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Mortgage Glossary

Click on the terms to open and close the definitions.

2/1 Buy Down Mortgage»


Acceleration Clause»


Additional Principal Payment»


Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)»


Adjusted Basis»


Adjustment Date»


Adjustment Period»


Affordability Analysis»


Amortization»


Amortization Term»


Annual Percentage Rate (APR)»

The 2/1 Buy Down Mortgage allows the borrower to qualify at below market rates so they can borrow more. The initial starting interest rate increases by 1% at the end of the first year and adjusts again by another 1% at the end of the second year. It then remains at a fixed interest rate for the remainder of the loan term. Borrowers often refinance at the end of the second year to obtain the best long term rates; however, even keeping the loan in place for three full years or more will keep their average interest rate in line with the original market conditions.

Provision in a mortgage that allows the lender to demand payment of the entire principal balance if a monthly payment is missed or some other default occurs.

A way to reduce the remaining balance on the loan by paying more than the scheduled principal amount due.

A mortgage with an interest rate that changes during the life of the loan according to movements in an index rate. Sometimes called AMLs (adjustable mortgage loans) or VRMs (variable-rate mortgages).

The cost of a property plus the value of any capital expenditures for improvements to the property minus any depreciation taken.

The date that the interest rate changes on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

The period elapsing between adjustment dates for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).

An analysis of a buyers ability to afford the purchase of a home. Reviews income, liabilities, and available funds, and considers the type of mortgage you plan to use, the area where you want to purchase a home, and the closing costs that are likely.

The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan, both principal and interest, by installments.

The length of time required to amortize the mortgage loan expressed as a number of months. For example, 360 months is the amortization term for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

The cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate including interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fees. This allows the buyer to compare loans, however APR should not be confused with the actual note rate.