There are many words that we use to describe everything from how a loan matures to various documents and programs that may be unfamiliar to you. I will explain some of the terms that we use most often in mortgage lending to help you gain a better understanding of some of the terminology you may hear when acquiring a mortgage.

Amortization - The repayment of principal from scheduled mortgage payments exceeding the interest due. By subtracting the interest from the scheduled payment, you will obtain the amortization.

Balance - The amount of the original loan that remains to be paid. By subtracting the sum of all prior payments from the loan amount, you will obtain the balance.

Cash-In Refinance  - Paying down the loan balance to reduce loan-to-value ratio in a refinance transaction. This is often done to help the borrower qualify for a lower interest rate or reduced mortgage premium.

Debt Consolidation  - The process of using a new, more favorable loan to pay off several unsecured debts.

Equity - The difference between the value of the home and the balance of outstanding mortgage loans on the home.

Fannie Mae &  Freddie Mac - Two government agencies that purchase mortgages from lenders and resell them to investors.

Grace Period  - The period of time where a loan payment may be made after its due date without incurring a late penalty.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A loan against your home where the lender agrees to give a buyer a line of credit. The collateral is the borrower's equity in his or her house. Generally, a HELOC is a second lien / mortgage behind the borrower's first mortgage.

Interest Accrual Period - The period in which the interest due to the mortgage lender is calculated.

Jumbo Loan  - A mortgage greater than Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's conforming loan limit, which is generally $424,000. (depending on what area of the country you're in, loan amount may vary)

Knowledge - A good mortgage planner will know all of their mortgage guidelines. It is important to hire someone who knows and understands the mortgage industry.

Loan-to-Value Ratio - The mortgage loan amount divided by either the selling price or appraised value of the home, whichever is less.

Maturity - The period of time until the last payment is due on a loan. In most cases, this is the term of the loan.

Note - Legal statement showing the terms of debt and a promise to repay it.

Origination Fee  - A fee that a lender charges for evaluating and processing the loan. This is usually expressed as a percentage.

Payment Period - The frequency with which the borrower is obligated to make payments. In most cases, the payment period is monthly.

Qualifying Ratio - The comparison of a borrower's expenses, such as housing or debt to their income.

Refinancing  - The act of paying off a loan with the funds from a new loan on the same property.

Start Rate - A pre-determined interest rate that will be applied to a loan until the date of the first interest rate change.

Term - The number of years until a loan is to be fully paid off.

Underwriting  - Verifying data and evaluating a borrower's loan application. The underwriter gives the final approval of the loan.

VA Loan  - Home loans that are available to U.S. veterans and are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Walkthrough - The final inspection of a home to inspect for damages or problems that may need to be fixed before closing.

e Xtraordinary Operations Department - Make sure that the company you choose for your loan has a talented processing and underwriting team.

Year-End Statement - A report showing how much interested was paid during the year and the remaining mortgage balance owed.

Zoning Ordinances - Local laws that determine building codes and regulations on the use of a property.

As your Mortgage Planner, I am happy to answer questions that you may have and provide you with more insight on loan programs that may be of interest to you. Call me today to set up a time when we can meet to discuss your home mortgage needs!