Home Purchase
We’re Here to Help
Here Are Some Tips to Get You Started
Everyone’s financial situation is different. To begin the loan process you need to answer these basic questions. How much money do you make monthly? What other monthly expenses do you have? What is your credit score? All of these questions and more need to be answered before you begin shopping for a new home. Working with an experienced professional at RSMC will keep this process simple.
Use our loan calculators to estimate your loan limits
By getting pre-qualified for a maximum loan amount, not only are you ensuring real estate agents and sellers alike that you have the means necessary to purchase the home they represent, but you are also setting the bar in your mind as you shop for your new home. Pre-qualification is a simple process and typically required prior to submitting an offer on a home. We are here to get you started.
For a list of information we will need to get you started, see suggested documents below.
There are many loan types to consider and just as many reasons why one loan type might be better for you than another. Your yearly income, the amount of funds you have available for a down payment, and your credit history help determine the types of loans available to you. Once we understand your financial situation, we can look at what type(s) of loans will perform most efficiently for you long term. There are many factors that ultimately impact your home loan obligation and the right loan type is square one.
As you can imagine, the more money you have upfront, the less you’re going to pay over time. The purchase price is the biggest weighing factor, of course, but different loan types require different down payments too. It is important to understand the types of loans that are available to you but also your current and long-term financial needs. For example, if you are buying a home but have no furniture to put in it, you may opt for a loan type that requires less of a down payment and enables you to maintain your cash reserves.
To explore the affects of different down payments, click here.
The following is a partial list of programs offered by Republic State Mortgage with a brief description of the key elements of each. It's good to understand some of the basic information about the available loan types, but our experienced loan officers will make suggestions based on your individual status. For a complete list of the programs that we offer, please contact us.
Depending on your employment type and the class of property or properties involved in the transaction, there are different requirements for information you will need to provide once you have expressed intent to proceed. See below for help in learning about the various documenation. Keep in mind, different loan programs require varying amounts of documentation so the one you ultimately select may require more or less information.
Are You a Salaried Employee?
This includes anyone who is compensated 100% by your employer through an annual salary. If you are looking to move forward with a home purchase or refinance soon, it is a good idea to start getting this information compiled. Luckily for you, we've created a easy checklist for you to print that will help you keep track of what documents you have and what you still need. Download & Print
- Past two (2) years W-2 statements
- Pay stubs covering the last thirty (30) days
- Three (3) most recent monthly bank statements
- Most recent transaction summary of 401K, IRA or Mutual Fund Accounts
- Photocopies of any stocks or certificates of deposits
- Copy of the purchase and sale agreement, if purchasing a home
- If you are currently renting, either 12 months canceled rent checks or the name and address of your current landlord
- If divorced, a fully executed divorce decree
- If refinancing, a copy of the deed and most recent tax bill
- A letter of explanation for any known credit problems
Documentation may be requested for the pre-qualification and pre-approval process. It is the policy of Republic State Mortgage Co. that once a complete application has been submitted to a mortgage professional, that no additional documentation will be required, but may be voluntarily provided by the consumer at his or her own free will.
Are You Self-Employed?
Anyone self-employed or who owns rental real estate will need two (2) years signed personal tax returns (including all schedules). If self-employed through a corporation, the last two years corporate returns as well as a year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet are also required once intent to proceed has been expressed.
Here is catalog of the various forms your Republic State Mortage loan officer may ask you to fill out along the way. They will lead you to this directory when necessary. We also supply some third-party handbooks on this page that will offer up-to-date facts and insight into the homebuying process.
DEPARTMENT OF HUD/ FHA DOCUMENTS
DEPARTMENT OF HUD/VA DOCUMENTS (Veterans)
TAXPAYER RELATED DOCUMENTS
- Request for Copy of Tax ID Number (Form w-9)
MORTGAGE APPLICATION HANDBOOKS
Use the calculators below to get an idea of various costs you could encounter along the way. These also allow you to play with different down payments, interest rates and more to weigh your options. Calculators are only meant to be used as an example. Your actual loan will be constructed from your individual situation and the numbers will more than likely vary from the results received here.
HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD?
Estimates a required salary for a desired mortgage. Calculate
HOW MUCH ARE MY PAYMENTS?
Calculates loan payments based on mortgage length, interest, loan amount, and annual tax and insurance. Calculate
COMPARE TWO DIFFERENT LOANS
Compares two different loans on one page. Calculate
Abstract (of title)
A written summary of the title history of a particular piece of real estate.
Acceleration Clause
A provision of a mortgage or note which provides that the entire outstanding balance will become due and payable in the event of default.
ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)
A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically, based on the movement of a financial index.
Amortization
Repayment of loan by installment payments. As the payments are made, the debt is reduced so that at the end of fixed period or term, no money will be owed.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
The annual percentage rate refers to the total cost of the loan, expressed as a yearly rate.
Application Fee
Part of the closing costs pre-paid to the lender at time of application to cover initial expenses.
Appraisal
A report made by a qualified person as to the value of a property as of a given date.
Assessed Value
The value placed on a piece of real estate by the taxing authority for the purpose of taxation. Also called an assessment.
Assumption of Mortgage
The purchaser takes over mortgage payments for the balance of the loan, assuming primary liability. Unless specifically released by the lender, the seller remains secondarily liable.
Balloon Mortgage
A mortgage with periodic payments that do not fully amortize the loan. The outstanding balance of the mortgage is due in a lump sum at the end of the term.
Bridge Loan
A short-term loan secured by the equity in an as-yet-unsold house, with the funds to be used for a down payment and/or closing costs on a new house. There is no payment of principal until the house is sold or the end of the loan term, whichever comes first. Interest payments may or may not be deferred until the house is sold.
Broker
The person who, for a commission or a fee, brings parties together and assists in negotiating contracts between them.
Buydown
Money advanced by an individual (e.g. builder, seller, buyer, lender, developer) to lower monthly mortgage payments for a few years or the whole term.
Cap (interest rate)
The maximum interest rate increase allowable on an adjustable rate mortgage. Does not result in negative amortization. See Negative amortization.
Cap (payment rate)
The maximum payment amount increase allowable on an adjustable rate mortgage. May result in negative amortization. See Negative amortization.
Certificate Of Title
A statement that shows ownership of property, stating that the seller has clear legal title.
Closing
The concluding day of the real estate transaction, when title and deed pass from seller to buyer, the buyer signs the mortgage and pays the purchase price and closing costs.
Closing Costs
Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. Also called ‘settlement costs.’
Closing Disclosure
A Closing Disclosure is a five-page form that provides final details about the mortgage loan you have selected. It includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, and how much you will pay in fees and other costs to get your mortgage (closing costs).
Closing Statement
A financial disclosure giving an account of all funds received and expected at closing, including the escrow deposit for taxes, hazard insurance and mortgage insurance for the escrow account.
Commission
An agent’s or broker’s fee for bringing the principals together and helping to negotiate a real estate transaction, often a percentage of the sales price or flat fee.
Commitment
An agreement, frequently in writing, between a lender and a borrower to loan money at a future date, subject to certain conditions.
Comparables
Refers to similar properties used for comparison purposes in the appraisal process. These properties will be reasonably the same size and location, with similar amenities and characteristics, so that the approximate fair market value of the subject property can be determined.
Condominium
Ownership of a single unit in a multiunit building or complex of buildings. Along with this goes a share of ownership of the common areas.
Contingency
A condition that must be met for a contract or a commitment to remain binding.
Conventional Mortgage
Any mortgage loan that is not insured by FHA, guaranteed by VA, of funded by a government authorized bond sale or grant.
Convey
To transfer real estate from one person to another.
Credit Report
The report to a prospective lender on the credit standing of a prospective borrower.
Deed
A legal written document by which title to property is transferred.
Default
Failure to fulfill the terms as agreed to in the mortgage of note.
Down Payment
The difference between the sale price of a property and the mortgage amount.
Due-On-Sale
A clause in a mortgage which gives the lender the right to require immediate repayment of a mortgage balance if the property changes hands.
Earnest Money
The deposit money given to seller or his agent by the potential buyer at the time of the purchase offer. If the offer is accepted, the money will become part of the down payment.
Easement
A right to the limited use of land owned by another. An electric company, for example, could have an easement to put up electric power lines over someone’s property.
Encumbrance
Anything that affects or limits the title to a property, such as outstanding mortgages, easement rights or unpaid property taxes.
Equity
The value in which the owner has in real estate over and above the mortgages against it. When the mortgage and all other debts against the property are paid in full, the owner has 100% equity in his or her property.
Escrow
Funds and/or deed left in trust to a third party. Generally, a portion of the monthly mortgage payment is held in escrow by the lender to pay for taxes, hazard insurance and yearly mortgage insurance premiums.
First Mortgage
A mortgage that has a primary lien against a property.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A mortgage with an interest rate and monthly payments that remain constant over the life of the loan.
Fixture
Property, such as a hot water heater or plumbing fixture, that has become permanently attached to piece of real estate and goes with the property when it is sold.
Flood Certification
An independent agency report required by the lender to determine whether a property is located in a flood hazard zone, which would then require a federally mandated flood insurance policy.
Foreclosure
A legal procedure in which property mortgaged as security for a loan is sold to pay the defaulting borrower’s debt.
Graduated Payment Mortgage
A fixed rate loan with monthly payments that start low, increasing by a fixed amount for a specific number of years. After that period, the payments typically remain constant for the duration of the loan.
Gross Income
Normal income, including overtime, prior to any payroll deductions, that is regular and dependable. This income may come from more than one source.
Hazard Insurance
Insurance protection against damage to a property from fire, windstorms, and other common hazards.
Homeowner’s Insurance
An insurance policy that covers the dwelling and its contents in case of fire or wind damage, theft, liability for property damage and personal liability.
Your Home Loan Toolkit
This is a resource revised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help make the mortgage process more understandable. It is a consumer-friendly booklet to help you think about, apply for and close on a mortgage.
HUD-1 Form
See Real Estate Settlement Statement.
Income Property
Real estate that is owned for investment purposes and not used as the owner’s residence.
Interest
A charge paid for the use of money.
Interim Financing
See Bridge Loan.
Land Contract
When the buyer agrees to make payments directly to the seller at pre-negotiated terms. The seller agrees to deed the property to the buyer upon completion of the agreement. The buyer becomes the owner of equity in this type of sale. (Also see Owner Financing.)
Lien
A legal claim on a property used as security for a debt.
Loan Estimate
A Loan Estimate is a three-page form that you receive after applying for a mortgage. The Loan Estimate tells you important details about the loan you have requested. The lender must provide you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application.
Loan-To-Value Ratio
The relationship between the amount of the mortgage and property value, usually shown as a percentage.
Market Value
The price at which a property will sell, assuming a knowledgeable buyer and seller, both operating without undue pressure.
Mortgage
A contract in which a borrower’s property is pledged as security for a loan which is to be repaid on an installment basis.
Mortgage Note
A written promise to pay a debt at a stated interest rate during a specified term. The agreement is secured by a mortgage.
Mortgage
The lender in a mortgage contract.
Mortgagor
The borrower in a mortgage contract.
Negative Amortization
A loan in which the outstanding principal balance goes up instead of down because the monthly payments are not large enough to cover the full amount of interest due. Also called deferred interest.
Offer to Purchase
A written proposal to buy a piece of real estate that becomes binding when accepted by the seller. Also called a sales contract.
Origination Fee
A fee charged for the work involved in the evaluation preparation and submission of a proposed mortgage loan.
Owner Financing
A purchase in which the seller provides all or part of the financing.
PITI
An acronym for payments to lender that cover principal, interest, taxes and insurance on a property.
Plat
A map of a piece of land showing boundary lines, streets, actual measurements and easements.
Point
A fee paid to the lender on closing day to increase the effective yield of the mortgage. A point is one percent of the amount of the mortgage loan. Also called a discount point.
Prepayment Penalty
A charge paid to the lender by the borrower if a mortgage loan is repaid before its term is over.
Pre-Approval
A commitment by a lender to extend credit provided that specific conditions are met.
Pre-Qualification
A preliminary assessment of a buyer’s ability to secure a loan, based on a specific set of lending guidelines and buyer representations made. This is not a guarantee or commitment by a lender to extend credit.
Prime Rate
The interest rate charged by banks to their preferred corporate customers. Tends to be an estimator for general trends in short term interest rates.
Principal
The amount borrowed or remaining unpaid; also, that part of the monthly payment that reduces the outstanding balance of a mortgage.PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Insurance written by a private mortgage insurance company to protect the lender against losses caused by mortgage default. This is commonly required on loan transactions involving less than a 20% down payment or equity position.
Qualifying Ratios
Guidelines used by lenders to determine how much of a loan a home buyer qualifies for. Often referred to as debt-to-income ratios (or DTI).
Real Estate Settlement Statement
Final settlement statement often referred to as the HUD-1 form, used to itemize buyer, seller, broker, and lender charges and credits at closing.
Realtor
A real estate broker or sales associate affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.
Recording Fee
The charges made by the register of deeds to record the legal documents.
Refinancing
Repaying a debt with the proceeds of a new loan, using the same property as collateral or security.
Second Mortgage
A loan issued on property that is already encumbered by an existing mortgage (ie: the first mortgage). The second mortgage is subordinate to the first.
Secondary Mortgage Market
The market wherein home loans are sold by the lender after closing to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or a variety of other institutional investors.
Survey
A map prepared by an engineer or surveyor charting a particular piece of real estate.
Title
Ownership of a property. A clear title is one without any outstanding liens or encumbrances. A cloud on title refers to any outstanding liens or encumbrances which could impair the title.
Title Insurance Policy
A policy designed to protect the buyer or lender after closing from financial losses arising from any defects in the title that may have occurred prior to purchase.
Title Search
A check of public record to disclose the past and current facts regarding ownership of a particular piece of property.
Total Interest Percentage
The TIP tells you how much interest you will pay over the life of your mortgage loan, compared to the amount you borrowed. The total interest percentage is calculated by adding up all of the scheduled interest payments, then dividing the total by the loan amount to get a percentage. The calculation assumes that you will make all your payments as scheduled. The calculation also assumes that you will keep the loan for the entire loan term.
Total of Payments
The “total of payments” is found on page 5 of the Closing Disclosure form in the “Loan Calculations” section. This number tells you the total amount of money you will have paid over the life of your mortgage. This total includes principal, interest, mortgage insurance (if applicable), and loan costs. It assumes that you make each monthly payment as agreed – no more and no less – until the end of the loan.
Transfer Tax
In some areas city, county or state taxes imposed when property passes from one person to another.
Truth-In-Lending
Federal law that requires lenders to disclose the terms and conditions of a mortgage, including the APR, based on certain charges incurred by the borrower. If the charges were $0, the APR would be equal to that actual interest rate on the loan. This is also known as a TILA (Truth in Lending Act)
Underwriting
The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender.
Your Home Loan Toolkit
This is a resource revised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help make the mortgage process more understandable. It is a consumer-friendly booklet to help you think about, apply for and close on a mortgage.
The following is a partial list of programs offered by Republic State Mortgage with a brief description of the key elements of each. It's good to understand some of the basic information about the available loan types, but our experienced loan officers will make suggestions based on your individual status. For a complete list of the programs that we offer, please contact us.
Depending on your employment type and the class of property or properties involved in the transaction, there are different requirements for information you will need to provide once you have expressed intent to proceed. See below for help in learning about the various documenation. Keep in mind, different loan programs require varying amounts of documentation so the one you ultimately select may require more or less information.
Are You a Salaried Employee?
This includes anyone who is compensated 100% by your employer through an annual salary. If you are looking to move forward with a home purchase or refinance soon, it is a good idea to start getting this information compiled. Luckily for you, we've created a easy checklist for you to print that will help you keep track of what documents you have and what you still need. Download & Print
- Past two (2) years W-2 statements
- Pay stubs covering the last thirty (30) days
- Three (3) most recent monthly bank statements
- Most recent transaction summary of 401K, IRA or Mutual Fund Accounts
- Photocopies of any stocks or certificates of deposits
- Copy of the purchase and sale agreement, if purchasing a home
- If you are currently renting, either 12 months canceled rent checks or the name and address of your current landlord
- If divorced, a fully executed divorce decree
- If refinancing, a copy of the deed and most recent tax bill
- A letter of explanation for any known credit problems
Documentation may be requested for the pre-qualification and pre-approval process. It is the policy of Republic State Mortgage Co. that once a complete application has been submitted to a mortgage professional, that no additional documentation will be required, but may be volunatrily provided by the consumer at his or her own free will.
Are You Self-Employed?
Anyone self-employed or who owns rental real estate will need two (2) years signed personal tax returns (including all schedules). If self-employed through a corporation, the last two years corporate returns as well as a year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet are also required once intent to proceed has been expressed.
Here is catalog of the various forms your Republic State Mortage loan officer may ask you to fill out along the way. They will lead you to this directory when necessary. We also supply some third-party handbooks on this page that will offer up-to-date facts and insight into the homebuying process.
DEPARTMENT OF HUD/ FHA DOCUMENTS
DEPARTMENT OF HUD/VA DOCUMENTS (Veterans)
TAXPAYER RELATED DOCUMENTS
- Request for Copy of Tax ID Number (Form w-9)
MORTGAGE APPLICATION HANDBOOKS
Use the calculators below to get an idea of various costs you could encounter along the way. These also allow you to play with different down payments, interest rates and more to weigh your options. Calculators are only meant to be used as an example. Your actual loan will be constructed from your individual situation and the numbers will more than likely vary from the results received here.
HOW MUCH CAN I AFFORD?
Estimates a required salary for a desired mortgage. Calculate
HOW MUCH ARE MY PAYMENTS?
Calculates loan payments based on mortgage length, interest, loan amount, and annual tax and insurance. Calculate
COMPARE TWO DIFFERENT LOANS
Compares two different loans on one page. Calculate
Abstract (of title)
A written summary of the title history of a particular piece of real estate.
Acceleration Clause
A provision of a mortgage or note which provides that the entire outstanding balance will become due and payable in the event of default.
ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)
A mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically, based on the movement of a financial index.
Amortization
Repayment of loan by installment payments. As the payments are made, the debt is reduced so that at the end of fixed period or term, no money will be owed.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
The annual percentage rate refers to the total cost of the loan, expressed as a yearly rate.
Application Fee
Part of the closing costs pre-paid to the lender at time of application to cover initial expenses.
Appraisal
A report made by a qualified person as to the value of a property as of a given date.
Assessed Value
The value placed on a piece of real estate by the taxing authority for the purpose of taxation. Also called an assessment.
Assumption of Mortgage
The purchaser takes over mortgage payments for the balance of the loan, assuming primary liability. Unless specifically released by the lender, the seller remains secondarily liable.
Balloon Mortgage
A mortgage with periodic payments that do not fully amortize the loan. The outstanding balance of the mortgage is due in a lump sum at the end of the term.
Bridge Loan
A short-term loan secured by the equity in an as-yet-unsold house, with the funds to be used for a down payment and/or closing costs on a new house. There is no payment of principal until the house is sold or the end of the loan term, whichever comes first. Interest payments may or may not be deferred until the house is sold.
Broker
The person who, for a commission or a fee, brings parties together and assists in negotiating contracts between them.
Buydown
Money advanced by an individual (e.g. builder, seller, buyer, lender, developer) to lower monthly mortgage payments for a few years or the whole term.
Cap (interest rate)
The maximum interest rate increase allowable on an adjustable rate mortgage. Does not result in negative amortization. See Negative amortization.
Cap (payment rate)
The maximum payment amount increase allowable on an adjustable rate mortgage. May result in negative amortization. See Negative amortization.
Certificate Of Title
A statement that shows ownership of property, stating that the seller has clear legal title.
Closing
The concluding day of the real estate transaction, when title and deed pass from seller to buyer, the buyer signs the mortgage and pays the purchase price and closing costs.
Closing Costs
Expenses (over and above the price of the property) incurred by buyers and sellers in transferring ownership of a property. Also called ‘settlement costs.’
Closing Disclosure
A Closing Disclosure is a five-page form that provides final details about the mortgage loan you have selected. It includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, and how much you will pay in fees and other costs to get your mortgage (closing costs).
Closing Statement
A financial disclosure giving an account of all funds received and expected at closing, including the escrow deposit for taxes, hazard insurance and mortgage insurance for the escrow account.
Commission
An agent’s or broker’s fee for bringing the principals together and helping to negotiate a real estate transaction, often a percentage of the sales price or flat fee.
Commitment
An agreement, frequently in writing, between a lender and a borrower to loan money at a future date, subject to certain conditions.
Comparables
Refers to similar properties used for comparison purposes in the appraisal process. These properties will be reasonably the same size and location, with similar amenities and characteristics, so that the approximate fair market value of the subject property can be determined.
Condominium
Ownership of a single unit in a multiunit building or complex of buildings. Along with this goes a share of ownership of the common areas.
Contingency
A condition that must be met for a contract or a commitment to remain binding.
Conventional Mortgage
Any mortgage loan that is not insured by FHA, guaranteed by VA, of funded by a government authorized bond sale or grant.
Convey
To transfer real estate from one person to another.
Credit Report
The report to a prospective lender on the credit standing of a prospective borrower.
Deed
A legal written document by which title to property is transferred.
Default
Failure to fulfill the terms as agreed to in the mortgage of note.
Down Payment
The difference between the sale price of a property and the mortgage amount.
Due-On-Sale
A clause in a mortgage which gives the lender the right to require immediate repayment of a mortgage balance if the property changes hands.
Earnest Money
The deposit money given to seller or his agent by the potential buyer at the time of the purchase offer. If the offer is accepted, the money will become part of the down payment.
Easement
A right to the limited use of land owned by another. An electric company, for example, could have an easement to put up electric power lines over someone’s property.
Encumbrance
Anything that affects or limits the title to a property, such as outstanding mortgages, easement rights or unpaid property taxes.
Equity
The value in which the owner has in real estate over and above the mortgages against it. When the mortgage and all other debts against the property are paid in full, the owner has 100% equity in his or her property.
Escrow
Funds and/or deed left in trust to a third party. Generally, a portion of the monthly mortgage payment is held in escrow by the lender to pay for taxes, hazard insurance and yearly mortgage insurance premiums.
First Mortgage
A mortgage that has a primary lien against a property.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A mortgage with an interest rate and monthly payments that remain constant over the life of the loan.
Fixture
Property, such as a hot water heater or plumbing fixture, that has become permanently attached to piece of real estate and goes with the property when it is sold.
Flood Certification
An independent agency report required by the lender to determine whether a property is located in a flood hazard zone, which would then require a federally mandated flood insurance policy.
Foreclosure
A legal procedure in which property mortgaged as security for a loan is sold to pay the defaulting borrower’s debt.
Graduated Payment Mortgage
A fixed rate loan with monthly payments that start low, increasing by a fixed amount for a specific number of years. After that period, the payments typically remain constant for the duration of the loan.
Gross Income
Normal income, including overtime, prior to any payroll deductions, that is regular and dependable. This income may come from more than one source.
Hazard Insurance
Insurance protection against damage to a property from fire, windstorms, and other common hazards.
Homeowner’s Insurance
An insurance policy that covers the dwelling and its contents in case of fire or wind damage, theft, liability for property damage and personal liability.
Your Home Loan Toolkit
This is a resource revised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help make the mortgage process more understandable. It is a consumer-friendly booklet to help you think about, apply for and close on a mortgage.
HUD-1 Form
See Real Estate Settlement Statement.
Income Property
Real estate that is owned for investment purposes and not used as the owner’s residence.
Interest
A charge paid for the use of money.
Interim Financing
See Bridge Loan.
Land Contract
When the buyer agrees to make payments directly to the seller at pre-negotiated terms. The seller agrees to deed the property to the buyer upon completion of the agreement. The buyer becomes the owner of equity in this type of sale. (Also see Owner Financing.)
Lien
A legal claim on a property used as security for a debt.
Loan Estimate
A Loan Estimate is a three-page form that you receive after applying for a mortgage. The Loan Estimate tells you important details about the loan you have requested. The lender must provide you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application.
Loan-To-Value Ratio
The relationship between the amount of the mortgage and property value, usually shown as a percentage.
Market Value
The price at which a property will sell, assuming a knowledgeable buyer and seller, both operating without undue pressure.
Mortgage
A contract in which a borrower’s property is pledged as security for a loan which is to be repaid on an installment basis.
Mortgage Note
A written promise to pay a debt at a stated interest rate during a specified term. The agreement is secured by a mortgage.
Mortgage
The lender in a mortgage contract.
Mortgagor
The borrower in a mortgage contract.
Negative Amortization
A loan in which the outstanding principal balance goes up instead of down because the monthly payments are not large enough to cover the full amount of interest due. Also called deferred interest.
Offer to Purchase
A written proposal to buy a piece of real estate that becomes binding when accepted by the seller. Also called a sales contract.
Origination Fee
A fee charged for the work involved in the evaluation preparation and submission of a proposed mortgage loan.
Owner Financing
A purchase in which the seller provides all or part of the financing.
PITI
An acronym for payments to lender that cover principal, interest, taxes and insurance on a property.
Plat
A map of a piece of land showing boundary lines, streets, actual measurements and easements.
Point
A fee paid to the lender on closing day to increase the effective yield of the mortgage. A point is one percent of the amount of the mortgage loan. Also called a discount point.
Prepayment Penalty
A charge paid to the lender by the borrower if a mortgage loan is repaid before its term is over.
Pre-Approval
A commitment by a lender to extend credit provided that specific conditions are met.
Pre-Qualification
A preliminary assessment of a buyer’s ability to secure a loan, based on a specific set of lending guidelines and buyer representations made. This is not a guarantee or commitment by a lender to extend credit.
Prime Rate
The interest rate charged by banks to their preferred corporate customers. Tends to be an estimator for general trends in short term interest rates.
Principal
The amount borrowed or remaining unpaid; also, that part of the monthly payment that reduces the outstanding balance of a mortgage.PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Insurance written by a private mortgage insurance company to protect the lender against losses caused by mortgage default. This is commonly required on loan transactions involving less than a 20% down payment or equity position.
Qualifying Ratios
Guidelines used by lenders to determine how much of a loan a home buyer qualifies for. Often referred to as debt-to-income ratios (or DTI).
Real Estate Settlement Statement
Final settlement statement often referred to as the HUD-1 form, used to itemize buyer, seller, broker, and lender charges and credits at closing.
Realtor
A real estate broker or sales associate affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.
Recording Fee
The charges made by the register of deeds to record the legal documents.
Refinancing
Repaying a debt with the proceeds of a new loan, using the same property as collateral or security.
Second Mortgage
A loan issued on property that is already encumbered by an existing mortgage (ie: the first mortgage). The second mortgage is subordinate to the first.
Secondary Mortgage Market
The market wherein home loans are sold by the lender after closing to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or a variety of other institutional investors.
Survey
A map prepared by an engineer or surveyor charting a particular piece of real estate.
Title
Ownership of a property. A clear title is one without any outstanding liens or encumbrances. A cloud on title refers to any outstanding liens or encumbrances which could impair the title.
Title Insurance Policy
A policy designed to protect the buyer or lender after closing from financial losses arising from any defects in the title that may have occurred prior to purchase.
Title Search
A check of public record to disclose the past and current facts regarding ownership of a particular piece of property.
Total Interest Percentage
The TIP tells you how much interest you will pay over the life of your mortgage loan, compared to the amount you borrowed. The total interest percentage is calculated by adding up all of the scheduled interest payments, then dividing the total by the loan amount to get a percentage. The calculation assumes that you will make all your payments as scheduled. The calculation also assumes that you will keep the loan for the entire loan term.
Total of Payments
The “total of payments” is found on page 5 of the Closing Disclosure form in the “Loan Calculations” section. This number tells you the total amount of money you will have paid over the life of your mortgage. This total includes principal, interest, mortgage insurance (if applicable), and loan costs. It assumes that you make each monthly payment as agreed – no more and no less – until the end of the loan.
Transfer Tax
In some areas city, county or state taxes imposed when property passes from one person to another.
Truth-In-Lending
Federal law that requires lenders to disclose the terms and conditions of a mortgage, including the APR, based on certain charges incurred by the borrower. If the charges were $0, the APR would be equal to that actual interest rate on the loan. This is also known as a TILA (Truth in Lending Act)
Underwriting
The process of evaluating a loan application to determine the risk involved for the lender.
Your Home Loan Toolkit
This is a resource revised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help make the mortgage process more understandable. It is a consumer-friendly booklet to help you think about, apply for and close on a mortgage.
