A summary of recorded transactions concerning a particular property.
Condition in a mortgage that gives the lender the right to require immediate repayment of the loan balance if regular mortgage payments are not made or for breach of other conditions of the mortgage.
Interest earned but not yet paid.
An interest rate that changes periodically according to an index.
A mortgage with an interest rate that adjusts periodically based on a preselected index, causing interest rates and payments to rise and fall with the market.
The time between changes in the interest rate and monthly payments on an ARM.
One that acts for or represents another.
Also known as a "sales contract," a written document in which a purchaser agrees to buy property under certain given conditions, and the seller agrees to sell under certain given conditions.
A method of documenting a loan file that relies on information the borrower is likely to be able to provide, instead of waiting on verification sent to third parties for confirmation of statements made in the application.
A monthly repayment schedule in which a loan is repaid in fixed payments of principal and interest.
The annual cost of a loan, expressed as a yearly rate. APR takes into account interest, discount points, lender fees and mortgage insurance, so it will be slightly higher than the interest rate on the loan.
Often referred to as a 1003, an initial statement of personal and financial information required to approve your loan.
A fee charged by a lender to cover initial costs of processing a loan application, often including charges for property appraisal and a credit report.
A written estimate of a property's current market value, based on recent sales information for similar properties, the current condition of the property and how the neighborhood might affect future property value.
A fee charged by a licensed, certified appraiser to render an opinion of market value as of a specific date.
See Annual Percentage Rate.
See Adjustable-Rate Mortgage.
Some ARM products feature "assumability" to a qualified applicant. The assumability of an ARM loan may make it more attractive to an applicant who envisions selling their home at a later date. By incorporating an assumable mortgage product, they may be able to make their home more attractive to potential buyers.
An additional disclosure specific to adjustable-rate mortgages that must be prepared and presented to the consumer within three days of application whenever an adjustable-rate mortgage transaction is contemplated (Note: home equity lines have their own unique disclosure).
The Consumer Handbook to Adjustable-Rate Mortgages ("CHARM" booklet) must be presented to the consumer within three days of applying for an ARM loan (in addition to the ARM disclosure referenced above).
Pre-determined period of time (expressed either in a number of months and/or a percent of increase from original principal balance) after which any/all accumulated "negative amortization" (aka "deferred interest") is accounted for in a re-amortization of the loan balance over the remaining term of the mortgage at the then prevailing rate of interest. Amortization is also re-casted at each adjustment even if no negative amortization. Typically, any payment cap that would otherwise factor in is disregarded in the event of re-casting.
Amortization is most often "capped" at 110 or 125 percent of the original principal balance. Re-amortization typically occurs every 60 months and/or at such time as the balance reaches the pre-determined "cap."
A local tax levied against properties that have benefited from civil improvements such as road or sidewalk construction, a sewer or street lights.
Anything of monetary value that a person owns. Assets include real property, personal property and enforceable claims against others (including bank accounts, stocks, mutual funds and so on).
The transfer of property rights from one person to another.
A feature of a loan allowing it to be transferred to the new purchaser of a home. Assumable mortgages can help attract buyers because assumption of a loan requires lower fees and/or qualifying standards than a new loan.