Many of the terms used in the real estate business are unfamiliar  or confusing . We offer this short glossary of common real estate terms to help cut through the fog. 

Index

Abstract (of Title)

A historical summary of all the recorded transactions that affect the title to the property. An attorney or a title company will review an abstract of title to determine if there are any problems affecting the title to the property. All such problems must be cleared before the buyer can be issued a clear and insurable title.

Acceleration Clause

A loan provision giving the lender the power to declare all sums owing lender immediately due and payable upon the violation of a specific loan provision, such as the sale of the property, or the failure to make loan payments on time.

Agreement of Sale

A written signed agreement between the seller and the purchaser in which the purchaser agrees to buy certain real estate and the seller agrees to sell upon terms of the agreement. Also known as contract of purchase, purchase agreement, offer and acceptance, earnest money contract or sales agreement.

Acknowledgment

Formal declaration before a public official (typically a Notary Public) that one has signed a document. Required before recording real estate legal documents, such as a deeds of trust.

Acre

A measure of land equal to 43,560 square feet.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Also known as a variable rate mortgage. A mortgage in which the interest rate changes (usually upward) over time.

Adjustment Period

This is the length of time for which the interest rate is fixed on an adjustable. Therefore if the adjustment period is six months, then the interest rate will remain fixed for six months, after which it will adjust.

Amortization

A gradual paying off of a debt by periodic installments which pay principal and interest.

Annual Percentage Rate - APR

The effective rate of interest for a loan per year. This rate is typically higher than the note rate because it takes into account closing costs. This is one way to compare loan programs offered by different lenders. Caution : the APR is sometimes computed differently by different lenders and can be misleading.

Appraisal

An opinion or estimate of the value of a property at a given date.

Arm's length transaction

A transaction among parties each of who acts in his or her own best interest.

Example : A transaction between a father and his son would NOT be an an Arm's length transaction

Assessment

A local tax levied against a property for a specific purpose such as street lights.

Assumable Mortgage

A mortgage loan which allows a new home buyer to take over the obligation of making loan payments with no change in the terms of the loan. Assumable loans do not have a due-on-sale clause. The lender has to be notified and agree to the assumption. The lender may require the buyer to qualify for the loan and may charge an assumption fee. The seller should obtain a written release from the lender stating clearly that he/she is no longer liable to make mortgage payments. See also "Subject To".

Attorney In Fact

One who is authorized to act for another under a power of attorney which may be general or limited in scope.

Example : John wants to sell his house but has to be out of the country for 4 months. John gives authorization to Mary to sign the grant deed to sell the property to a buyer. Mary becomes John's Attorney In Fact.

Balloon (payment) Mortgage

Usually a short-term fixed-rate loan which involves small payments for a certain period of time and one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the contract.

Example : A balloon mortgage for $25,000 has interest only payments for 5 years at 12% ($250 per month), with the full principal of $25,000 due and payable after 5 years.

Bankruptcy

The financial inability to pay one's debts when due. The debtor surrenders his assets to the bankruptcy court. An individual typically files for Chapter 7 (all debts wiped out) or Chapter 13 (establishes a payment plan to pay off debts). A bankruptcy stays on an individual's credit report for 7 years.

Beneficiary

The person who receives or is to receive the benefits resulting from certain acts.

Example : The lender is named as the beneficiary on a mortgage loan.

Example : John has a life insurance policy for $100,000 with Jane as his beneficiary. Should John die - Jane will receive the benefits i.e. $100,000.

Binder

Definition #1: A title insurance binder is the written commitment of a title insurance company to insure title to the property subject to the conditions and exclusions shown on the binder.

Definition #2: Preliminary agreement, normally secured with earnest money, between a buyer and a seller as an offer to purchase real estate.

Bi-weekly Mortgage

A mortgage which requires 1/2 the normal monthly payment every two weeks. Over the course of the year, 26 half payments are made which is equivalent to 13 full mortgage payments. As a result of this extra payment the loan amortizes much faster than a loan with normal monthly payments.

Blanket Mortgage

A mortgage covering more than one piece of property.

Example : A developer subdivides a tract of land into lots and obtains a blanket mortgage on the whole tract.

Bond

1. A debt instrument in the capital markets. The U.S. government, corporations and municipalities use bonds to raise money. Bonds can also be backed by mortgages. The best known bond is the 30-year treasury bond issued by the U.S. government.

2. A sum of money given to a court to guarantee against a loss. For example if there is a lien on a property, the owner may remove the lien by posting a bond.

Borrower (Mortgagor)

One who applies for a loan secured by real estate and is responsible for repaying the loan (mortgage).

Bridge Loan

An interim loan typically used when the buyer is unable to sell his/her house but needs money to close the transaction on the house he/she is buying. The bridge loan is made on the buyers current residence to finance the buyers new residence. The loan is paid off when the buyers current residence is sold.

Broker

See Real Estate Broker or Mortgage Broker.

Buydown

Obtaining a lower interest rate (buying down the rate) by paying additional points to the lender. The lower rate may apply for the full duration of the loan or for just the first few years. A buydown may be used to qualify a borrower who would otherwise not qualify . This is because a buydown results in lower payments which are easier to qualify for.

Example : A very popular buydown is the 2-1 buydown. If the interest rate on the note is 9%, the buydown results in the rate being 7% (9%-2%) for the first year, 8% (9%-1%) for the second year, and 9% thereafter.

Buyers Broker

An agent hired by a buyer to locate a property for purchase. The broker represents the buyer and negotiates with the sellers broker for the best possible deal for the buyer.

Buyers Market

Market conditions that favor buyers i.e. there are more sellers than buyers in the market. As a result buyers have ample choice of properties and may negotiate lower prices. Buyers markets may be caused by an economic slump or overbuilding.

Bylaws

A set of regulations by which an organization conducts its business.

Example : A condominium association prepares bylaws that state the minimum number of owners to conduct a meeting to decide policies.

Capital Gains

Profit earned from the sale of real estate. A seller may defer taxes on the capital gain of his/her primary residence by buying a higher priced residence within 2 years.

Cash Flow

The amount of cash derived over a certain period of time from an income-producing property. The cash flow should be large enough to pay the expenses of the income producing property (mortgage payment, maintenance, utilities, etc.).

Caveat Emptor

A legal term meaning "let buyer beware". The buyer must examine the property and buy at his/her own risk.

Example : A property may be offered in an "as is" condition with no expressed or implied guarantee of quality or condition.

CC&Rs - Covenants, conditions, and restrictions.

The basic rules establishing the rights and obligations of owners of real property within a condominium, townhouse, Planned Unit Development (PUD), subdivision or other tract of land. An association is organized for the purpose of operating and maintaining property commonly owned by the individual owners. The association is normally made up of property owners.

Certificate of Eligibility

The document issued by the Veterans Administration to those that qualify for a VA loan which may be used to buy a house with 0 down. Certificates of eligibility may be obtained by sending the form DD-214 to the local VA office along with VA form 1880.

Certificate of Reasonable Value (CRV)

An appraisal performed by an VA approved appraiser which establishes the property's current market value. This value establishes the ceiling on the maximum VA mortgage loan principal.

Certificate of Occupancy

Document issued by a local governmental agency that states a property meets the local building standards for occupancy and is in compliance with public health and building codes. This document is normally required by a lender prior to closing the loan.

Certificate of Title

An opinion rendered by an attorney as to the status of title to a property, according to the public records. This certificate does not the same level of protection as title insurance.

Chain of Title

The chronological order of conveyance of a parcel of land from the original owner to the present owner.

Example : An abstractor can research title to property going back to the date that the property was granted to the United States.

Clear Title

A marketable title, free of clouds and disputed interests. Most lenders require a clear title prior to closing.

Closing

1. The act of transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer in accordance with a sales contract.

2. The time when a closing takes place.

Closing Costs

Expenses incurred by the buyer and seller in a real estate or mortgage transaction. There are two types of costs : recurring and non recurring.

Non-recurring costs are one time transactional costs which include

• Discount and origination points
• Lender fees - underwriting, processing, document preparations, flood certificate, tax service, wire transfer, courier, etc.
• Title insurance fees
• Escrow, attorney or closing agent fees
• Recording fees
• Inspection and appraisal fees
• Real estate brokerage commissions

Recurring fees are costs associated with owning the property and they recur month after month. These costs may include hazard insurance, interest, property taxes, mortgage insurance (PMI), and association fees. A pro-rated amount of these fees may have to be paid at closing including

• Pre-paid interest - interest charges from the date of closing to the end of the month
• Property taxes if due
• Hazard insurance, fire insurance or homeowner's insurance has to be paid for one year
• Mortgage insurance (PMI) - may be required if the loan amount is more than 80% of the value of the property. In the past a whole year of PMI had to be paid up front, however in recent years many PMI companies only require 1-2 months up front. Mortgage insurance premiums are normally paid every month with the loan payment
• Impound account may need money to be set up for future payments

Cloud on Title

An outstanding claim or encumbrance that, if valid, would affect or impair the owner's title. Compare with clear title.

Commitment

A written document provided by a lender to agreeing to make a loan on specific terms to a borrower or builder.

Condemnation

1. Taking private property for a public use with compensation to the owner under eminent domain. Used by governments to acquire land for streets, schools, freeways, etc and by utilities to acquire necessary property.

2. Declaring a structure unfit for use because of violations in housing codes or other reasons.

Conditional Commitment

A written document provided by a lender agreeing to make a loan provided certain conditions are met prior to closing.

Condominium

Individual ownership of a dwelling unit and an individual interest in the common areas and facilities which serve the multi-unit project.

Construction loan

A short term loan to pay for the construction of buildings or homes. These loans typically provide periodic disbursements to the builder as each stage of the building is completed. When construction is completed a take-out or permanent loan is used to pay off the construction loan.

Consideration

Anything of value given to induce another to enter into a contract. Earnest money deposit on a sales contract is consideration.

Contingency

Conditions which must be satisfied before the buyer can close the purchase of a property. Contingencies are generally outlined in the purchase contract between the buyer and seller.

Example : The buyer has 14 days to remove the property contingency under the sales contract. In this case the buyer has 14 days to inspect the property and request the seller to perform repairs. If the buyer is not satisfied with the condition of the property or if the buyer and the seller cannot agree on repairs, the buyer may back out of the contract with no penalty. After 14 days the buyer no longer has the right to back out with no penalty as a result of a problem with the condition of the property.

Contract

An agreement between competent parties to do or not do certain things for consideration. To have a valid contract for the sale of real estate there must be :

1. an offer
2. an acceptance
3. competent parties
4. consideration
5. legal purpose
6. written documentation
7. description of the property
8. signatures by principals or their attorney-in-fact

Contract sale or deed

A real estate installment selling arrangement where the buyer may occupy the property but the seller retains the title until the agreed upon sales price has been paid. Also known as an installment land contract.

Example : John sells Mary a house. Mary has to put $10,000 and pay $1,000 per month for 24 months, after which time she will receive title to the property.

Conventional Loan

Any mortgage loan other than a VA or an FHA loan. A convention loan may be conforming or non-conforming.

Conveyance

The transfer of title of real from one party to another.

Co-op - cooperative

An apartment building or a group of dwellings owned by a corporation, the stockholders of which are the residents of the dwellings. It is operated for their benefit by their elected board of directors. In a cooperative, the corporation or association owns title to the real estate. A resident purchases stock in the corporation which entitles him to occupy a unit in the building or property owned by the cooperative. While the resident does not own his unit, he has an absolute right to occupy his unit for as long as he owns the stock.

 

Convertible ARMs

Some variable loans come with options to convert them to a fixed loan based on a pre-determined formula, during a given time period. For example the 1-year tbill adjustable may be converted to a fixed during the first five years on the adjustment date. The means that you could convert during the 13th, 25th, 37th, 49th and 61th months of the loan.

Credit Report

A report detailing a borrowers credit history including payment history on revolving accounts (eg. credit cards) and installment accounts (e.g.. car loan). A credit report also includes information found from public records including tax liens and judgements.

Deed

A written document by which title to real property is transferred from one owner to another. The deed should contain an accurate description of the property being conveyed, should be signed and witnessed according to the laws of the State where the property is located, and should be delivered to the buyer at closing.

Deed of Trust

Used in many states in lieu of a mortgage to secure the payment of a note. In a deed of trust there are three parties - the borrower, the trustee, and the lender, (or beneficiary). In such a transaction, the borrower transfers the legal title for the property to the trustee who holds the property in trust as security for the payment of the debt to the lender or beneficiary. If the borrower pays the debt as agreed, the deed of trust becomes void. If, however, he/she defaults in the payment of the debt, the trustee may sell the property without a court proceeding.

Deed Restriction

A clause in a deed that limits the use of land.

Example : A deed might require that a road cannot be built on the land.

Default

Failure to meet legal obligations in a contract - such as the failure to make the monthly mortgage payment.

Defective Title

Any recorded instrument that would prevent a grantor/seller from giving a clear title.

Example : The seller has a contractor lien on the property that was filed when he/she failed to pay the contractor for the kitchen remodel. The seller may obtain clear title by paying the contractor and removing the lien.

Deficiency Judgment

Personal claim against the debtor when the sale of foreclosed property does not yield sufficient proceeds to pay off the mortgages, accrued interest, legal fees, etc.

Depreciation

Decline in the value of a house due to wear and tear, obsolescence, adverse changes in the neighborhood, or any other reason.

Discount Points

Fees paid to a lender to reduce the interest rate.

Documentary Tax Stamps

Stamps affixed to a deed showing the amount of transfer tax.

Dower

The rights of a widow or child to part of a deceased husband's or fathers property.

Downpayment

The amount paid for the purchase of a property in addition to the mortgage, but not including any closing costs.

Example : John buys a house for $100,000 and obtains a loan for $80,000. His downpayment is $20,000.

Due on Sale Clause

A clause in the Deed of Trust or Mortgage that states that the entire loan is due upon the sale of the property.

Dragnet Clause

A provision in a mortgage that pledges several properties as collateral. A default in the mortgage could lead to foreclosure proceedings on any of the properties in the dragnet.

Earnest Money

A deposit made by a buyer of real estate towards the down payment to evidence good faith. This money is typically held by the real estate brokers or the escrow company.

Easement

The right to use the land of another for a specific purpose. Easements may be temporary or permanent.

Example : The utility company may need an easement to run electric lines.

Eminent Domain

The right of the government or a public utility to acquire property for necessary public use by condemnation, with proper compensation to the owner.

Encroachment

A building, a part of a building, or an obstruction (e.g.. a fence or a wall) that physically intrudes upon or overlaps into the property of another.

Encumbrance

A legal right or interest in land that affects a good or clear title, and diminishes the land's value. It can take numerous forms, such as zoning ordinances, easement rights, claims, mortgages, liens, charges, a pending legal action, unpaid taxes, or restrictive covenants. An encumbrance does not legally prevent transfer of the property to another. A title search is all that is usually done to reveal the existence of such encumbrances, and it is up to the buyer to determine whether he wants to purchase with the encumbrance, or what can be done to remove it.

Equity

Equity=Property Value - Loans/Liens Against the property.
Equity is typically expressed as a percentage of the property value.

Equity Sharing

Joint ownership of a property between the owner/occupant and the owner/investor, that results in tax advantages for both parties. Upon sale of the property the joint owners split profits based on the percentage they own.

Escrow

1. Neutral third party that handles all funds in a real estate transaction. The buyer puts his deposit into escrow, the lender funds the loan into escrow. Escrow pays the real estate brokers commission, pays off any loans/liens against the property, pays real estate taxes and any other fees associated with the transaction and sends the balance of the money to the seller.

2. Escrow payment - see impound account.

Escheat

The reversion of property to the state in the event that the owner dies without leaving a will or legal heirs.

Executor

A person named in a will to carry out its provisions for the disposition of the estate.

Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA, Fannie Mae)

Purchases loans from lenders, securitizes them and sells FNMA mortgage backed securities on wall street.

Farmer's Home Administration (FmHA)

An agency, within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that administers assistance programs for purchasers of homes and farms in small towns and rural areas.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC, Freddie Mac)

Purchase loans from members of the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home Loan Bank Systems, securitizes them and sells FHLMC mortgage backed securities on wall street.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

An agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that administers loan programs, issues loan guarantees to make more housing available.

Fee Simple (Fee Absolute or Fee Simple Absolute)

Absolute ownership of real property; owner is entitled to the entire property with unconditional power of disposition during the owners life and upon his death the property descends to the owner's designated heirs.

Fiduciary

A person in a position of trust or responsibility with specific duties to act in the best interest of a client. A real estate broker is a fiduciary for his/her clients.

Finance Charge

Interest charged by a lender.

First Mortgage

A mortgage that has priority as a lien over all other mortgages. In the case of a foreclosure the first mortgage will be satisfied before other mortgages. See also second mortgage.

Fixture

Improvements or personal property attached to the land so as to become a part of the real estate. Fixtures are transferred to the buyer upon sale of the property. To determine whether an item is a fixture include :

• Intent (was it intended to be part of the property)
• How is it fixed ?
• Is the fixture essential to the property ?
• Relationship - was the fixture intended to be a part of the tenant's business ?

Flood Insurance

An insurance policy that covers property damage due to natural flooding. Flood insurance may be required on properties in a flood zone.

Foreclosure (Repossession)

A legal process by which the lender forces a sale of a property because the borrower has not met the terms of the mortgage.

Free and clear

A property that has no liens.

General Warranty Deed

A deed in which the grantor (seller) agrees to the protect the grantee (buyer) against any other claim to title of the property. See also warranty deed.

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA, Ginnie Mae)

A government agency part of HUD that buys VA and FHA loans from lenders, securitizes them and sells Ginnie Mae securities to investors.

Grantee

That party in the deed who is the buyer or recipient.

Grantor

That party who is the seller or the giver.

Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM)

A mortgage that has lower payments initially (with potential negative amortization) which increase each year until the loan is fully amortized.

Hazard Insurance (Fire Insurance, Homeowner's insurance)

Insurance on a property against fire and other risks. A homeowner's policy may have additional coverage for theft, liability, etc. that a fire insurance policy may not cover.

Homeowners Association

An association of homeowners in a particular subdivision, planned unit development (PUD), or condominium organized to manage the common area of the development and to enforce the association rules and regulations.

Homestead

Status provided to a homeowner's principal residence in some states that protects the home against judgements up to specified amounts.

Homestead Exemption

Available in some states - this causes the assessed value of a principal residence to be reduced by the amount of the exemption for the purposes of calculating property tax.

Example : John's principal residence is assessed at $100,000 and the homestead exemption is $7,000. His property taxes will be based on $93,000.

Home Warranty Plan

Insurance that covers appliances, heating systems, etc. Typically purchased at the time of closing.

Housing and Urban Development

A U.S. government agency established to implement certain federal housing and community development programs.

Housing Code

A local government ordinance that sets minimum standards of safety and sanitation for existing residential buildings.

HUD 1

A closing document required by HUD that outlines the settlement cost of a loan. The closing agent prepares this document and sends it to the buyer upon closing.

Hypothecate

To pledge a property as security without having to give up possession of it.

Improvements

Additions to raw land such as buildings, streets, etc. that add value to the land.

Impound Account

That portion of a borrower's monthly payments held by the lender or servicer to pay for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance, lease payments, and other items as they become due. Also known as reserves.

Income Approach

A method used by an appraiser to estimate the value of a property based on the income it generates.

Income Property

Real estate that generates rental income: apartment buildings, office buildings and shopping centers.

Ingress and Egress

The right to go in and out over a piece of property but not the right to park on it. See also Easements.

Joint and Several Liability

A creditor can demand full repayment from any and all of those who have borrowed. Each borrower is liable for the full debt, not just the prorated share.

Joint Tenancy

Ownership of a property by 2 or more people, each of whom has an undivided interest with the right of survivorship.

Example : John and Mary own a house in joint tenancy. Each owns half of the entire (undivided) property. If John dies, Mary will own the entire property and vice versa.

Judgment Lien

The claim on the property of a debtor resulting from a judgment.

Jumbo Loan

Loan size that is larger than the limit established by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Junior Mortgage

A mortgage subordinate to another mortgage. In the case of a foreclosure a senior mortgage will be paid prior to a junior mortgage.

Kicker

A payment required by a mortgage in addition to normal principal and interest. Sometimes known as a participation loan.

Land Contract

A real estate installment selling arrangement whereby the buyer may use and occupy land, but no deed is given by seller until the sales price has been paid.

Lease with Option to Purchase

A lease under which the lessee has the right to purchase the property. The option may run for a portion or for the full length of the lease

Legal Description

Legally acceptable identification of real estate by one of the following:

• the government rectangular survey
• metes and bounds
• recorded plat (lot and block number)

Lessee

A person to whom property is rented under a lease. (Tenant)

Lessor

A person who rents property to another under a lease. (Landlord)

Lien

A claim against the property for the payment of a debt, judgment, mortgage or taxes.

Example : Unpaid contractors may file a mechanic's lien.

Life Estate

An estate in real property for the life of a living person. The estate then reverts back to the grantor or to a third party.

Lis Pendens

Latin for "lawsuit pending." Recorded notice that litigation is pending on a property. Most lenders will require the clearance of the Lis Pendens prior to closing.

Loan Application

A document required by a lender prior to loan approval. The application includes detailed information about the borrower and the property.

Loan origination fee or points

Charge by a lender or broker connected with originating a loan. This is different from discount points which are used to buy down the rate of interest.

Loan to Value Ratio (LTV)

The loan amount divided by the value of the property.

Loan Servicing

The act of collecting loan payments, handling property tax and insurance escrows, foreclosing on defaulted loans and remitting payments to the investors.

Margin

A fixed number added to the index to compute the rate on an adjustable rate mortgage.

Marketable Title

Title that is free of liens, clouds and other legal defects and hence is readily acceptable by a buyer.

Market Value

The highest price that a buyer would pay and the lowest price a seller would accept on a property. Market value may be different from the price a property could actually be sold for at a given time.

Mechanics Lien

The right of an unpaid contractor or subcontractor to file a lien against property to recover the amount due to him/her.

Mortgage

A written instrument that creates a lien upon real estate as security for the payment of a specified debt.

Mortgage Backed Security (MBS)

A bond or other financial obligation secured by a pool of mortgage loans.

Mortgage Banker

Specializes in originating and servicing loans. They generally sell their loans to investors, but may continue to service them.

Mortgage Broker

Arranges financing for a borrower by placing loans with lenders. Mortgage brokers are paid a fee by the borrower or the lender when a loan closes.

Mortgagee

The lender.

Mortgagor

The borrower.

Mortgage Insurance

See private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Mortgage Note

A written agreement to repay a loan. The agreement is secured by a mortgage, serves as proof of an indebtedness, and states the manner in which it shall be paid. The note states the actual amount of the debt that the mortgage secures and renders the mortgagor personally responsible for repayment.

Negative Amortization

An increase in principal balance which occurs when the monthly payments do not cover all of the interest cost. The interest cost which is not covered by the payment is added to the unpaid principal balance.

Net Effective Income

The borrowers gross income minus federal income tax.

Non-conforming loan

Loans that do not comply with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines.

Note

A written instrument that acknowledges a debt and promises to pay.

Notary Public

One authorized to take acknowledgments of certain types of documents, such as deeds, contracts, and mortgages.

Notice of default

A letter sent to the defaulting party as a reminder of the default.

Offer

An expression of willingness to purchase a property at a specified price.

Offeree

One who receives the offer. When the buyer makes an offer to the seller the seller is an offeree.

Offeror

One who makes the offer. When the buyer makes an offer to the seller the buyer is an offeror.

Open House

A method of showing a home for sale to prospective buyers where the home is left open for inspection by those who may be interested in making a purchase.

Open End Mortgage

A mortgage permitting the mortgagor to borrow additional money under the same mortgage, with certain conditions.

Origination Fee

See Loan Origination Fee.

Oral Contract

A verbal agreement. Verbal agreements for the sale or use of real estate are normally unenforceable.

Owner of Record

The individual named on a deed that has been recorded at the county recorders office.

Owner Occupant

A tenant of a residence who also owns the property.

Package Mortgage

Mortgage covering both real and personal property.

Paper

A mortgage, deed of trust or land contract provided in lieu of cash.

Partial Release

A provision in a mortgage that allows some of the property secured to be freed from serving as collateral.

Participation Mortgage

A mortgage that allows the lender to share in part of the income or resale proceeds.

Pass Through Certificates

Interests in a pool of mortgages sold by mortgage bankers to investors. Money collected as monthly mortgage payments is distributed to those who own certificates..

Permanent Loan or Mortgage

A mortgage for a long period of time. Often referred to as the mortgage that pays off a construction loan on a completed property.

Permit

A document issued by a government regulatory authority that allows the bearer to take some specific action.

An occupancy permit allows the owner of a building to occupy or rent the building.

PITI

Abbreviation for principal, interest, taxes and insurance, which may be combined in a single monthly mortgage payment.

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

A zoning classification that allows flexibility in the design of a subdivision. PUDs include individually owned units as well as some common space that is jointly owned.

Plat

A plan or map of a specific land area.

Plat Book

A public record containing maps of land, showing the division of the land into streets, blocks, and lots and indicating the measurements of the individual parcels.

Points

Fees paid to lenders. 1 point=1% of the loan amount. On a $100,000 loan 1 point is $1000. Points may be further classified into origination points or discount points.

Portfolio Loan

A loan that is held as an investment by a bank or savings and loan, and NOT sold on the secondary market to investors.

Power of Attorney

A written document authorizing a person to act on the behalf of another person. That person does not have to be an attorney. See Attorney-in-fact.

Prepaid Interest

Prepaid interest is the interest charged to borrowers at closing to pay for the cost of borrowing for a balance of the month. For example, if a loan closes on the 19th of the month and the first payment is due on the 1st of the following month, the lender will charge 12 days of prepaid interest.

Prepayment

Full or partial payment of the principal before the due date. This might occur if the borrower makes extra payments, sells the property, or refinances the existing loan.

Prepayment Penalty

Fees paid by the borrower if they pay the loan before its due date.

Primary Mortgage Market

Companies that originate and service mortgage loans (banks, savings & loans, credit union, mortgage bankers, institutional lenders) make up the primary mortgage market. See also secondary mortgage market.

Prime Rate

The lowest commercial interest rate charge by a bank on short term loans to their most credit worthy customers.

Principal

The outstanding balance on a loan.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

In the event that you do not have a 20 percent down payment, lenders will allow a smaller down payment - as low as 2 percent in some cases. With the smaller down payment loans, however, borrowers are usually required to carry private mortgage insurance. Private mortgage insurance payments are normally made annual or monthly. An impound account may be required.

Purchase Money Mortgage

A mortgage used to finance the purchase of a property.

Property Tax

A government levy based on the market value (as assessed by the county assessor's office) of the property.

Public Sale

An auction of property with notice to the general public.

Purchase Agreement

See Agreement of Sale.

Quiet Title (Action)

A court action to settle a title dispute.

Quit Claim Deed

A deed which transfers whatever interest the maker of the deed may have in the particular parcel of land. A quitclaim deed is often given to clear the title when the grantor's interest in a property is questionable. By accepting such a deed the buyer assumes all the risks. Such a deed makes no warranties as to the title, but simply transfers to the buyer whatever interest the grantor has.

Realtor

A real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors®.

Real Estate Broker

An individual who often owns a real estate company or is in a management position, and who is licensed to represent a buyer or a seller in a real estate transaction.

Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA)

A law that states how mortgage lenders must treat those who apply for real estate loans on property with 1-4 units.

Example : A lender is required to provide a good faith estimate of closing costs within 3 days of an application being filed.

Refinancing

Repaying an existing loan from the proceeds of a new loan on the same property.

Reconveyance

When a mortgage is paid off in full, the lender conveys the property back to the owner.

Recording

The act of entering into a book of public records instruments affecting title to the real property. A lender requires that a deed of trust or a mortgage be recorded to evidence the debt against the property.

Recision

The cancellation of a contract. When refinancing a mortgage on a principal residence the law gives the homeowner three days to cancel the contract

Recourse

The right of the holder of a note secured by a mortgage or deed of trust to claim money from the borrower in default in addition to the property pledged as a collateral.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT)

A trust that uses investors money to purchase and manage real estate. Investors realize some of the tax advantages in owning real estate.

Right of survivorship

The right of a surviving joint tenant to acquire the interest of a deceased joint owner.

Reverse Mortgage

A mortgage used by the elderly that provides income as long as they live in exchange. Payments made cause the loan principal to increase.

Rollover Loan

A loan that is amortized over a long period of time (e.g. 30 years) but the interest rate is fixed for a short period (e.g. 5 years). The loan may be extended or rolled over, at the end of the shorter term, based on the terms of the loan.

Restrictive Covenants

Private restrictions limiting the use of real property. Restrictive covenants are created by deed and may "run with the land," binding all subsequent purchasers of the land, or may be "personal" and binding only between the original seller and buyer.

Savings & Loan

Depository institutions that specialize in originating, servicing and holding mortgage loans primarily on owner occupied residential property.

Secondary Mortgage Market

The market where banks, savings & loans and mortgage bankers can sell mortgages to investors like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Second Home

Also known as a vacation home. This home is different from an investment property as it is not rented, but used occasionally by the owners.

Second Mortgage

A subordinated lien, created by a mortgage loan, over the amount of a first mortgage. Second mortgages generally carry a higher rate than a first mortgage since they represent a higher risk for an investor.

Security

Property that serves as collateral for a debt.

Servicing

The act of billing, collecting payment, filing reports, managing impound accounts and handling defaults on a mortgage.

Settlement Cost (HUD guide)

A booklet that provides an overview of the lending process and is required to be given to consumers after the loan application is completed.

Settlement Statement

See HUD 1

Special Assessment

A special tax imposed on property, individual lots or all property in the neighborhood to pay for improvements - street lights, sidewalks, etc.

Special Warranty Deed

The grantor does not warrant against title defects arising from conditions that existed before he/she owned the property. The seller warrants that he/she has done nothing to impair title.

Shared Appreciation Mortgage

A residential loan with a fixed interest rate that is below market, with the lender entitled to a specified share of appreciation of the property over an agreed upon time interval.

Sheriff's Deed

A deed given at the sheriff's sale in the foreclosure of a mortgage.

Single Family Housing (SFR)

A type of residential structure designed to include one dwelling.

Example : Town houses, detached units.

Spec House

A single family dwelling constructed by a builder in anticipation of finding a buyer.

Specific Performance

A legal action in which the court requires a party to a contract to perform the terms of the contract when the party has refused to fulfill its obligations.

Standard Uniform Loan Application (Form 1003)

A

standard loan application widely used in the mortgage industry.

Subdivision

A tract of land divided into lots suitable for home building purposes.

Subordination

A loan in a lower priority, for example a second mortgage is subordinate to a first.

Subject To (Purchasing subject to a mortgage)

The buyer agrees to make payments on the existing mortgage, without notifying the lender. The seller remains liable for making payments on the loan if the buyer does not make the mortgage payment. The buyer is not personally liable for mortgage payments, but must make payments to keep the property. See also Assumable Mortgage

Survey

Map made by a licensed surveyor who measures land and charts its boundaries, improvements and relationship to the property surrounding it.

Sweat Equity

Value added to a property due to improvements made personally by the owner.

Takeout Financing

A commitment to provide permanent financing upon completion of construction. The take out loan normally pays off the construction loan.

Tax Lien

Lien for nonpayment of taxes

Tax Sale

Public sale of a property at an auction by a government authority as a result of non-payment of taxes.

Teaser Rate

A low initial interest rate on a mortgage.

Tenancy at Sufferance

Tenancy established when a person who had been a lawful tenant wrongfully remains in possession of property after expiration of a lease.

Tenancy at Will

A license to use or occupy land and buildings at the will of the owner. The tenant may decide to leave the property at any time or must leave at the landlords will.

Tenancy by the Entirety

A form of ownership by husband and wife whereby each owns the entire property. In event of the death of one, the survivor owns the property without probate

Tenancy for Years

Created by a lease for a fixed term, such as 6 months, 2 years, etc.

Tenancy in Common

Ownership of a property by 2 or more persons, each of whom has an undivided interest, without the right of survivorship. Upon the death of one of the owners, the ownership share of the deceased is inherited by the beneficiary designated on the owner's will.

Tenancy in Severalty

Ownership of property by one person.

Time is of the Essence

Legal phrase in a contract requiring all references to specific dates and times noted in the contract be interpreted exactly.

Time Share

A form of property ownership under which a property is held by a number of people, each with the right of possession for a specified time interval. Time sharing is used mostly for vacation properties.

Title

Evidence that the owner of the property is in lawful possession. Evidence of ownership.

Title Insurance

An insurance policy which protects the insured against loss arising from defects in title. Title insurance policies are typically obtained for the buyer and the lender.

Title Report

A document indicating the current state of title. The report includes information on the current ownership, outstanding deeds of trust or mortgages, liens, easements, covenants, restrictions, and any defects.

Title Search

An examination of the public records to determine the ownership and encumbrances affecting the property.

Town House

Residence which normally has 2 or more floors and is attached to other similar units. Town houses are commonly found in planned unit developments (PUDs) and condominiums.

Tract

A parcel of land, generally held for subdividing.

Transfer Tax

Tax paid to the city, county, state or other government entity upon sale of a property.

Triple-Net Lease

One in which the tenant pays all operating expense of the property. The landlord receives the net rent.

Trust Account

A separate bank account maintained by a broker or escrow company to handle all money collected for clients. A broker may not commingle these funds with his/her own funds.

Trust Deed

See Deed of Trust.

Trustee

A party who is given legal responsibility to hold property in the best interest of or "for the benefit of" another. The trustee is one placed in a position of responsibility for another, a responsibility enforceable in a court of law.

Truth in Lending

See Regulation Z.

Two-Step Mortgage

A mortgage in which the borrower receives a fixed rate for a specified number of years (most often 5 or 7), and then receives a new interest rate based on the terms in the note.

Underwriting

The decision whether to make a loan to a potential home buyer based on credit, income, employment history, assets, etc.

Undivided Interest

An ownership right to use and possess a property that is shared among co-owners, with no one co-owner having exclusive rights to any portion of the property.

Unincumbered Property

Real estate with free and clear title.

Unimproved Property

Land that has received no development.

Unrecorded Deed

A document that transfers title from the grantor to the grantee without recording (i.e. providing public notice).

Usury

Charging a rate of interest greater than that permitted by law.

Vacation Home

See second home.

VA Loan

Home loan guaranteed by the U.S. Veterans Administration, enabling a veteran to buy a home with no money down.

Variable Rate Mortgage

See Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Verification of Deposit (VOD)

A document signed by the borrower's bank or other financial institution verifying the account balance and history.

Verification of Employment

A document signed by the borrower's employer verifying his/her starting date, job title, salary and probability of continued employment.

Waiver

The voluntary renunciation, abandonment, or surrender of some claim, right, or privilege.

Warehousing

Mortgage bankers and other financial institutions make loans that are then periodically sold on the secondary market. After the loan is made but before it is sold - the loan is said to be in the lenders warehouse.

Warranty Deed

A  deed that includes a warranty of a property's title that is assured by the issuer, or grantor, of the deed. This is a duplication of the protection provided by title insurance. 

Wraparound Mortgage

A loan arrangement whereby the existing loan is retained an a new loan is added to the property.

Example : The seller sells his/her property for $200,000. The buyer puts $80,000 down. The seller has an existing loan balance of $100,000 for a remaining period of 25 years at an interest rate of 6%. The seller then makes a wraparound mortgage to the buyer, (where the seller acts as a lender) for $120,000 at 8%. The seller has to continue making payments on his old loan. They buyer has to pay the seller on the new loan. The buyer may at a later date refinance the property and close both loans.

Zero Lot Line

A form of housing where individual units are on separate lots, but are attached to one another. Example : PUD, townhouse.

Zoning

Areas may be zoned to specify use of a property i.e. residential, commercial, agricultural. These zoning ordinances are normally enforced by the city or the county.

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