The date when both parties, seller and buyer, have agreed to and completed signing and/or initialing the contract.
 

A mortgage that permits the lender to adjust the mortgage's interest rate periodically on the basis of changes in a specified index. Interest rates may move up or down, as market conditions change.

An estimate of real estate value, usually issued to standards of FHA, VA and FHMA. Recent comparable sales in the neighborhood is the most important factor in determining value

An increase in the value of a property due to changes in market conditions or other causes. The opposite of depreciation.

Purchaser takes ownership to real estate encumbered by an existing mortgage and assumes responsibility as the guarantor for the unpaid balance of the mortgage.
 

Document used to transfer title (ownership) of PERSONAL property.

Any condition that affects the clear title to real property.

Anything of value to induce another to enter into a contract, i.e., money, services, a promise.

 A provision placed in contract which requires the completion of a certain act or the happening of a particular event before a contract is binding.

A written instrument, which when properly executed and delivered, conveys title to real property.

A loan fee charged by a lender of FHA, VA or conventional loans to increase the yield on the investment. One point = 1% of the loan amount.

The right to use the land of another.

Anything that burdens (limits) the title to property, such as a lien, easement, or restriction of any kind.

The value of real estate over and above the liens against it. It is obtained by subtracting the total liens from the value.

That portion of a mortgagor’s monthly payment held in trust by the lender to pay for taxes, hazard insurance and other items as they become due.

Nickname for Federal National Mortgage Corporation (FNMA), a tax-paying corporation created by congress to support the secondary mortgages insured by FHA or guaranteed by VA, as well as conventional loans.

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.

A mortgage under which the Federal Housing Administration insures loans made, according to its regulations.

A loan that fixes the interest rate at a prescribed rate for the duration of the loan.

Procedure whereby property pledged as security for a debt is sold to pay the debt in the event of default

Nickname for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), a federally controlled and operated corporation to support the secondary mortgage market. It purchases and sells residential conventional home mortgages.

Any loan where the borrower pays a portion of the interest due each month during the first few years of the loan. The payment increases gradually during the first few years to the amount necessary to fully amortize the loan during its life.

Home Owners Association

Buyer makes a deposit for future purchases of a property with the right to lease property in the interim.

A contract, which gives one the right to lease property at a certain sum with the option to purchase at a future date.

The ratio of the mortgage loan principal (amount borrowed) to the property’s appraised value (selling price). Example – on a $100,000 home, with a mortgage loan principal of $80,000 the loan to value ratio is 80%.

A legal document that pledges a property to the lender as security for payment of a debt.

The amount paid by a mortgagor for mortgage insurance. This insurance protects the investor from possible loss in the event of a borrower’s default on a loan.

A written promise to pay a certain amount of money.

A fee paid to a lender for services provided when granting a loan, usually a percentage of the face amount of the loan.

See Mortgage Insurance Premium.

An additional loan imposed on a property with a first mortgage. Generally, a higher interest rate and shorter term than a “first” mortgage.
 

A financial statement rendered to the buyer and seller at the time of transfer of ownership, giving an account of all funds received or expended.

Ownership by one person only. Sole ownership.

Ownership by two or more persons who hold an undivided interest without right of survivorship. (In event of the death of one owner, his/her share will pass to his/her heirs.

An insurance policy that protects the insured (buyer or lender) against loss arising from defects in the title.