We are truly passionate about our profession and the result is that nearly one hundred per cent (100%) of our business is by referral from satisfied clients, trusted financial advisors and the most experienced Realtors in the country. Our mission is to guide you through the entire home loan process, so that you feel confident about the options available for your financing strategy. With many years and a wide range of experience in the mortgage industry, our dedicated team will stand ready to assist you every step of the way.
The following glossary of terms should help you translate the mortgage language into English and help you make sense of the mortgage process.
A-D E-H I-P Q-ZAn expert opinion on the value of a property
This is not the note rate applied for, but rather is a government mandated formula that shows the cost of the loan in a yearly rate by using the note rate plus certain other upfront costs.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Mortgage characterized by an interest rate that can adjust up or down at certain intervals based on a current index (commonly the 1 year T-Bill) plus a preset margin.
Mortgage characterized by level fixed payments for a predetermined time frame followed by either a refinance or adjustment in interest rate.
The tax paid upon certain types of real estate transactions. Contact accountant for specifics.
The amount needed from the borrower at closing. Consists of down payment, closing costs and prepaid items. This amount needs to be in the form of a cashier check made payable to the buyer.
Date stated on the purchase agreement that buyer and seller agree to finalize or close the transaction.
Various costs of setting up and funding the transaction - including closing fee, title insurance, appraisal fees, underwriting fee, mortgage registration tax etc.
Property types that usually have the following characteristics: they are attached, have a homeowners association and dues, the outside maintenance is taken care of by the association, and common areas and amenities available to all owners in the association.
Standard, non-government financing.
Agencies that provide compilations of your credit history. The three main credit bureaus are Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax.
Report provided by the credit bureaus which shows the history, current status, and profile of an individual.
The number generated by the credit bureaus which is a numerical representation of the subjects credit profile, range is from 450 on the low side to 900 being the highest score possible.
Ratio of debt to pretax income, often expressed as a front (housing payment only) or back (all debt) ratios. Ex- $5000 monthly income, $1400 housing payment, $1700 total debt would equal ratios of 28%/34%.
One point equals one percent of the loan amount. Points are used to lower the interest rate. One point does not equate into lowering the interest rate one percent. Generally lowering the interest rate 1/8 will cost about 1/2 point, although this can vary based on daily pricing. Typically is tax deductible.
Difference between loan amount and purchase price.
Deposit toward down payment submitted with a purchase agreement as evidence of the buyers commitment.
PO Box 740243
Atlanta, GA 30374
(800) 685-1111
The portion of the monthly payment that is not applied to principal or interest, but rather is used to pay mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance and property taxes.
PO Box 2002,
Allen, TX 75013-3742
(888) 397-3742
Short name for the Federal National Mortgage Association. One of the main Government Sponsored Agencies which are the companies who sell mortgage backed bonds to investors. They are the ultimate source of the money that we lend. Fannie Mae protects its investors by issuing underwriting guidelines that are to be followed to ensure quality lending.
Short name for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation - see above.
Government backed minimum down financing program which has a lower mortgage insurance premium and greater credit leeway as compared to conventional minimum down programs.
Most common type of financing. Terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. Interest rate and P&I payment remains constant throughout life of loan.
Not locking in a rate, but rather choosing to float the interest rate as the market moves up or down.
Required document on all loans. Confirms if the property is in or out of a FEMA designated flood zone.
Generally only applies to new construction. Monies held from the seller to provide payment for repairs or non completed items.
Document prepared by lender which estimates and delineates the various fees and closing costs associated with the home purchase.
Financing provided from government agencies such as FHA, VA etc.
Home Equity Line of Credit. Second mortgage product, generally characterized by interest only payments and the ability to draw, pay back, and redraw.
Not required by lender. This is a private inspection done by the buyers choice to confirm that the property is in acceptable condition.
Amount paid by owner of a townhome or condo to cover various amenities or services provided by the homeowners association (examples -- common areas, hazard insurance, garbage, mowing, snow removal).
Insurance which covers damage or loss to the property. The premium is usually paid into an escrow account held by the mortgage company, which then pays the insurance company once a year.
Document prepared by title company at closing which shows where all of the money in the transaction was coming from and going to.
Loan with an initial balance greater than $300,700
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