home equity lines of

What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit ESPAÑOL More and more lenders are offering home equity lines of credit. By using the equity in your home, you may qualify for a sizable amount of credit, available for use when and how you please, at an interest rate that is relatively low. Furthermore, under the tax lawdepending on your specific situationyou may be allowed to deduct the interest because the debt is secured by your home. If you are in the market for credit, a home equity plan may be right for you. Or perhaps another form of credit would be better. Before making a decision, you should weigh carefully the costs of a home equity line against the benefits. Shop for the credit terms that best meet your borrowing needs without posing undue financial risk. And remember, failure to repay the amounts youve borrowed, plus interest, could mean the loss of your home. What is a home equity line of credit? What should you look for when shopping for a plan? Costs of establishing and maintaining a home equity line How will you repay your home equity plan? Lines of credit vs. traditional second morgage loans What is a home equity line of credit? A home equity line of credit is a form of revolving credit in which your home serves as collateral. Because the home is likely to be a consumers largest asset, many homeowners use their credit lines only for major items such as education, home improvements, or medical bills and not for day-to-day expenses. With a home equity line, you will be approved for a specific amount of credityour credit limit , the maximum amount you may borrow at any one time under the plan. Many lenders set the credit limit on a home equity line by taking a percentage (say, 75 percent) of the homes appraised value and subtracting from that the balance owed on the existing mortgage. For example: Appraised value of home $100,000 Percentage x 75% Percentage of appraised value = $ 75,000 Less balance owed on mortgage - $ 40,000 Potential credit $ 35,000 In determining your actual credit limit, the lender will also consider your ability to repay, by looking at your income, debts, and other financial obligations as well as your credit history. Many home equity plans set a fixed period during which you can borrow money, such as 10 years. At the end of this draw period, you may be allowed to renew the credit line. If your plan does not allow renewals, you will not be able to borrow additional money once the period has ended. Some plans may call for payment in full of any outstanding balance at the end of the period. Others may allow repayment over a fixed period (the repayment period), for example, 10 years. Once approved for a home equity line of credit, you will most likely be able to borrow up to your credit limit whenever you want. Typically, you will use special checks to draw on your line. Under some plans, borrowers can use a credit card or other means to draw on the line. There may be limitations on how you use the line. Some plans may require you to borrow a minimum amount each time you draw on the line (for example, $300) and to keep a minimum amount outstanding. Some plans may also require that you take an initial advance when the line is set up. What should you look for when shopping for a plan? If you decide to apply for a home equity line of credit, look for the plan that best meets your particular needs. Read the credit agreement carefully, and examine the terms and conditions of various plans, including the annual percentage rate (APR) and the costs of establishing the plan. The APR for a home equity line is based on the interest rate alone and will not reflect the closing costs and other fees and charges, so youll need to compare these costs, as well as the APRs, among lenders. Interest rate charges and related plan features Home equity lines of credit typically involve variable rather than fixed interest rates. The variable rate must be based on a publicly available index (such as the prime rate published in some major daily newspapers or a U.S. Treasury bill rate); the interest rate for borrowing under the home equity line changes, mirroring fluctuations in the value of the index. Most lenders cite the interest rate you will pay as the value of the index at a particular time plus a margin, such as 2 percentage points. Because the cost of borrowing is tied directly to the value of the index, it is important to find out which index is used, how often the value of the index changes, and how high it has risen in the past as well as the amount of the margin. Lenders sometimes offer a temporarily discounted interest rate for home equity linesa rate that is unusually low and may last for only an introductory period, such as 6 months. Variable-rate plans secured by a dwelling must, by law, have a ceiling (or cap ) on how much your interest rate may increase over the life of the plan. Some variable-rate plans limit how much your payment may increase and how low your interest rate may fall if interest rates drop. Some lenders allow you to convert from a variable interest rate to a fixed rate during the life of the plan, or to convert all or a portion of your line to a fixed-term installment loan. Plans generally permit the lender to freeze or reduce your credit line under certain circumstances. For example, some variable-rate plans may not allow you to draw additional funds during a period in which the interest rate reaches the cap. Costs of establishing and maintaining a home equity line Many of the costs of setting up a home equity line of credit are similar to those you paywhen you buy a home. For example: A fee for a property appraisal to estimate the value of your home An application fee , which may not be refunded if you are turned down for credit Up-front charges, such as one or more points (one point equals 1 percent of the credit limit) Closing costs, including fees for attorneys, title search, and mortgage preparation and filing; property and title insurance; and taxes. In addition, you may be subject to certain fees during the plan period, such as annual membership or maintenance fees and a transaction fee every time you draw on the credit line. You could find yourself paying hundreds of dollars to establish the plan. If you were to draw only a small amount against your credit line, those initial charges would substantially increase the cost of the funds borrowed. On the other hand, because the lenders risk is lower than for other forms of credit, as your home serves as collateral, annual percentage rates for home equity lines are generally lower than rates for other types of credit. The interest you save could offset the costs of establishing and maintaining the line. Moreover, some lenders waive some or all of the closing costs. How will you repay your home equity plan? Before entering into a plan, consider how you will pay back the money you borrow. Some plans set minimum payments that cover a portion of the principal (the amount you borrow) plus accrued interest. But (unlike with the typical installment loan) the portion that goes toward principal may not be enough to repay the principal by the end of the term. Other plans may allow payment of interest alone during the life of the plan, which means that you pay nothing toward the principal. If you borrow $10,000, you will owe that amount when the plan ends. Regardless of the minimum required payment, you may choose to pay more, and many lenders offer a choice of payment options. Many consumers choose to pay down the principal regularly as they do with other loans. For example, if you use your line to buy a boat, you may want to pay it off as you would a typical boat loan. Whatever your payment arrangements during the life of the planwhether you pay some, a little, or none of the principal amount of the loanwhen the plan ends you may have to pay the entire balance owed, all at once. You must be prepared to make this balloon payment by refinancing it with the lender, by obtaining a loan from another lender, or by some other means. If you are unable to make the balloon payment, you could lose your home. If your plan has a variable interest rate, your monthly payments may change. Assume, for example, that you borrow $10,000 under a plan that calls for interest-only payments. At a 10 percent interest rate, your monthly payments would be $83. If the rate rises over time to 15 percent, your monthly payments will increase to $125. Similarly, if you are making payments that cover interest plus some portion of the principal, your monthly payments may increase, unless your agreement calls for keeping payments the same throughout the plan period. If you sell your home, you will probably be required to pay off your home equity line in full immediately. If you are likely to sell your home in the near future, consider whether it makes sense to pay the up-front costs of setting up a line of credit. Also keep in mind that renting your home may be prohibited under the terms of your agreement. Lines of credit vs. traditional second morgage loans If you are thinking about a home equity line of credit, you might also want to consider a traditional second mortgage loan. A second mortgage provides you with a fixed amount of money repayable over a fixed period. In most cases the payment schedule calls for equal payments that will pay off the entire loan within the loan period. You might consider a second mortgage instead of a home equity line if, for example, you need a set amount for a specific purpose, such as an addition to your home. In deciding which type of loan best suits your needs, consider the costs under the two alternatives. Look at both the APR and other charges. Do not, however, simply compare the APRs, because the APRs on the two types of loans are figured differently: The APR for a traditional second mortgage loan takes into account the interest rate charged plus points and other finance charges. The APR for a home equity line of credit is based on the periodic interest rate alone. It does not include points or other charges. Disclosures from lenders The federal Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the important terms and costs of their home equity plans, including the APR, miscellaneous charges, the payment terms, and information about any variable-rate feature. And in general, neither the lender nor anyone else may charge a fee until after you have received this information. You usually get these disclosures when you receive an application form, and you will get additional disclosures before the plan is opened. If any term (other than a variable-rate feature) changes before the plan is opened, the lender must return all fees if you decide not to enter into the plan because of the change. When you open a home equity line, the transaction puts your home at risk. If the home involved is your principal dwelling, the Truth in Lending Act gives you 3 days from the day the account was opened to cancel the credit line. This right allows you to change your mind for any reason. You simply inform the lender in writing within the 3-day period. The lender must then cancel its security interest in your home and return all feesincluding any application and appraisal feespaid to open the account. The information on this site is adapted from the brochure "What You Should Know about Home Equity Lines of Credit." Single or multiple copies of the brochure are available without charge. Order the brochure by telephone, mail, or fax . Order online . Glossary | Where to go for help | Checklist Home | Consumer information | Publications | Brochures Accessibility | Contact us Last update: March 1, 2004

purchase property they might

Ginnie Mae: Your Path to Homeownership -- -- Glossary of Terms Select the first letter of the word from the list below to jump to the appropriate section of the glossary. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z - A - abstract of title A historical summary provided by a title insurance company of all records affecting the title to a property. acceleration clause A clause that allows a lender to declare the entire outstanding balance of a loan immediately due and payable should a borrower violate specific loan provisions or default on the loan. adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) A variable or flexible rate mortgage with an interest rate that varies according to the financial index it is based upon. To limit the borrower's risk, the ARM may have a payment or rate cap. See also: cap . amenities Features of your home that fit your preferences and can increase the value of your property. Some examples include the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or vicinity to public transportation. amortization The liquidation of a debt by regular, usually monthly, installments of principal and interest. An amortization schedule is a table showing the payment amount, interest, principal and unpaid balance for the entire term of the loan. annual cap See: cap . annual percentage rate (A.P.R.) The actual interest rate, taking into account points and other finance charges, for the projected life of a mortgage. Disclosure of APR is required by the Truth-in-Lending Law and allows borrowers to compare the actual costs of different mortgage loans. appraisal An estimate of a property's value as of a given date, determined by a qualified professional appraiser. The value may be based on replacement cost, the sales of comparable properties or the property's income-producing ability. appreciation A property's increase in value due to inflation or economic factors. A.P.R. See: annual percentage rate . ARM See: adjustable rate mortgage . assessment Charges levied against a property for tax purposes or to pay for municipal or association improvements such as curbs, sewers, or grounds maintenance. assignment The transfer of a contract or a right to buy property at given rates and terms from a mortgagee to another person. assumption An agreement between a buyer and a seller, requiring lender approval, where the buyer takes over the payments for a mortgage and accepts the liability. Assuming a loan can be advantageous for a buyer because there are no closing costs and the loan's interest rate may be lower than current market rates. Depending on what is in the mortgage or deed of trust, the lender may raise the interest rate, require the buyer to qualify for the mortgage, or not permit the buyer to assume the loan at all. Go to Top - B - balloon mortgage Mortgage with a final lump sum payment that is greater than preceding payments and pays the loan in full. biweekly mortgage A loan requiring payments of principal and interest at two-week intervals. This type of loan amortizes much faster than monthly payment loans. The payment for a biweekly mortgage is half what a monthly payment would be. bond A certificate serving as security for payment of a debt. Bonds backed by mortgage loans are pooled together and sold in the secondary market . bridge loan A loan to "bridge" the gap between the termination of one mortgage and the beginning of another, such as when a borrower purchases a new home before receiving cash proceeds from the sale of a prior home. Also known as a swing loan. broker An intermediary between the borrower and the lender. The broker may represent several lending sources and charges a fee or commission for services. buy-down A type of mortgage which requires the buyer to pay additional discount points or make a substantial down payment in return for a below market interest rate. Another form of a buy-down is one in which the seller offers 3-2-1 interest payment plans or pays closing costs such as the origination fee. During times of high interest rates buy-downs may induce buyers to purchase property they might otherwise not have purchased. Go to Top - C - cap A limit in how much an adjustable rate mortgage's monthly payment or interest rate can increase. A cap is meant to protect the borrower from large increases and may be a payment cap, an interest cap, a life-of-loan cap or an annual cap. A payment cap is a limit on the monthly payment. An interest cap is a limit on the amount of the interest rate. A life-of-loan cap restricts the amount the interest rate can increase over the entire term of the loan. An annual cap limits the amount the interest rate can increase over a twelve-month period. certificate of reasonable value (CRV) A Veterans Administration appraisal that establishes the maximum VA mortgage loan amount for a specified property. certificate of title A document rendering an opinion on the status of a property's title based on public records. closed-end mortgage A mortgage principal amount that is fixed and cannot be increased during the life of the loan. See also: open-end mortgage . closing costs Costs payable by both seller and buyer at the time of settlement, when the purchase of a property is finalized. These costs can be up to ten percent of the mortgage amount and usually include but are not limited to the following: Fees Paid to the Lender Fees Paid in Advance Other Charges O rigination fee D iscount points C redit report fee A ppraisal fee A ssumption fee if loan is assumed I nterest from the closing date to the beginning of the 1st payment H azard insurance premium M ortgage insurance premium T itle search and title insurance S ales commissions L egal and recording fees I nspection and survey fees P roperty taxes and other adjustments P rocessing and document preparation fees cloud A claim to the title of a property that, if valid, would prevent a purchaser from obtaining a clear title. collateral Something of value pledged as security for a loan. In mortgage lending the property itself serves as collateral for a mortgage loan. commitment fee A fee charged when a) an agreement is reached between a lender and a borrower for a loan at a specific rate and points and b) the lender guarantees to lock in that rate. co-mortgagor One who is individually and jointly obligated to repay a mortgage loan and shares ownership of the property with one or more borrowers. See also: co-signer . condominium An individually owned unit within a multi-unit building where others or the Condominium Owners Association share ownership of common areas such as grounds, parking facilities and tennis courts. conforming loan A loan that conforms to Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) guidelines. See also: non-conforming loan . construction loan A short-term loan financing improvements to real estate, such as the building of a new home. The lender advances funds to the borrower as needed while construction progresses. Upon completion of the construction the borrower must obtain permanent financing or repay the construction loan in full. consumer handbook on adjustable rate mortgages (C.H.A.R.M.) A disclosure required by the federal government to be given to any borrower applying for an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). conventional loan A mortgage loan that is not insured, guaranteed or funded by the Veterans Administration (VA), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or Rural Economic Community Development (RECD) (formerly Farmers Home Administration). convertible mortgage An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) that allows a borrower to switch to a fixed-rate mortgage at a specified point in the loan term. co-signer A person who is obligated to repay a mortgage loan should the borrower default but who does not share ownership in the property. See also: co-mortgagor . covenants Rules and restrictions governing the use of property. CRV See: certificate of reasonable value . curtailments The borrower's privilege to make payments on a loan's principal before they are due. Paying off a mortgage before it is due may incur a penalty if so specified in the mortgage's prepayment clause. Go to Top - D - debt Money owed to repay someone. debt-to-income ratio The ratio between a borrower's monthly payment obligations divided by his or her net effective income (FHA or VA loans) or gross monthly income (conventional loans). deed The legal document that transfers the ownership of real property from one party to another. deed of trust A document, used in many states in place of a mortgage , held by a trustee pending repayment of the loan. The advantage of a deed of trust is that the trustee does not have to go to court to proceed with foreclosure should the borrower default on the loan. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The U.S. government agency that administers FHA, GNMA and other housing programs. discount points A percentage of the loan amount paid to the lender to buy down the interest rate. Each point is one percent of the loan amount; for example, two points on a $100,000 mortgage is $2,000. down payment The difference between the purchase price and mortgage amount. The down payment becomes the property equity. Typically it comes from cash savings, but it can also be a gift that is not to be repaid or a borrowed amount secured by assets. due-on-sale A clause in a mortgage or deed of trust allowing a lender to require immediate payment of the balance of the loan if the property is sold (subject to the terms of the security instrument). duplex A dwelling divided into two units. Go to Top - E - earnest money A deposit in the form of cash or a note given to a seller by a buyer as good faith assurance that the buyer intends to go through with the purchase of a property. easement The right one party has in regard to the property of another, such as the right of a public utility company to lay lines. Equal Credit Opportunity Act A federal law prohibiting lenders and other creditors from discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, receipt of public assistance or because an applicant has exercised his or her rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. equity The value of a property beyond any liens against it. Also referred to as owner's interest. escape clause A provision allowing one party or more to cancel all or part of the contract if certain events fail to happen, such as the ability of the buyer to obtain financing within a specified period. escrow Money placed with a third party for safekeeping either for final closing on a property or for payment of taxes and insurance throughout the year. Go to Top - F - fair market value The price a property can realistically sell for, based upon comparable selling prices of other properties in the same area. Fannie Mae Nickname for Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) . Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac) A quasi-governmental, federally-sponsored organization that acts as a secondary market investor to buy and sell mortgage loans. FHLMC sets many of the guidelines for conventional mortgage loans, as does FNMA. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) An agency within the Department of Housing and Urban Development that sets underwriting standards and insures residential mortgage loans made by private lenders. One of FHA's objectives is to help make affordable mortgages available to homeowners with low or moderate income. FHA loans may be high loan-to-value, and they are limited by loan amount. FHA mortgage insurance requires a fee of 1.5 percent of the loan amount to be paid at closing, as well as an annual fee of 0.5 percent of the loan amount added to each monthly payment. Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae) A private corporation that acts as a secondary market investor to buy and sell mortgage loans. FNMA sets many of the guidelines for conventional mortgage loans, as does FHLMC. The major purpose of this organization is to make mortgage money more affordable and more available. fee simple The maximum form of ownership, with the right to occupy a property and sell it to a buyer at any time. Upon the death of the owner, the property goes to the owner's designated heirs. Also known as fee absolute . FHA See: Federal Housing Administration . fifteen-year mortgage A loan with a term of 15 years. Although the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage is higher than that of a 30-year mortgage, the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan is substantially less. fixed-rate mortgage A mortgage whose rate remains constant throughout the life of the mortgage. flood insurance A form of insurance that protects the owner of the insured property against losses stemming from flood damage. The Federal Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 requires that federally-regulated lenders determine if real estate to be used to secure a loan is located in a Specially Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If the property is located in a SFHA area, the borrower must obtain and maintain flood insurance on the property. Most insurance agents can assist in obtaining flood insurance. FNMA See: Federal National Mortgage Association . Freddie Mac Nickname for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) . Go to Top - G - gift A sum of money, including amounts from a relative or a grant from the borrower's employer, a municipality, non-profit religious organization, or non-profit community organization that does not have to be repaid. Ginnie Mae Nickname for Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) . good faith estimate The estimate on closing costs and monthly mortgage payments provided by a lender to the homebuyer within 3 days of applying for a loan. Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA or Ginnie Mae) A government organization that participates in the secondary market , securitizing pools of FHA, VA, and RHS loans. graduated payment mortgage (GPM) A fixed-interest loan with lower payments in the early years than in the later years. The amount of the payment gradually increases over a period of time and then levels off at a payment sufficient to pay off the loan over the remaining amortization period. Go to Top - H - hazard insurance A form of insurance that protects the owner of the insured property against losses from physical damage such as fire and tornadoes. Mortgage lenders often require a borrower to maintain an amount of hazard insurance on the property that is equal at least to the amount of the mortgage loan. home equity loan A mortgage on the borrower's principal residence, usually for the purpose of making home improvements or debt consolidation. home inspection A thorough review of the physical aspects and condition of a home by a professional home inspector. This inspection should be completed prior to closing so that any repairs or changes can be completed before the transfer of the home is completed. homeowners insurance A form of insurance that protects the owner of the insured property against loss from theft, liability and most common disasters. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The U.S. government agency that administers FHA, GNMA and other housing programs. housing affordability index An index that indicates what proportion of homebuyers can afford to buy an average-priced home in specified areas. The most well known housing affordability index is published by the National Association of Realtors. housing expenses-to-income ratio See: debt-to-income ratio . HUD See: Housing and Urban Development . Go to Top - I - income approach to value A method used by real estate appraisers to predict a property's anticipated future income. Income property includes shopping centers, hotels, motels, restaurants, apartment buildings, office space, etc. income-to-debt ratio See: debt-to-income ratio . index A published interest rate compiled from other indicators such as U.S. Treasury bills or the monthly average interest rate on loans closed by savings and loan organizations. Mortgage lenders use the index figure to establish rates on adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). insurance As a part of PITI, the amount of the monthly mortgage payment that does not include the principal, interest, and taxes. Also see: homeowners insurance . interest The amount of the entire mortgage loan which does not include the principal. Also, as a part of PITI, the amount of the monthly mortgage payment which does not include the principal, taxes, and insurance. interest cap See: cap interest rate The simple interest rate, stated as a percentage, charged by a lender on the principal amount of borrowed money. See also: Annual Percentage Rate . Go to Top - J - joint tenancy See: tenancy . jumbo loan A nonconforming loan that is larger than the limits set by the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) guidelines. Go to Top - K - key lot Real estate deemed highly valuable because of its location. Go to Top - L - lien A claim against a property for the payment of a debt. A mortgage is a lien; other types of liens a property might have include a tax lien for overdue taxes or a mechanic's lien for unpaid debt to a subcontractor. life-of-loan cap See: cap . liquidity The ease with which an asset can be converted into cash. loan discount See: points . loan origination fee See: origination fee . loan-to-value ratio (LTV) The relationship, expressed as a percentage, between the amount of the proposed loan and a property's appraised value. For example, a $75,000 loan on a property appraised at $100,000 is a 75% loan-to-value ratio. lock-in The guaranty of a specific interest rate and/or points for a specific period of time. Some lenders will charge a fee for locking in an interest rate. Go to Top - M - maintenance costs The cost of the upkeep of the house. These costs may be minor in cost and nature (replacing washers in the faucets) or major in cost and nature (new heating system or a new roof) and can apply to either the interior or exterior of the house. margin The amount a lender adds to the index of an adjustable rate mortgage to establish an adjusted interest rate. For example, a margin of 1.50 added to a 7 percent index establishes an adjusted interest rate of 8.50 percent. market value The price a property can realistically sell for, based upon comparable selling prices of other properties in the same geographical area. modification A change in the terms of the mortgage note, such as a reduction in the interest rate or a change in maturity date. mortgage A legal instrument in which property serves as security for the repayment of a loan. In some states, a deed of trust is used rather than a mortgage. mortgage banker A lender that originates, closes, services and sells mortgage loans to the secondary market . mortgage broker An intermediary between a borrower and a lender. A mortgage broker's expertise lies in helping borrowers find financing that they might not otherwise find themselves. mortgage insurance Money paid to insure the lender against loss due to foreclosure or loan default. Mortgage insurance is required on conventional loans with less than a 20 percent down payment. FHA mortgage insurance requires a payment of 1.5 percent of the loan amount to be paid at closing, as well as an annual fee of 0.5 percent of the loan amount added to each monthly payment. mortgage interest The interest rate charge for borrowing the money for the mortgage. It is used to calculate the interest payment on the mortgage each month. mortgage term The length of time that a mortgage is scheduled to exist. Example: a 30-year mortgage term is for 30 years. mortgagee The lender. mortgagor The borrower. Go to Top - N - negative amortization A situation in which a borrower is paying less interest than what is actually being charged for a mortgage loan. The unpaid interest is added to the loan's principal. The borrower may end up owing more than the original amount of the mortgage. non-assumption clause In a mortgage contract, a statement that prohibits a new buyer from assuming a mortgage loan without the approval of the lender. non-conforming loan A loan that does not conform to Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) guidelines. Jumbo loans are nonconforming. See also: conforming loan . note A signed document that acknowledges a debt and shows the borrower is obligated to pay it. Go to Top - O - open-end mortgage A mortgage allowing the borrower to receive advances of principal from the lender during the life of the loan. See also: closed-end mortgage . origination fee The amount charged by a lender to originate and close a mortgage loan. Origination fees are usually expressed in points . Go to Top - P - payment cap See: cap . P&I Abbreviation for principal and interest. PITI Abbreviation for p rincipal, i nterest, t axes and i nsurance. PITIO Abbreviation for p rincipal, i nterest, t axes, i nsurance and o ther monthly non-housing costs. points Charges levied by the lender based on the loan amount. Each point equals one percent of the loan amount; for example, two points on a $100,000 mortgage equals $2,000. Discount points are used to buy down the interest rate. Points can also include a loan origination fee, which is usually one point. pre-qualification Tentative establishment of a borrower's qualification for a mortgage loan amount of a specific range, based on the borrower's assets, debts, income, employment status and credit history. prime rate The interest rate commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers. principal The amount of the entire mortgage loan, not counting interest. Also, as a part of PITI, the amount of the monthly mortgage payment which does not include the interest, insurance, and taxes. private mortgage insurance (PMI) See: mortgage insurance . property appraisal See: appraisal . property tax The amount which the state and/or locality assesses as a tax on a piece of property. prorate To proportionally divide amounts owed by the buyer and the seller at closing. Go to Top - Q - qualification As determined by a lender, the ability of the borrower to repay a mortgage loan based on the borrower's credit history, employment status, assets, debts and income. Go to Top - R - rate cap See: cap . RESPA Abbreviation for the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. This act allows consumers to review settlement costs at application and once again prior to closing. reverse annuity mortgage A type of mortgage loan in which the lender makes periodic payments to the borrower. The borrower's equity in the home is used as security for the loan. RHCDS Rural Housing and Community Service right of first refusal The right to purchase a property under conditions and terms made by another buyer and accepted by the seller. right of rescission The right to back out of a transaction, given automatically by law to the borrower in a real estate purchase transaction. When a borrower's principal dwelling is going to secure a loan, the borrower has three business days following signing of the loan documents to rescind or cancel the transaction. Any and all money paid by the borrower must be refunded upon rescission. The right to rescind does not apply to loans to purchase real estate or to refinance a loan under the same terms and conditions where no additional funds will be added to the existing loan. rollover The process by which a construction loan becomes a mortgage. At the end of the construction loan period, the borrower's file is delivered to Bank One Mortgage Loan Servicing Dept. Prior to delivery, CLD contacts the borrower and obtains funds for the tax and insurance escrows, a final title policy and homeowner's policy. This process is called a rollover. Rural Housing and Community Development Service A federal agency that administers mortgage loans for buyers in rural areas. Go to Top - S - second mortgage A loan that is junior to a primary or first mortgage and often has a higher interest rate and a shorter term. secondary market A market comprising investors like GNMA, FHLMC and FNMA, who buy large numbers of mortgages from the primary lenders and resell them to other investors. servicing The responsibility of collecting monthly mortgage payments and properly crediting them to the principal, taxes and insurance, as well as keeping the borrower informed of any changes in the status of the loan. settlement costs See: closing costs . survey A physical measurement of property done by a registered professional showing the dimensions and location of any buildings as well as easements, rights of way, roads, etc. Go to Top - T - tax deed A written document conveying title to property repossessed by the government due to default on tax payments. tax savings The deduction a taxpayer can take on their tax form for interest paid on a home mortgage. The amount of money that the homeowner is not required to pay the government in taxes because he or she owns a home. taxes As a part of PITI, the amount of the monthly mortgage payment which does not include the principal, interest, and insurance. tenancy joint tenancy - equal ownership of property by two or more parties, each with the right of survivorship. tenancy by the entireties - ownership of property only between husband and wife in which neither can sell without the consent of the other and the property is owned by the survivor in the event of death of either party. tenancy in common - equal ownership of property by two or more parties without the right of survivorship. tenancy in severalty - ownership of property by one legal entity or a sole party. tenancy at will - a license to use or occupy a property at the will of the owner. title A formal document establishing ownership of property. title insurance A policy issued by a title insurance company insuring the purchaser against any losses resulting from errors in the title search. The cost of title insurance may be paid for by the buyer, the seller or both. trust deed See: deed of trust . Truth In Lending Act The Truth In Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the Annual Percentage Rate and other associated costs to homebuyers within three working days of the loan application. Go to Top - U - underwriter A professional who approves or denies a loan to a potential homebuyer based on the homebuyer's credit history, employment status, assets, debts and other factors such as loan guidelines. Uniform Settlement Statement A standard document prescribed by the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act containing information for closing which must be supplied to both buyer and seller. utility costs Periodic housing costs for water, electricity, natural gas, heating oil, etc. Go to Top - V - VA loan See: Veterans Administration . variable rate mortgage (VRM) See: adjustable rate mortgage . Veterans Administration (VA) The federal agency responsible for the VA loan guaranty program as well as other services for eligible veterans. In general, qualified veterans can apply for home loans with no down payment and a funding fee of 1 percent of the loan amount. Go to Top - W - walk-through An inspection of a property by the prospective buyer prior to closing on a mortgage. warranty deed A document protecting a homebuyer against any and all claims to the property. Go to Top - X - No entries for "X". Go to Top - Y - yield The rate of earnings from an investment. Go to Top - Z - zoning The ability of local governments to specify the use of private property in order to control development within designated areas of land. For example, some areas of a neighborhood may be designated only for residential use and others for commercial use such as stores, gas stations, etc. Go to Top -- PRIVACY POLICY HOME | ABOUT GINNIE MAE | FOR ISSUERS | FOR INVESTORS HOMEOWNERSHIP GUIDE AND CALCULATORS | HOMEZONE (KIDS' SITE)

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AAMI.net offers Option Arm MTA Index and COFI and COSI and CODI and LIBOR real estate mortgages American Advantage Mortgage, Inc. (AAMI) is an on-line deep discount Mortgage Broker specializing in Option Arm mortgages including the MTA Index and Cost of Funds Index (COFI), Cost of Savings Index (COSI), the LIBOR Index and CODI Index real estate home mortgage programs since 1993. AAMI has a dedicated turn-key system which will Educate, Process, and Close your refinance mortgage or first mortgage in the shortest amount of time. AAMI is one of the original internet Mortgage finance companies going online in early 1995. By keeping our phone calls and overhead down, we can offer competitive rates and fees, but still offer personalized service via the Internet utilizing e-mails, Live-Chat, e-faxes, LTrack and our website. One of our main goals is to educate our potential Borrowers on their chosen mortgage program before, during, and after Settlement by continually updating our website with relevant information concerning each mortgage program. Last year AAMI closed over $16,000,000 in Option ARM mortgages without physically meeting a single client; communication was mainly via e-mails. We didnt start out as an internet company, though. Having worked in the mortgage industry for years, our people bring a level of expertise, professionalism and customer service that other internet companies simply cant match. As an internet company run by mortgage professionals, we can offer you the chance to refinance or purchase your home online at substantial savings over traditional mortgage or banking retailers. Obviously, you will save more money by gaining as much information as possible about your potential mortgage terms and Conditions and Closing Cost before your commit to a certain mortgage Broker or Banker. That is why we have placed the actual cost including the Margin, Life Cap, Points, etc. for all to see; there is no guessing and no sales calls. HOME ABOUT US INDEX MORTGAGES INSPIRED DESIGN WEB SITE DESIGN

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Construction Loan Disbursement - Land Title Guarantee Company: Serving Colorado and its people since 1967 Home Lenders Construction Loan Disbursement Service Construction Loan Disbursing Service for Lenders For information about the Construction Disbursing process or pricing, please contact us via email or by calling the Construction Disbursement Department at 303-636-2760. The Benefits: Land Title's Construction Loan Disbursing Department is staffed by professionals with a total of over 51 years experience. Land Title keeps an accurate accounting of funds disbursed from the loan. Land Title employs its own professional inspectors to provide the highest quality inspections at no additional cost to you. Land Title collects Mechanic's Lien waivers throughout the project from each subcontractor, freeing up your time for other priorities. Land Title charges one flat fee for residential properties, which includes the inspection report, the Mechanic's Lien Endorsement, disbursement processing, and all delivery fees. A single fee means you can accurately budget for all your upcoming projects. Borrowers are included in the disbursement agreement, so no one is left out of the loop. Land Title maintains your escrow instructions. Land Title disburses on commercial projects and single family residences. Loans disbursed generally range from $200,000 to $50,000,000. However, we can disburse on loans of any amount. The Process: The construction Loan Disbursement process begins when the general contractor submits a Draw Request to Land Title. Land Title can provide a form upon request. However, your form, a computerized form, or an AIA form are all generally acceptable. The Draw Request includes the names and addresses of payees and the amounts to be paid. All invoices to be paid should be attached. The contractor presents the Draw Request to the owner and obtains the owner's approval and signature. Land Title conducts the Inspections and prepares a Construction Progress Report affirming that the work and materials are in place and estimates the overall percentage of completion. Land Title conducts a title search for Mechanic's Liens. Land Title forwards to the lender the Draw Request, together with the title search for Mechanic's Liens. While the draw is pending lender approval, Land Title cuts all checks, obtains W-9 tax identification numbers, prepares the check register, and is ready to disburse as soon as the lender's funds are deposited into Land Title's account. Items of construction interest, overhead and profit, and soft costs can be paid if they are in accord with the lender's policy. The lender and the borrower must both approve these payments in writing. When the lender approves the draw and funds are received, Land Title mails the already-prepared checks directly to the contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors as directed. Land Title's disbursement checks have a lien waiver imprinted on the face of the check. The lien waiver states the amount, the ownership, and the address, and the check stub gives the description of invoices or work being paid. The lien waiver must be signed separately and apart from the check endorsement. If the payee fails to sign the lien waiver, the check will not clear the bank. After Land Title has prepared and disbursed checks directly to all subcontractors and suppliers, Land Title will furnish a check register--listing all checks by check numbers, person(s) paid, and the amounts paid--to the contractor after each draw, and to the borrower and lender upon request. Land Title can furnish a check register from day one to any point in the construction. Land Title can also furnish a register for all payments to any individual payee at any time during or at the end of construction. The Pricing Land Title's Construction Disbursement pricing is based on the size of the loan and type of protection being provided. Please contact the Construction Disbursement Department by email or phone (303-636-2760) for a quote. Generally, the price for single family residences is $750 for loans up to $500,000, then 75 cents for each $1,000 thereafter.