Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions buyers and sellers have about the real estate transaction process. We have compiled a comprehensive list of real estate terms that will answer all your questions. If you have a specific question or term not listed here, please contact us. Because there are many real estate related terms, we have created an alphabetical index for your convenience.
Real Estate Terms
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| Acceleration Clause |
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.
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| Acceptance |
An offeree's consent to enter into a contract and be bound by the terms of the offer.
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| Additional Principal payment |
A payment by a borrower of more than the scheduled principal amount due in order to reduce the remaining balance on the loan.
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| Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) |
A mortgage that permits the lender to adjust its interest rate periodically on the basis of changes in a specified index.
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| Adjusted Basis |
The original cost of a property plus the value of any capital expenditures for improvements to the property minus any depreciation taken.
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| Adjustment Date |
The date on which the interest rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
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| Adjustment Period |
The period that elapses between the adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
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| Administrator |
A person appointed by a probate court to administer the estate of a person who died intestate.
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| Affordability Analysis |
A detailed analysis of your ability to afford the purchase of a home. An affordability analysis takes into consideration your income, liabilities, and available funds, along with the type of mortgage you plan to use, the area where you want to purchase a home, and the closing costs that you might expect to pay.
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| Agency |
A legal relationship resulting from an agreement or contract, either expressed or implied, written or oral, whereby one person, called the agent, is employed by another, called the principal, to do certain acts in dealing with a third party.
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| Amenity |
A feature of real property that enhances its attractiveness and increases the occupant's or user's satisfaction although the feature is not essential to the property's use. Natural amenities include a pleasant or desirable location near water, scenic views of the surrounding area, etc. Human-made amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, community buildings, and other recreational facilities.
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| Amortization |
The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan by installments.
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| 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.
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| Amortization |
The amount of time required to amortize the mortgage loan. The amortization term is expressed as a number of months. For example, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the amortization term is 360 months.
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| Amortize |
To repay a mortgage with regular payments that cover both principal and interest.
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| Annual Mortgagor Statement |
A report sent to the mortgagor each year. The report shows how much was paid in taxes and interest during the year, as well as the remaining mortgage loan balance at the end of the year.
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| 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).
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| Annuity |
An amount paid yearly or at other regular intervals, often on a guaranteed dollar basis.
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| Application |
A form used to apply for a mortgage loan and to record pertinent information concerning a prospective mortgagor and the proposed security.
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| Appraisal |
In real estate, an estimate of the quality or value of property; the process by which conclusions of the value of property are obtained; also refers to the report setting forth the estimate of value together with the basis for such conclusions.
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| Appraised Value |
An opinion of a property's fair market value, based on an appraiser's knowledge, experience, and analysis of the property.
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| Appraiser |
A person qualified by education, training, and experience to estimate the value of real property and personal property.
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| Appreciation |
An increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions or other causes. The opposite of depreciation.
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| Assessed Value |
The valuation placed on property by a public tax assessor for purposes of taxation.
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| Assessment |
The process of placing a value on property for the strict purpose of taxation. May also refer to a levy against property for a special purpose, such as a sewer assessment.
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| Assessment Rolls |
The public record of taxable property.
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| Assessor |
A public official who establishes the value of a property for taxation purposes.
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| Asset |
Anything of monetary value that is owned by a person. Assets include real property, personal property, and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and so on).
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| Assignment |
The transfer of a mortgage from one person to another.
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| Assumable Mortgage |
A mortgage that can be taken over ("assumed") by the buyer when a home is sold.
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| Assumption |
The transfer of the seller's existing mortgage to the buyer. See assumable mortgage.
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| Assumtion Clause |
A provision in an assumable mortgage that allows a buyer to assume responsibility for the mortgage from the seller. The loan does not need to be paid in full by the original borrower upon sale or transfer of the property.
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| Assumption Fee |
The fee paid to a lender (usually by the purchaser of real property) resulting from the assumption of an existing mortgage.
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| Attorney-In-Fact |
One who holds a power of attorney from another to execute documents on behalf of the grantor of the power.
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| Balance Sheet |
A financial statement that shows assets, liabilities, and net worth as of a specific date.
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| Balloon Mortgage |
A mortgage that has level monthly payments that will amortize it over a stated term but that provides for a lump sum payment to be due at the end of an earlier specified term.
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| Balloon Payment |
The final lump sum payment that is made at the maturity date of a balloon mortgage.
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| Bankrupt |
A person, firm or corporation that, through a court proceeding, is relieved from the payment of all debts after the surrender of all assets to a court-appointed trustee.
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| Bankruptcy |
A proceeding in a federal court in which a debtor who owes more than his or her assets can relieve the debts by transferring his or her assets to a trustee.
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| Before-Tax Income |
Income before taxes are deducted.
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| Beneficiary |
The person designated to receive the income from a trust, estate, or a deed of trust.
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| Bequeath |
To transfer personal property through a will.
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| Betterment |
An improvement that increases property value as distinguished from repairs or replacements that simply maintain value.
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| Bill of Sale |
A written instrument by which one person transfers or conveys right, title or interest in personal property to another.
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| Binder |
A preliminary agreement, secured by the payment of an earnest money deposit, under which a buyer offers to purchase real estate.
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| Biweekly Payment Mortgage |
A mortgage that requires payments to reduce the debt every two weeks (instead of the standard monthly payment schedule). The 26 (or possibly 27) biweekly payments are each equal to one-half of the monthly payment that would be required if the loan were a standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and they are usually drafted from the borrower's bank account. The result for the borrower is a substantial savings in interest.
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| Blanket Insurance Policy |
A single policy that covers more than one piece of property (or more than one person).
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| Blanket Mortgage |
The mortgage that is secured by a cooperative project, as opposed to the share loans on individual units within the project.
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| Bona Fide |
In good faith, without fraud.
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| Bond |
An interest-bearing certificate of debt with a maturity date. An obligation of a government or business corporation. A real estate bond is a written obligation usually secured by a mortgage or a deed of trust.
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| Breach |
A violation of any legal obligation.
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| Bridge Loan |
A form of second trust that is collateralized by the borrower's present home (which is usually for sale) in a manner that allows the proceeds to be used for closing on a new house before the present home is sold. Also known as "swing loan."
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| Broker |
A person who, for a commission or a fee, brings parties together and assists in negotiating contracts between them. See mortgage broker.
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| Budget |
A detailed plan of income and expenses expected over a certain period of time. A budget can provide guidelines for managing future investments and expenses.
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| Budget Category |
A category of income or expense date that you can use in a budget. You can also define your own budget categories and add them to some or all of the budgets you create. "Rent" is an example of an expense category. "Salary' is a typical income category.
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| Building Code |
Local regulations that control design, construction, and materials used in construction. Building codes are based on safety and health standards.
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| Buydown Account |
An account in which funds are held so that they can be applied as part of the monthly mortgage payment as each payment comes due during the period that an interest rate buydown plan is in effect.
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| Buydown Mortgage |
A temporary buydown is a mortgage on which an initial lump sum payment is made by any party to reduce a borrower's monthly payments during the first few years of a mortgage. A permanent buydown reduces the interest rate of the entire life of a mortgage.
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| Buyer's Agent |
A broker or salesperson who is engaged by and represents the buyer in a real estate transaction.
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| Call Option |
A provision in the mortgage that gives the mortgagee the right to call the mortgage due and payable at the end of a specified period for whatever reason.
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| Cap |
A provision of an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that limits how much the interest rate or mortgage payments may increase or decrease. See lifetime payment cap, periodic payment cap, and periodic rate cap.
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| Capital |
(1) Money used to create income, either as an investment in a business or an income property. (2) The money or property comprising the wealth owned or used by a person or business enterprise. (3) The accumulated wealth or a person or business. (4) The net worth of a business represented by the amount by which its assets exceed liabilities.
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| Capital Expenditure |
The cost of an improvement made to extend the useful life of a property or to add to its value.
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| Capital Improvement |
Any structure or component erected as a permanent improvement to real property that adds to its value and useful life.
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| Cash-Out Refinance |
A refinance transaction in which the amount of money received from the new loan exceeds the total of the money needed to repay the existing first mortgage, closing costs, points, and the amount required to satisfy any outstanding subordinate mortgage liens. In other words, a refinance transaction in which the borrower receives additional cash that can be used for any purpose.
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| Certificate of Deposit |
A document written by a bank or other financial institution that is evidence of a deposit, with the issuer's promise to return the deposit plus earnings at a specified interest rate within a specified time period.
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| Certificate Index |
An index that is used to determine interest rate changes for certain ARM plans. It represents the weekly average of secondary market interest rates on six-month negotiable certificates of deposit. See adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
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| Certificate of Eligibility |
A document issued by the federal government certifying a veteran's eligibility for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage.
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| Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV) |
A document issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that establishes the maximum value and loan amount for a VA mortgage.
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| Certificate of Taxes Due |
A written statement or guaranty of the condition of the taxes on a certain property, made by the County Treasurer of the county wherein the property is located. Any loss resulting to any person from an error in a tax certificate shall be paid by the county which such treasurer represents.
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| Certificate of Title |
A statement provided by an abstract company, title company, or attorney stating that the title to real estate is legally held by the current owner.
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| Chain of Title |
The history of all of the documents that transfer title to a parcel of real property, starting with the earliest existing document and ending with the most recent.
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| Change Frequency |
The frequency (in months) of payment and/or interest rate changes in an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
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| Chattel |
Another name for personal property.
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| Clear Title |
A title that is free of liens or legal questions as to ownership of the property.
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| Common Interest Community |
Means real estate described in a declaration with respect to which a person, by virtue of such person's ownership of a unit, is obligated to pay for real estate taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance or improvement of other real estate described in a declaration. Ownership of a unit does not include holding a leasehold interest in a unit of less than forty years, including renewal options. The period of the leasehold interest, including renewal options, is measured from the date the initial term commences.
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| 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."
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| Closing Cost Item |
A fee or amount that a home buyer must pay at closing for a single service, tax, or product. Closing costs are made up of individual closing cost items such as origination fees and attorney's fees. Many closing cost items are included as numbered items on the HUD-1 statement.
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| Closing Costs |
Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. Closing costs normally include an origination fee, an attorney's fee, taxes, an amount placed in escrow, and charges for obtaining title insurance and a survey. Closing costs percentage will vary according to the area of the country; lenders or realtors often provide estimates of closing costs to prospective homebuyers.
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| Closing Statement |
See HUD-1 statement.
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| Cloud on Title |
Any conditions revealed by a title search that adversely affect the title to real estate. Usually clouds on title cannot be removed except by a quicklaim deed, release, or court action.
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| Coinsurance |
A sharing of insurance risk between the insurer and the insured. Coinsurance depends on the relationship between the amount of the policy and a specified percentage of the actual value of the property insured at the time of the loss.
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| Coinsurance Clause |
A provision in a hazard insurance policy that states the amount of coverage that must be maintained - as a percentage of the total value of the property - for the insured to collect the full amount of a loss.
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| Collateral |
An asset (such as a car or a home) that guarantees the repayment of a loan. The borrower risks losing the asset if the loan is not repaid according to the terms of the loan contract.
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| Collection |
The efforts used to bring a delinquent mortgage current and to file the necessary notices to proceed with the foreclosure when necessary.
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| Co-maker |
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. See endorser.
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| Commission |
The fee charged by a broker or agent for negotiating a real estate or loan transaction. A commission is generally a percentage of the price of the property or loan.
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| Commitment Letter |
A formal offer by a lender stating the terms under which it agrees to lend money to a home buyer. Also known as a "loan commitment."
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| Common Areas |
Those portions of a building, land, and amenities owned (or managed) by a planned unit development (PUD) or condominium project's homeowner's association (or a cooperative project's cooperative corporation) that are used by all of the unit owners, who share in the common expenses of their operation and maintenance. Common areas include swimming pools, tennis courts, and other recreational facilities, as well as common corridors of buildings, parking areas, means of ingress and egress, etc.
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| Common Area Assessments |
Levies against individual unit owners in a condominium or planned unit development (PUD) project for additional capital to defray homeowner's association costs and expenses and to repair, replace, maintain, improve, or operate the common areas of the project.
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| Commone Interest Community |
Means real estate described in a declaration with respect to which a person, by virtue of such person's ownership of a unit, is obligated to pay for real estate taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance or improvement of other real estate described in a declaration. Ownership of a unit does not include holding a leasehold interest in a unit of less than forty years, including renewal options. The period of the leasehold interest, including renewal options, is measured from the date the initial term commences.
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| Common Law |
An unwritten body of law based on general custom in England and used to an extent in the United States.
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| Community Home Improvement Mortgage Loan |
An alternative financing option that allows low - and moderate-income home buyers to obtain 95 percent financing for the purchase and improvement of a home in need of modest repairs. The repair work can account for as much as 30 percent of the appraised value.
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| Community Land Trust Mortgage Loan |
An alternative financing option that enables low - and moderate - income home buyers to purchase housing that has been improved by a nonprofit Community Land Trust and to lease the land on which the property stands.
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| Community Property |
In some western and southwestern states, a form of ownership under which property acquired during a marriage is presumed to be owned jointly unless acquired as separate property of either spouse.
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| Community Seconds |
An alternative financing option for low- and moderate-income households under which an investor purchases a first mortgage that has a subsidized second mortgage behind it. The second mortgage may be issued by a state, county, or local housing agency, foundation, or nonprofit organization. Payment on the second mortgage is often deferred and carries a very low interest rate (or no interest rate at all). Part of the debt may be forgiven incrementally for each year the buyer remains in the home.
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| Comparables |
An abbreviation for "comparable properties"; used for comparative purposes in the appraisal process. Comparables are properties like the property under consideration; they have reasonably the same size, location, and amenities and have recently been sold. Comparables help the appraiser determine the approximate fair market value of the subject property.
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| Compound Interest |
Interest paid on the original principal balance and on the accrued and unpaid interest.
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| Condemnation |
The determination that a building is not fit for use or is dangerous and must be destroyed; the taking of private property for a public purpose through an exercise of the right of eminent domain.
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| Condominium |
A real estate project in which each unit owner has title to a unit in a building, an undivided interest in the common areas of the project, and sometimes the exclusive use of certain limited common areas.
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| Condominium Conversion |
Changing the ownership of an existing building (usually a rental project) to the condominium form of ownership.
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| Condominium Hotel |
A condominium project that has rental or registration desks, short-term occupancy, food and telephone services, and daily cleaning services and that is operated as a commercial hotel even though the units are individually owned.
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| 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.
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| Consumer Reporting Agency (or bureau) |
An organization that prepares reports that are used by lenders to determine a potential borrower's credit history. The agency obtains data for these reports from a credit repository as well as from other sources.
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| Contingency |
A condition that must be met before a contract is legally binding. For example, home purchasers often include a contingency that specifies that the contract is not binding until the purchaser obtains a satisfactory home inspection report from a qualified home inspector.
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| Contract |
An agreement, enforceable by law, between two or more competent persons, having for its object a legal purpose, wherein the parties agree to act in a certain manner.
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| Conventional Mortgage |
A mortgage securing a loan made by private investors without governmental participation; that is, which is not F.H.A. insured or V.A. guaranteed.
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| 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 timeframes after loan origination.
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| Convertible ARM |
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions.
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| Cooperative (co-op) |
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.
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| Cooperative Corporation |
A business trust entity that holds title to a cooperative project and grants occupancy rights to particular apartments or units to shareholders through proprietary leases or similar arrangements.
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| Cooperative Mortgages |
Mortgages related to a cooperative project. This usually refers to the multifamily mortgage covering the entire project but occasionally describes the share loans on the individual units.
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| Cooperative Project |
A residential or mixed-use building wherein a corporation or trust holds title to the property and sells shares of stock representing the value of a single apartment unit to individuals who, in turn, receive a proprietary lease as evidence of title.
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| Corporate Relocation |
Arrangements under which an employer moves an employee to another area as part of the employer's normal course of business or under which it transfers a substantial part or all of its operations and employees to another area because it is relocating its headquarters or expanding its office capacity.
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| Cost of Funds Index (COFI) |
An index that is used to determine interest rate changes for certain adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) plans. 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. See adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
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| Covenant |
A clause in a mortgage that obligates or restricts the borrower and that, if violated, can result in foreclosure.
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| Credit |
An agreement in which a borrower receives something of value in exchange for a promise to repay the lender at a later date.
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| Credit History |
A record of an individual's open and fully repaid debts. A credit history helps a lender to determine whether a potential borrower has a history of repaying debts in a timely manner.
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| Credit Life Insurance |
A type of insurance often bought by mortgagors because it will pay off the mortgage debt if the mortgagor dies while the policy is in force.
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| Creditor |
A person to whom money is owed.
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| Credit Report |
A report of an individual's credit history prepared by a credit bureau and used by a lender in determining a loan applicant's creditworthiness. See merged credit report.
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| Credit Repository |
An organization that gathers, records, updates, and stores financial and public records information about the payment records of individuals who are being considered for credit.
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| Debt |
An amount owed to another. See installment loan and revolving liability.
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| Declaration |
Any recorded instrument however denominated that defines boundaries and the general common elements and limited common elements and establishes the basic rights and obligations of the owners. In addition, it provides for the creation of an owners association including the board of directors that has the authority to collect common expenses and otherwise act for the benefit of all owners.
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| Deed |
A legal instrument in writing, duly executed and delivered, whereby the owner of real property (grantor) conveys to another (grantee) some right, title or interest in or to real estate.
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| Deed-In-Lieu |
A deed given by a mortgagor to the mortgagee to satisfy a debt and avoid foreclosure. Also called a "voluntary conveyance."
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| Deed of Trust |
The document used in some states instead of a mortgage; title is conveyed to a trustee.
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| Default |
The non-performance of a duty; the omission or failure to perform a legal duty; failure to meet an obligation when due.
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| Delinquency |
Failure to make mortgage payments when mortgage payments are due.
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| Deposit |
A sum of money given to bind the sale of real estate, or a sum of money given to ensure payment or an advance of funds in the processing of a loan. See earnest money deposit.
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| Depreciation |
A decline in the value of property; the opposite of appreciation.
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| Discount Points |
See point.
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| Documentary Fee |
A Colorado state law requiring a fee of one cent for each one hundred dollars of consideration paid by the person recording an instrument of conveyance to the county clerk and recorder.
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| Dower |
The right of a widow in the property of her husband at his death.
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| Down Payment |
The part of the purchase price of a property that the buyer pays in cash and does not finance with a mortgage.
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| Dual Agent |
A broker or salesperson who, with the written informed consent of all parties to a contemplated real estate transaction, is engaged as a limited agent for both the seller and buyer or both the landlord and tenant.
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| Due-on-Sale Provision |
A provision in a mortgage that allows the lender to demand repayment in full if the borrower sells the property that serves as security for the mortgage.
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| Due-on-Transfer Provision |
This terminology is usually used for second mortgages. See due-on-sale provision.
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| Earnest Money Deposit |
A deposit made by the potential home buyer to show that he or she is serious about buying the house.
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| Easement |
A right or interest in the real property of another. The right to use another's land for a specific purpose, as a right of way.
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| Effective Age |
An appraiser's estimate of the physical condition of a building. The actual age of a building may be shorter or longer than its effective age.
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| Effective Gross Income |
Normal annual income including overtime that is regular or guaranteed. The income may be from more than one source. Salary is generally the principal source, but other income may qualify if it is significant and stable.
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| Eminent Domain |
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.
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| Employer-Assisted Housing |
A special Fannie Mae housing initiative that offers several different ways for employers to work with local lenders to develop plans to assist their employees in purchasing homes.
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| Encroachment |
An improvement that intrudes illegally on another's property.
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| Encumbrance |
Anything that affects or limits the fee simple title to a property, such as mortgages, leases, easements, or restrictions.
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| Endorsement |
Writing one's name, either with or without additional words, on a negotiable instrument or on an attachment thereto.
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| Endorser |
A person who signs ownership interest over to another party. Contrast with co-maker.
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| Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) |
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.
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| Equity |
A homeowner's financial interest in a property. Equity is the difference between the fair market value of the property an the amount still owed on its mortgage.
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| 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.
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| Escrow Account |
Any identified checking, demand, passbook or statement account insured by an agency of the United States government maintained in a Colorado Depository for money that belongs to others.
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| Escrow Analysis |
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.
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| Escrow Collections |
Funds collected by the servicer and set aside in an escrow account to pay the borrower's property taxes, mortgage insurance, and hazard insurance.
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| Escrow Disbursements |
The use of escrow funds to pay real estate taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, and other property expenses as they become due.
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| Escrow Payment |
The portion of a mortgagor's monthly payment that is held by the servicer to pay for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage
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| Estate |
The ownership interest of an individual in real property. The sum total of all the real property and personal property owned by an individual at time of death.
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| Eviction |
The lawful expulsion of an occupant from real property.
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| Certificate of Title |
The report on the title of a property from the public records or an abstract of the title.
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| Exclusive Listing |
A written contract that gives a licensed real estate agent the exclusive right to sell a property for a specified time, but reserving the owner's right to sell the property alone without the payment of a commission.
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| Executor |
A person named in a will to administer an estate. The court will appoint an administrator if no executor is named. 'Executrix' is the feminine form.
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| Fair Credit Reporting Act |
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.
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| Fair Market Value |
The highest price that a buyer, willing but not compelled to buy, would pay, and the lowest a seller, willing but not compelled to sell, would accept.
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| Fannie Mae |
Fannie Mae is 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. Over the past 30 years, Fannie Mae has provided nearly $2.5 trillion of mortgage financing for over 30 million families.
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| Fannie Mae's Community Home Buyer's Program |
An income-based community lending model, under which mortgage insurers and Fannie Mae offer flexible underwriting guidelines to increase a low- or moderate-income family's buying power and to decrease the total amount of cash needed to purchase a home. Borrowers who participate in this model are required to attend pre-purchase home-buyer education sessions.
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| Fannie 97 |
A financing option for a fixed-rate mortgage that offers home buyers a 3 percent down payment loan with either a 25- or 30-year term. The mortgage features a loan-to-value (LTV) percentage of 97 percent, and is designed to expand homeownership opportunities for people with modest incomes. Borrowers must take a pre-purchase home-buyer education session to qualify for a Fannie 97 mortgage.
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| 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.
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| Fee Simple |
The greatest possible interest a person can have in real estate.
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| Fee Simple Estate |
An unconditional, unlimited estate of inheritance that represents the greatest estate and most extensive interest in land that can be enjoyed. It is of perpetual duration. When the real estate is in a condominium project, the unit owner is the exclusive owner only of the air space within his or her portion of the building (the unit) and is an owner in common with respect to the land and other common portions of the property.
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| FHA Coinsured Mortgage |
A mortgage (under FHA Section 244) for which the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the originating lender share the risk of loss in the event of the mortgagor's default.
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| FHA Mortgage |
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Also known as a government mortgage.
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| Finder's Fee |
A fee or commission paid to a mortgage broker for finding a mortgage loan for a prospective borrower.
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| Firm Commitment |
A lender's agreement to make a loan to a specific borrower on a specific property.
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| First Mortgage |
A mortgage that is the primary lien against a property.
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| Fixed Installment |
The monthly payment due on a mortgage loan. The fixed installment includes payment of both principal and interest.
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| Fixed-Rate Mortgage |
A mortgage in which the interest rate does not change during the entire term of the loan.
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| Fixture |
Personal property that becomes real property when attached in a permanent manner to real estate.
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| Flood Insurance |
Insurance that compensates for physical property damage resulting from flooding. It is required for properties located in federally designated flood areas.
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| Foreclosure |
The legal process by which a borrower in default under a mortgage is deprived of his or her interest in the mortgaged property. This usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction with the proceeds of the sale being applied to the mortgage debt.
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| Forfeiture |
The loss of money, property, rights, or privileges due to a breach of legal obligation.
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| 401 (k)/403(b) |
An employer-sponsored investment plan that allows individuals to set aside tax-deferred income for retirement or emergency purposes. 401 (k) plans are provided by employers that are private corporations. 403 (b) plans are provided by employers that are not for profit organizations.
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| 401 (k)/403(b) LOAN |
Some administrators of 401(k)/403(b) plans allow for loans against the monies you have accumulated in these plans - monies must be repaid to avoid serious penalty charges.
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| Fully Amortized ARM |
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with a monthly payment that is sufficient to amortize the remaining balance, at the interest accrual rate, over the amortization term.
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| Government Mortgage |
A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Rural Housing Service (RHS). Contrast with conventional mortgage.
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| Government National Mortgage Association |
A government-owned corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Created by Congress on September 1, 1968, GNMA assumed responsibility for the special assistance loan program formerly administered by Fannie Mae. Popularly known as Ginnie Mae.
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| Grantee |
The person to whom an interest in real property is conveyed.
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| Grantor |
The person conveying an interest in real property.
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| Ground Rent |
The amount of money that is paid for the use of land when title to a property is held as a leasehold estate rather than as a fee simple estate.
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| Group Home |
A single-family residential structure designed or adapted for occupancy by unrelated developmentally disabled persons. The structure provides long-term housing and support services that are residential in nature.
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| Growing-Equity Mortgage (GEM) |
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.
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| Guarantee Mortgage |
A mortgage that is guaranteed by a third party.
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| Guaranteed Loan |
Also known as a government mortgage.
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| Hazard Insurance |
Insurance coverage that compensates for physical damage to a property from fire, wind, vandalism, or other hazards.
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| Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) |
A special type of mortgage that enables older home owners to convert the equity they have in their homes into cash, using a variety of payment options to address their specific financial needs. Unlike traditional home equity loans, a borrower does not qualify on the basis of income but on the value of his or her home. In addition, the loan does not have to be repaid until the borrower no longer occupies the property. Sometimes called a reverse mortgage.
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| Home Equity Line of Credit |
A mortgage loan, which is usually in a subordinate position, that allows the borrower to obtain multiple advances of the loan proceeds at his or her own discretion, up to an amount that represents a specified percentage of the borrower's equity in a property.
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| Home Inspection |
A thorough inspection that evaluates the structural and mechanical condition of a property. A satisfactory home inspection is often included as a contingency by the purchaser. Contrast with appraisal.
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| HomeKeeper |
Fannie Mae's adjustable-rate conventional reverse mortgage, which allows older homeowners to borrow against the value of their homes and receive the proceeds according to the payment option they select. The amount available is based on the number of borrowers and their ages and the adjusted property value. Anyone 62 years or older who either owns his or her own home free and clear or has very low mortgage debt is eligible.
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| Homeowner's Association |
A nonprofit association that manages the common areas of a planned unit development (PUD) or condominium project. In a condominium project, it has no ownership interest in the common elements. In a PUD project, it holds title to the common elements.
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| Homeowner's Insurance |
An insurance policy that combines personal liability insurance and hazard insurance coverage for a dwelling and its contents.
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| Homeowner's Warranty (HOW) |
A type of insurance that covers repairs to specified parts of a house for a specific period of time. It is provided by the builder or property sellers as a condition of the sale.
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| HomeStyle Mortgage Loan |
A mortgage that enables eligible borrowers to obtain financing to remodel, repair, and upgrade their existing homes or homes that they are purchasing. The financing takes the form of a conventional second mortgage or a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Section 203(k) first mortgage.
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| Housing Expense Ratio |
The percentage of gross monthly income that goes toward paying housing expenses.
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| HUD Median Income |
Median family income for a particular county or metropolitan statistical area (MSA), as estimated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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| HUD-1 Statement |
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 know as the "closing statement" or "settlement sheet".
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| Income Property |
Real estate developed or improved to produce income.
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| Index |
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. This interest rate is subject to any caps that are associated with the mortgage.
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| In-File Credit Report |
An objective account, normally computer-generated, of credit and legal information obtained from a credit repository.
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| Inflation |
An increase in the amount of money or credit available in relation to the amount of goods or services available, which causes an increase in the general price level of goods and services. Over time, inflation reduces the purchasing power of a dollar, making it worth less.
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| Initial Interest Rate |
The original interest rate of the mortgage at the time of closing. This rate changes for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Sometimes known as "start rate" or "teaser."
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| Installment |
The regular periodic payment that a borrower agrees to make to a lender.
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| Installment Loan |
Borrowed money that is repaid in equal payments, known as installments. A furniture loan is often paid for as an installment loan.
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| Insurable Title |
A property title that a title insurance company agrees to insure against defects and disputes.
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| Insurance |
A contract that provides compensation for specific losses in exchange for a periodic payment. An individual contract is known as an insurance policy, and the periodic payment is know as an insurance premium.
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| Insurance Binder |
A document that states that insurance is temporarily in effect. Because the coverage will expire by a specified date, a permanent policy must be obtained before the expiration date.
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| Insured Mortgage |
A mortgage that is protected by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or by private mortgage insurance (MI). If the borrower defaults on the loan, the insurer must pay the lender the lesser of the loss incurred or the insured amount.
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| Interest |
The fee charged for borrowing money.
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| Interest Accrual Rate |
The percentage rate at which interest accrues on the mortgage. In most cases, it is also the rate used to calculate the monthly payments, although it is not used for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with payment change limitations.
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| Interest Rate |
The rate of interest in effect for the monthly payment due.
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| Interest Rate Buydown Plan |
An arrangement wherein the property seller (or any other party) deposits money to an account so that it can be released each month to reduce the mortgagor's monthly payments during the early years of a mortgage. During the specified period, the mortgagor's effective interest rate is "bought down" below the actual interest rate.
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| Interest Rate Ceiling |
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the maximum interest rate, as specified in the mortgage note.
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| Interest Rate Floor |
For an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the minimum interest rate, as specified in the mortgage note.
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| Investment Property |
A property that is not occupied by the owner.
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| IRA (Individual Retirement Account) |
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.
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| Joint Tenancy |
A form of co-ownership that gives each tenant equal interest and equal rights in the property, including the right of survivorship.
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| Judgement |
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.
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| Judgement Lien |
A lien on the property of a debtor resulting from the decree of a court.
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| Judicial Foreclosure |
A type of foreclosure proceeding used in some states that is handled as a civil lawsuit and conducted entirely under the auspices of a court.
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| Jumbo Loan |
A loan that exceeds Fannie Mae's legislated mortgage amount limits. Also called a nonconforming loan.
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| Late Charge |
The penalty a borrower must pay when a payment is made a stated number of days (usually 15) after the due date.
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| Lease |
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.
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| Leasehold Estate |
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.
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| Lease-Purchase Mortgage Loan |
An alternative financing option that allows low- and moderate-income home buyers to lease a home from a nonprofit organization with an option to buy. Each month's rent payment consists of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) payments on the first mortgage plus an extra amount that is earmarked for deposit to a savings account in which money for a downpayment will accumulate.
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| Legal Description |
| A property descri |
