Adjustable Rate - An interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index. Payments may increase or decrease accordingly.

Amortization - A repayment method in which the amount you borrow is repaid gradually though regular monthly payments of principal and interest. During the first few years, most of each payment is applied toward the interest owed. During the final years of the loan, payment amounts are applied almost exclusively to the remaining principal.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - The cost of credit on a yearly basis, expressed as a percentage. Includes up-front costs paid to obtain the loan, and is, therefore, usually a higher amount than the interest rate stipulated in the mortgage note. Does not include title insurance, appraisal, and credit report.

Application - An initial statement of personal and financial information, which is required to approve your loan.

Appraisal - A fee charged by an appraiser to render an opinion of market value as of a specific date. Required by most lenders to obtain a loan.

Balloon Payment - A lump sum payment for the unpaid balance of the loan.

Cap - The maximum allowable increase or decrease, for either payment or interest rate, for a specified amount of time on an adjustable rate mortgage.

Cash Out - Receiving money back when refinancing your present mortgage.

Ceiling - The maximum allowable interest rate over the life of the loan of an adjustable rate mortgage.

Closing Costs - Any fees paid by the borrowers or sellers during the closing of the mortgage loan. This normally includes attorney's fees, title insurance, survey, and any items that must be prepaid, such as taxes and insurance escrow payments.

Conforming Loan - Generally, a mortgage loan under $333,700 (for cooperatives, condominiums or single family houses) or higher for 2-4 family houses.

Contract of Sale - The agreement between the buyer and seller on the purchase price, terms, and conditions necessary to both parties to convey the title to the buyer.

Credit Limit - The maximum amount that you can borrow under a home equity plan.

Debt Service - The total amount of credit card, auto, mortgage or other debt upon which you must pay.

Deed of Trust - The agreement used to pledge your home or other real estate as security for a loan. Similar to a mortgage.

Discount Points (or Points) - The amount paid either to maintain or lower the interest rate. Each point is equal to one percent (1%) of the loan amount (i.e., two points on a $100,000 mortgage would equal $2,000).

Down Payment - The difference between the purchase price and that portion of the purchase price being financed. Most lenders require the down payment to be paid from the buyer's own funds. Gifts from related parties are sometimes acceptable, and must be disclosed to the lender.

Effective Interest Rate - The cost of credit on a yearly basis expressed as a percentage. Includes up-front costs paid to obtain the loan, and is, therefore, usually a higher amount than the interest rate stipulated in the mortgage note. Useful in comparing loan programs with different rates and points.

Equity - The difference between the fair market value (appraised value) of your home and your outstanding mortgage balance.

First Mortgage - A mortgage which is in first lien position, taking priority over all other liens (which are financial encumbrances).

Fixed Rate - An interest rate which is fixed for the term of the loan. Payments as well are fixed at one amount.

Good Faith Estimate - A written estimate of closing costs provided by the lender, and/or mortgage broker.

Grace Period - A period of time during which a loan payment may be paid after its due date but not incur a late penalty. Such late payments may be reported on your credit report.

Gross Income - For qualifying purposes, the income of the borrower before taxes or expenses are deducted.

Home Equity Line of Credit - A loan providing you with the ability to borrow funds at the time and in the amount you choose, up to a maximum credit limit for which you have qualified. Repayment is secured by the equity in your home. Simple interest (interest-only payments on the outstanding balance) is usually tax deductible. Often used for home improvements, major purchases or expenses, and debt consolidation.

Home Equity Loan - A fixed or adjustable rate loan obtained for a variety of purposes, secured by the equity in your home. Interest paid is usually tax deductible. Recommended by many to replace or substitute for consumer loans whose interest is not tax deductible, such as auto or boat loans, credit card debt, medical debt, and education loans.

Hazard Insurance - A contract between purchaser and an insurer, to compensate the insured for loss of property due to hazards (fire, hail damage, etc.), for a premium.

HUD 1 Settlement Statement - A form utilized at loan closing to itemize the costs associated with purchasing the home. Used universally by mandate of HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Index - A number, usually a percentage, upon which future interest rates for adjustable rate mortgages are based. Common indexes include the US Treasury Index and the European LIBOR index.

Interest Rate - The periodic charge, expressed as a percentage, for use of credit.

Jumbo Loan - Mortgage loans over $333,700 for cooperatives, condominiums and single family houses (higher limits for 2-4 family houses). Terms and underwriting requirements may vary from conforming loans.

Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) - A ratio determined by dividing the sales price or appraised value into the loan amount, expressed as a percentage. For example, with a sales price of $100,000 and a mortgage loan of $80,000, your loan to value ratio would be 80%. Loans with an LTV over 80% may require Private Mortgage Insurance, defined below.

Lock or Lock In - A commitment you obtain from a lender assuring you a particular interest rate or feature for a definite time period. Provides protection should interest rates rise between the time you apply for a loan, acquire loan approval, and, subsequently, close the loan and receive the funds you have borrowed.

Margin - An amount, usually a percentage, which is added to the index to determine the interest rate for adjustable rate mortgages.

Minimum Payment - The minimum amount that you must pay, usually monthly, on a home equity loan or line of credit. In some plans, the minimum payment may be "interest only," (simple interest). In other plans, the minimum payment may include principal and interest (amortized).

Mortgage Banker - Originates mortgage loans, loaning you their funds and closing the loan in their name.

Mortgage Broker - As do mortgage bankers, takes loan application and processes the necessary paperwork. Unlike a mortgage banker, brokers do not fund the loan with their own money, but work on behalf of several investors, such as mortgage bankers, large financial banks and investment bankers.

Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - Insurance purchased by the borrower to insure the lender or the government against loss should you default. PMI, or Private Mortgage Insurance, is paid on those loans which are not government-insured and whose LTV is greater than 80%. When you have accumulated 20% of your home's value as equity, your lender may waive PMI at your request.

Mortgage Loan - A loan which utilizes real estate as security or collateral to provide for repayment should you default on the terms of your loan. The mortgage or Deed of Trust is your agreement to pledge your home or other real estate as security.

Mortgagee - The lender in a mortgage loan transaction.

Mortgagor - The borrower in a mortgage loan transaction.

Negative Amortization - Amortization in which the payment made is insufficient to fund complete repayment of the loan at its termination. Usually occurs when the increase in the monthly payment is limited by a ceiling. The portion of the payment that should be paid is added to the remaining balance owed. The balance owed may increase, rather than decrease over the life of the loan.

PITI - Principal, interest, taxes and insurance, which comprise your total monthly mortgage payment.

Points - The amount paid either to maintain or lower the interest rate. Each point is equal to one percent (1%) of the loan amount (i.e., two points on a $100,000 mortgage would equal $2,000).

Prepayment Penalty - A fee paid to the lending institution for paying a loan prior to the scheduled maturity date.

Qualifying Ratios - Comparisons of a borrower's debts and gross monthly income. Used by lenders to determine your qualification for the requested loan.

Right to Rescission - The legal right to void or cancel your mortgage contract in such a way as to treat the contract as if it never existed. Right of rescission is not applicable to mortgages made to purchase a home, but may be applicable to other mortgages, such as home equity loans and refinances.

Servicing a Loan - The ongoing process of collecting your monthly mortgage payment, including accounting for and payment of your yearly tax and/or homeowners insurance bills.

Title - The written evidence that proves the right of ownership of a specific piece of property (not applicable to cooperatives).

Title Insurance - Protection for lenders or homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in the title (not applicable to cooperatives).

Underwriting - The process of verifying data and approving a loan.

Variable Rate - An interest rate that changes periodically in relation to an index. Payments may increase or decrease accordingly.