The rate charged during the first interval of an adjustable rate mortgage.
Insolvency - Condition of a person unable to pay debts as they fall due.
Interest - Charge paid for borrowing money.
Interest Rate - The rate, expressed as a percentage, of the outstanding balance used to calculate
interest charges.
Interest Rate Cap - A safeguard built into ARMs to prevent drastic changes in interest rates.
Investor Rehab Financing - This program is designed to provide a loan for investors to acquire and
rehabilitate a property for future rental use.
Joint Liability - Liability shared among two or more people, each of whom is liable for the full debt.
Joint Tenancy - The ownership of property by two or more persons with the survivor taking the
share of the deceased.
Jumbo Loan - A mortgage with a principal balance that exceeds the amount eligible for purchase by
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Jumbo loans generally carry a higher interest rate.
Junior Mortgage - A mortgage subordinate or secondary to another mortgage. In the case of a
foreclosure, a senior mortgage will be paid first.
Late Charge - Penalty paid by a borrower when a payment is made after the due date.
Lease-Purchase Mortgage Loan - An alternative financing option that allows low- and moderate-
income homebuyers to lease a home from a nonprofit organization with an option to buy. Monthly
rental payments cover mortgage payments and include an additional amount that is saved toward a
down payment.
Lender - The bank, mortgage company, or mortgage broker offering the loan.
LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) - The interest rate charged among banks for short-term
Eurodollar loans, and a common index for adjustable rate mortgages.
Lien - A legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold.
Lifetime Interest Rate Cap - The highest interest rate that can be charged for an adjustable rate
mortgage during the life of the loan.
Loan Administration (or Loan Servicing) - The collection of mortgage payments from borrowers and
related responsibilities (such as handling escrows for property tax and insurance, foreclosing on
defaulted loans and remitting payments to investors).
Loan Application - Document required by lenders prior to loan approval containing detailed
information about the borrower and property.
Loan Application Fee - Fee paid by prospective buyer to lender when applying for a mortgage.
Loan Origination Fee (or Processing Fee) - Fee charged by a lender that compensates for the work
in evaluating and processing the loan.
Loan Servicing (or Loan Administration) - The collection of mortgage payments from borrowers and
related responsibilities (such as handling escrows for property tax and insurance, foreclosing on
defaulted loans and remitting payments to investors).
Lock (or Lock In) - A lender's guarantee of an interest rate and related points for a set period of time,
usually between loan application and loan closing. Protects borrower against rate increases during
that time.
Loan To Value (LTV) Ratio - The percentage of the property value borrowed (loan amount/property
value = loan to value ratio).
Lot Value/Cost - If the borrower already owns the land, include a copy of the HUD-1 closing
statement, regardless of when the lot was purchased. If the lot has been owned for more than 12
months, enter the appraised value of the lot in the first column. If the borrower has owned the lot for
less than 12 months, indicate the purchase price from the HUD-1 in the first column. If the borrower
has an existing lien against the lot, indicate the borrower’s equity in the second column (cost or
appraised value minus the lien amount).
LTV - See Loan To Value Ratio.
Margin - The percentage amount added to an index to calculate the interest rate of an adjustable rate
mortgage at each adjustment.
Marketable Title - A title that is free and clear of liens, clouds, or other defects which would prevent
the sale of the property.
Market Value - The value that a willing seller would accept and a willing buyer would offer given a
reasonable time for the seller to market a property.
MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) - Insurance purchased by borrower to insure against default on
government (FHA or VA) loans.
Monthly Housing Expense - Total monthly expense of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Mortgagee - The lender in a mortgage loan transaction.
Mortgage - Document creating a lien on a property as security for the payment of a debt. In some
states, a Deed of Trust is used instead.
Mortgage Banker - A lender that originates and funds, then sells and services mortgage loans.
Mortgage Broker - A person or entity that arranges financing for borrowers, but places loans with
lenders rather than funding them with the broker’s own money.
Mortgage Insurance - Insurance purchased by a buyer to cover the lender’s risk of loss. Mortgage
Insurance is generally required by lenders when the down payment is less than 20% of the
purchase price.
Mortgage Loan - A loan for which real estate serves as collateral to provide for repayment in case of
default.
Mortgage Note - Legal document obligating a borrower to repay a loan at a stated interest rate
during a specified period of time. The agreement is secured by a mortgage.
Mortgagor - The borrower in a mortgage loan transaction.
Negative Amortization - Increase in principal balance that occurs when monthly payments are not
large enough to pay all interest incurred on a loan, usually caused when payment caps prevent
sufficient payment increases. Deferred interest is added to the loan balance, resulting in the
borrower owing more than the original amount of the loan.
Net - After taxes.
Net Effective Income - Gross income minus federal income tax.
Non-Assumption Clause - A statement in a mortgage contract forbidding the assumption of the
mortgage by another borrower without the prior approval of the lender.
Nondischargeable Debt - Debt, such as taxes, that cannot be forgiven in a bankruptcy liquidation.
Notice Of Default - Written notice to a borrower that a default has occurred and that legal action may
be taken.
No Doc Loan - A loan for which neither income, employment, or assets are stated on application.
Borrowers must have a perfect credit history.
No Ratio Loan - This loan program is offered for borrowers who have a strong asset base and
perfect credit history; the loan application must be fully completed except for any reference to
income.
Note - Legal document stating the terms of a debt and a promise to repay it.
Office Of Comptroller Of The Currency - The oldest federal financial regulatory body which oversees
the nation's federally chartered banks.
Office Of Thrift Supervision - Regulatory and supervisory agency for federally chartered savings
institutions.
Origination Fee - See Loan Origination Fee.
Owner Financing - A purchase in which the seller provides all or part of the financing.
Payment Cap - Limit on the amount by which a borrower’s adjustable rate mortgage payments may
increase, regardless of rise in interest rates. May result in negative amortization.
Per Diem Interest - Interest calculated per day. Depending on the day of the month on which closing
takes place, borrower pays interest from the date of closing to the end of the month. The first
mortgage payment of a loan is generally due on the first of the following month.
Periodic Interest Rate Cap - A limit on the amount that interest rates can change at each adjustment
period.
Permanent Loan - A long term mortgage of 10 years or more.
Pledged Account Mortgage (PAM) - Money is placed in a pledged savings account. This fund, plus
earned interest, is used to gradually reduce mortgage payments.
PITI - Abbreviation for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, the components of a monthly
mortgage payment; also called Monthly Housing Expenses.
Plans/Specifications - These documents consist of a legible set of architectural drawings (building
plans) usually prepared by an architect and approved through city or county plan check. They
typically include a floor plan showing all dimensions, a foundation plan showing all dimensions,
outside elevations of the building, electrical and plumbing details, as well as other details of the
actual construction of the improvements. You will need to obtain two sets of plans signed by both
the borrower and the contractor; one will be provided to the appraiser and one to HCL in your loan
submission package. It is necessary to have them signed so that all parties acknowledge that these
are the plans that will be used to construct the home.
PMI (or Private Mortgage Insurance) - We require PMI for loans with LTVs greater than 80%.
Points (or Discount Points) - Money paid to a lender at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate.
Each point is equal to 1% of the loan amount.
Power Of Attorney - Legal document authorizing one person to act on behalf of another.
Prepaid Expenses - Taxes, insurance, and assessments paid in advance of due dates.
Prepaid Interest - Interest charged to a borrower at closing to cover interest on the loan between
closing and the end of the month in which the loan closes.
Prepayment - Full or partial payment of the principal before the due date. This might occur if the
borrower makes extra payments, sells the property, or refinances the existing loan.
Prepayment Penalty - Fee that may be charged by a lender for early payment of debt.
Prequalification - The process of estimating how much money a prospective homebuyer will be
eligible to borrow prior to application for a loan.
Primary Mortgage Market - Includes banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and mortgage banks
that make mortgage loans directly to borrowers. These lenders sometimes sell their mortgages to
lenders such as FNMA in the secondary mortgage market.
Prime Rate - Lowest commercial interest rate charged by a bank on short-term loans to its most
credit-worthy customers. Often used as an index for home equity lines of credit.
Principal - The amount of debt, not counting interest, left on a loan.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - We require PMI for loans with LTVs greater than 80%.
Profit and Loss Statement - Financial statement showing sales, expenses, and profits over a period
of time. Often a requirement for self-employed borrowers.
Property Tax - A government tax based on the market value of a property.
PUD (Planned Unit Development) - A project or subdivision that includes common property that is
owned and maintained by a homeowners’ association for the benefit and use of the individual PUD
unit owner.
Purchase Agreement - Contract signed by buyer and seller stating the terms and conditions under
which a property will be purchased.
Rate Lock (or Lock In) - A lender’s guarantee of an interest rate and related points for a set period of
time, usually between loan application and loan closing. Protects borrower against rate increases
during that time.
Real Estate Broker - An agent who represents a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction.
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act - Law requiring lenders to give borrowers advance notice of
closing costs.
Real Property - Land and everything that is permanently affixed to it.
Realtor - Real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors.
Re-Amortize - The function to provide a new graduated payment amount as it relates to a new loan
amount or a new interest rate.
Recision - The cancellation of a mortgage loan, permitted by law within three days of signing when
the loan is not used to purchase a home.
Reclamation - The right of the person with title to a property to recover it from the debtor in the event
of a bankruptcy.
Reconveyance - The transfer of property back to the owner when a mortgage is fully repaid.
Recording - The act of entering documents concerning title to a property into the public records.
Recording Fee - Money paid to an agent for entering the sale of a property into the public records.
Refinancing - The process of paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan secured by the
same property.
Rent With Option To Buy - See Lease-Purchase Mortgage Loan.
Repossession (or Foreclosure) - Legal process by which the lender forces the sale of a property
because the borrower has not met the mortgage terms.
Re-Pricing - The function of taking the current loan and re-qualifying it at the current market
mortgage interest rate.
Rescission - Federal law that guarantees the consumer the right to cancel a mortgage for a period of
three business days following the signing of the documents if the subject loan is a refinance of the
borrower’s primary residence.
RESPA - See Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM) - Type of mortgage applicable to senior citizens in which the
lender makes periodic payments to the borrower from the borrower's equity in their home, thus
providing the borrower with a cash annuity.
Sale Agreement - Contract signed by buyer and seller stating the terms and conditions under which
a property will be sold.
Satisfaction - The payment of a debt which satisfies an obligation.
Second Mortgage - A subordinate mortgage made in addition to a first mortgage.
Secondary Mortgage Market - The market into which primary mortgage lenders sell the mortgages to
obtain funds to originate more new loans. Includes investors like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Servicing (or Loan Administration) - The collection of mortgage payments from borrowers and
related responsibilities (such as handling escrows for property tax and insurance, foreclosing on
defaulted loans, and remitting payments to investors).
Settlement (or Closing) - Meeting between the buyer, seller, and closing agent at which property and
funds legally change hands.
Settlement Costs - See Closing Costs
Settlement Sheet - The computation of costs payable at closing which determines the seller's net
proceeds and the buyer's net payment.
Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) - Loan in which the borrower is given a below-market interest
rate and the lender receives a portion of the future appreciation of the property value.
Simple Interest - Interest computed only on the principal balance.
Subsidized Second Mortgage - Alternative financing option for low- and moderate-income
households that also includes a down payment and a first mortgage, with funds for the second
mortgage provided by city, county, or state housing agencies, foundations, or nonprofit
corporations. Payment on the second mortgage is often deferred and carries a low interest rate (if
any). Part of the debt may be forgiven for each year the family remains in the home.
Sweat Equity - Value added to a property by improvements made by the owner.
Settlement Cost (HUD guide) - Booklet published by the department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) that provides an overview of the lending process, given to consumers after
completing their loan applications.
Survey - A measurement of land, prepared by a licensed surveyor, showing a property’s boundaries,
elevations, improvements, and relationship to surrounding tracts.
Tax Impound - See Escrow Account.
Tax Lien - Claim against a property for unpaid taxes.
Tax Sale - Public sale of property by a government authority as a result of non-payment of taxes.
Term - The number of years it will take to pay off a loan.
Title - Document which gives evidence of ownership of a property and the rights of ownership and
possession of that property.
Title Company - A company that insures title to property.
Title Insurance - Insurance which protects the lender (lender’s policy) or the buyer (owner’s policy)
against loss due to disputes over ownership of a property.
Title Search - Examination of municipal records to ensure that the seller is the legal owner of a
property and that no liens or other claims exist against the property.
Transfer Tax - Tax paid when title passes from one owner to another. Not applicable in all
jurisdictions.
Trust Account - Account maintained by a broker or escrow company to handle all money collected
for clients.
Trustee - Someone given legal responsibility to hold property in the best interest of another.
Truth-In-Lending Act - Federal law requiring written disclosure of the terms of a mortgage by a
lender to a prospective borrower within three business days of application.
Underwriting - The process of verifying data and evaluating a loan for approval.
Usury - Interest charged in excess of the legal rate established by law.
VA Loan - Home loan available to veterans with little or no down payment and guaranteed by the U.
S. Veteran's Administration.
Variable Rate Mortgage - See Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
Variable Rate - Interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index.
Verification Of Deposit (VOD) - Document signed by the borrower's bank or other financial institution
verifying the borrower's account balance and history.
Verification Of Employment (VOE) - Document signed by the borrower's employer verifying the
borrower's position and salary.
Waiver - Voluntary relinquishment or surrender of some right or privilege.
Walk-Through - A final inspection of a home to check for problems that may need to be corrected
before closing.
Worker’s Compensation - This is a policy or endorsement covering the contractor, subcontractor
and others who will be working on the subject property. This policy is typically provided by the
contractor, thus the contractor should be named as the insured. It states that in cases in which
worker’s comp insurance is not required or the borrower is acting as his or her own general
contractor, a waiver is required to be executed.
Wrap-Around Mortgage - Loan arrangement in which an existing loan is combined with a new loan,
resulting in an interest rate somewhere between the old rate and the current market rate.
Zoning Ordinances (or Zoning Regulations) - Local law establishing building codes and usage
regulations for properties in a specified area.
Glossary of Mortgage Terms
