Buying a home is a significant decision, and understanding mortgage terms can make the process smoother. Here are some key terms and their definitions:
Mortgage: A loan specifically used to purchase real estate. In a mortgage agreement, the buyer borrows money from the lender (usually a bank) and agrees to pay it back with interest over a specified period.
Principal: The amount of money you borrowed to buy the home. Over time, you'll pay down the principal and interest.
Interest: The cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Down Payment: The amount of money you pay upfront towards the purchase of your home. It's typically expressed as a percentage of the home's price.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage in which the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage in which the interest rate can change periodically based on changes in a corresponding financial index.
Amortization: The process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments. An amortization schedule is a table detailing each periodic payment on a loan.
Equity: The difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. As you pay down your mortgage or if the value of your home rises, your equity increases.
Escrow: An account held by a third party that holds funds for specific purposes, like property taxes or homeowner's insurance. When those bills are due, the funds are withdrawn from the escrow account to pay them.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): An insurance policy that protects the lender if the borrower defaults on the mortgage. It's typically required when the down payment is less than 20% of the home's purchase price.
Closing Costs: Fees and other costs that need to be paid when closing on a house. These can include title search fees, appraisal fees, attorney fees, and more.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): A ratio that compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value or sale price of the property, whichever is lower.
Refinancing: The process of getting a new mortgage to replace the original one. This is usually done to get a better interest rate or to take cash out of home equity.
Pre-Approval: A written commitment from a lender stating the amount they are willing to lend to a borrower. It's based on a review of the borrower's creditworthiness and financial situation.
Term: The duration of the loan, which determines how long you have to repay it. Common terms are 15, 20, or 30 years.
Points: Fees that are paid directly to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduced interest rate.
Appraisal: An evaluation of a property's value by a professional. Lenders require an appraisal to ensure the property is worth the amount of money they are lending.
Remember, this is a basic overview of mortgage terms. The home-buying process may introduce you to additional terms and concepts. Always ask questions and do thorough research to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of any mortgage or home purchase agreement.
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