Denver real estate companies

Denver, Colorado Real Estate Companies DENVER REAL ESTATE COMPANIES "A gazillion links to Denver real estate companies" ColoradoLinks.Net More R. E. Companies Comments Denver real estate companies selling homes, land, and commercial property Automated Homefinder www.AutomatedHomefinder.com Search from over 30,000 homes for sale and receive updates of homes meeting your specific needs! Free service, no obligation. Buyer's Advantage 303-587-3509 ** Email Being an ordained minister, and serving in many volunteer capacities has taught Judith about listening to and understanding people's needs. If you need somebody you can trust, Judith is your realtor. Colorado Home Finder Denver Colorado Real Estate Denver real estate, MLS listings and Denver homes for sale at Colorado HomeFinder. Relocation, loans, and school info. Local Denver realtors and Denver real estate agents in the Denver County area. Colorado Home Store Still looking for the dream home in the Rockies? Search Golden MLS - Jefferson County MLS - Denver MLS. We use Google to index all residential, Colorado land, & Jefferson County commercial properties listed in the MLS. You can search for properties by Google keyword, or by city, price, type, etc . Denver Real Estate Solutions Search all homes for sale in Denver and surrounding suburbs. Also available, zero down loans, and online preapproval for Denver real estate loans. Kelce Enterprises 7500 E. Arapahoe Rd. # 100 Englewood, Colorado 303-783-3788 DenversFirstRealEstate.com- Marni Kelce / Kelce Enterprises, Inc. desires to make your sale and/or purchase of real estate a wonderful experience. We strive to make clients for life. Mercy Housing Mercy Housing is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating and strengthening healthy communities. By developing, operating, and financing quality, affordable, service enriched housing, Mercy Housing changes the lives of individuals and families and revitalizes distressed neighborhoods. PorchLight Real Estate Group Complete Denver Colorado Real Estate source, homes, condominiums and much more. Professional Real Estate Websites at Discount Prices Real Estate Information and Directory of Professional Services. RealtySites.info offers full-featured web sites for home inspectors, appraisers and real estate professionals for only $300. NACHI members save even more! RealEstateColorado.Net Access homes for sale in Denvers MLS & 19 Colorado Counties. Relocation Info, Over 300+ Community Links, Video Tour of Denver, Master Planned Communities, Cities and Subdivision Information and more. Aggus Realty All Right Realty Aspen Gold Assist 2 Sell Benchmark Realty The Berkshire Group Buyer's Resource CEC Realty Century 21 / Dinkel and Associates Century 21 / Professionals Century 21 / Target Realty Cherry Creek Realtors S.E. Cliffdwellers Coldwell Banker Colorado Income Cunningham Advisors DB Realty Stars Denver Realty.com Denver Lofts Online.com Distinctive Properties DMCAR / DPD FIRE Incorporated Friedman Realty Fuller and Company Fuller Western Real Estate Gerretson Realty Grubb & Ellis Hottest Homes Dot Com HQ Homes Inverness Properties James Real Estate Services Kentwood City Properties The Kentwood Company Kois Real Estate L.C. Fulenwider E. Lucero and Company Metro Brokers, Inc. / Torke's & Company The Michael Dagner Group Mountain Plains Properties National 1031 Exchange Service Nostalgic Homes Perry & Company Porchlight Real Estate Group The Prestige Real Estate Group Restaurant Realty RE/MAX 100 RE/MAX Alliance ReMAX Horizons Group, Inc. RE/MAX of Cherry Creek RE/MAX Northwest Rocky Mountain Real Estate Group Rossiter & Associates Trenka Associates top Related pages: Vacation & short term rentals , K-12 schools , Home Improvement Colorado Links. Net -^-^-

Sell House

Boston.com / Real estate Buying Renting Recent sales Place an ad Luxury Living Community data Financing Commercial Moving Guides THE RIGHT LISTING AGENT Tips for home sellers to find a listing agent -- Interview at least three or four agents before making a choice. Sometimes a good agent can be found through recommendations from friends or relatives who have recently sold property. Many burrow their way through the Yellow Pages. Some pick up a name at the office water cooler or a health club. It's fine to happen onto names this way, as long as you follow up by screening candidates. Ask the right questions: • What is my home worth? The broker should prepare a market analysis recommending a selling price for your house. You should insist that the agents you interview provide detailed market information supporting whatever price they propose. You want to see "comparable sales" – that is, the selling prices of properties similar to yours, located in the same or similar neighborhoods, that have sold recently. You also want the agents to provide detailed information about current conditions in your market area. That information should include the average time properties are on the market before they sell, and a listing of homes similar to yours that are for sale. How are those homes priced and how does the broker explain the speed – or lack of speed – with which they are selling? You are not going to select the broker who recommends the highest selling price, tempting though that may be; you're going to select the one who seems most knowledgeable about your market, who gives you the most realistic assessment of how much you should ask for your house, and who can articulate the factors that are likely to enhance or impede its sale prospects. • What is your marketing plan for my home? Insist that the brokers you interview submit a comprehensive marketing plan, explaining precisely what steps they plan to take to sell your home. The plan should specify, among other details: - How, where, and how often the broker will advertise your property. Bear in mind that the major daily newspapers are not the only, or necessarily the best, advertising media. Depending on the property, the location and the market, community newspaper, direct mail and even handbills may be equally appropriate. - Will your broker list your house in the Multiple Listing Service, and if so, when? (The answers should be, "yes," and immediately after the agreement is signed.) - Will the broker hold one or more open houses for other brokers to introduce them to the property? (Definitely a good idea.) - How many buyer open houses will the broker host and how will those be advertised? - What repairs or improvements, if any, does the broker think will be needed? You should be concerned if the broker recommends a gut rehab, but listen carefully to suggestions that you do some repainting, trim the hedges, and repair broken railings. • What are the terms of the contract? Once you've selected your broker, pay careful attention to the terms of the listing contract. Make sure it obligates the broker to implement the key components of the marketing plan and allows you to terminate the agreement if the broker fails to do what the plan specifies. You also want to require the broker to report periodically, preferably in writing. Don't agree to an unnecessarily long listing term. TYPES OF CONTRACTS Exclusive right to sell. Most sellers use this. One agent is assigned your property to sell; if that listing broker sells the property, he or she gets the whole commission. If another agent sells, the commission is shared, usually equally. Exclusive agency listing. One agency gets the contract, but if you sell the property, you don't pay a commission. The disadvantage is that brokers may lose some incentive to sell, since you are competing with them. Open listing. Anyone can sell, including the owner, with only the selling broker getting a commission. Some brokers may want you to commit to a six-month listing, but you shouldn't accept a term any longer than 90 days. You always can renew a listing if you're satisfied with the broker's efforts. Also make sure you understand the listing terms. Most brokers will require what is known as an "exclusive agency" agreement. That means the broker will be entitled to a commission if the house is sold any time during the listing period (and for a specified period of time after it expires), even if the broker is not directly responsible for the sale. You should expect to pay a commission of around 6 percent. Although the fee is negotiable, as a practical matter, you won't find too much variation. • What are your references? Rarely do those signing on with a real estate agent check references the way they would when hiring an office employee. Any prospective agent should provide references readily. Goyeau said you should ask any reference you call, "Would you hire this agent again?" To gather accurate information on an agent, limit the references you use to those who have worked with the agent within the previous two years. "The agent could have been great five years ago, but slacked off lately for a variety of reasons," said Joan McLellan Tayler, the author of two real estate books. • Show me the statistics. Brokers should be able to present prospective clients with a computer printout that shows the number of sales they had in the last 12 months, the listing price, the selling price, and the length the homes stayed on the market, said Carol Brenner of Carol Brenner Realty in Newton Highlands. The difference between the initial listing price and the final selling price should be no more than five or 10 percent, she said. Also, an average home should not be on the market for more than three months, she said. What to look for in an agent: • A good reputation. Verify the reputation as well as the competence of any agent with whom you deal, so check with both the Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen and the Better Business Bureau to see if there is a history of complaints against the broker or the broker's firm. Also contact friends, acquaintances and references the broker provides. "Sellers should look at the reputation of the firm and the integrity of the agent to be sure they are represented ethically and professionally," said Nora F. Moran, former president of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. • Certification from a professional organization. There are a lot of real estate agents in the field, but not all of them are "Realtors," and you want to deal only with agents who have that (R) designation. That indicates the agent belongs to the National Association of Realtors, which implies a level of professional training and commitment, and adherence to ethical standards that you can't otherwise assume. Ask brokers if they have "board designations," or certification from professional organizations. For example, CRS stands for certified residential specialist, and is the toughest level to achieve in residential sales. It's awarded by the Residential Sales Council, a group with the National Association of Realtors, and requires the completion of course and a certain level of experience. The National Association of Realtors also certifies brokers as having completed the GRI – graduate realtor institute – a less-arduous set of courses, brokers say. • Someone you feel comfortable with. When choosing a broker to list a home with, you need someone you feel comfortable with, said John Neale, a broker with Sprogis Real Estate in the South End. "If you get a good feeling from a broker, a buyer is going to get that same good feeling, too. That's going to help you sell your house," he said. • An agent who specializes in your community. You could hire a perfectly good agent from across town. But unless that agent is well-known in your area, he may fail to fulfill the potential of your home sale. Why? Because real estate is a cooperative profession, and the odds are good it will be a local agent who brings you the right buyer for the best price and terms. More tips: • Try to work in concert with the agent you choose. Homeowners are sometimes resistant to the suggestions of their listing agents on matters as basic as keeping their property clean and their beds made. A capable, committed agent is worthy of your respect and cooperation. As Tayler explained, "The relationship between an agent and a client is supposed to be a partnership. That's how you sell your property fast and for top dollar." • Consider asking for an agent who meets your specific needs. Are you a young mother compelled to sell your home due to a divorce? Then perhaps you'd be most comfortable working with an agent who has a similar background. Likewise, a senior might wish to seek an older agent who understands the art of downsizing. One way to locate an agent whose background mirrors your needs is to call the owner, broker or sales manager of a realty office in your area. Be candid about your situation and ask for several names, said Tayler, who operated her own real estate company for 17 years. • Don't give your business to someone as a favor. With more than a half-million Americans involved in real estate sales, chances are you have a friend or relative in the field. Don't engage an agent solely on the basis of friendship or to do a favor. There's too much at stake. This article was compiled from the Boston Globe archives. feedback | help | site map | advertising | globe archives | rss © 2006 The New York Times Company Real Estate Guide - Massachusetts Home Builder - New Home Construction

Purchase Property

Letter of Intent to Purchase Real Estate Search by: Both Documents Categories Subscribe & Save Click on a flag to find forms for your country LETTER OF INTENT TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE ($12.50) Use this template to create your own Letter of Intent to purchase real estate, between a buyer and seller stating the buyer's intention to purchase a certain real estate property from the seller, and the terms on which the parties have agreed to conclude the transaction. The transaction is contingent upon the buyer obtaining sufficient mortgage loan financing. The letter of intent itself is NOT a legal contract and is not legally binding, but rather it is a means of ensuring that both parties have the same understanding of the provisions before executing a formal, final and legally binding agreement. This is a generic letter of intent form in MS Word format and is not specific to any country or region. Document Preview [to be prepared on letterhead of purchaser] [date] [name of addressee] [address] Re:Letter of Intent to Purchase Real Estate Dear Sirs: It is the intention of the parties that [Name of Seller] ("Seller") transfer to [Name of Buyer] ("Buyer") all of the Sellers right, title and interest in and to the following property (the "Property"): Terms & Conditions Property Address: Purchase Price Deposit Amount: Down Payment (including deposit): Amount and Type of Loan: Escrow Closing Date: Sellers Agent: Agents Address & Phone No: Acting For (choose one):____ Seller exclusively, or ____both Seller & Buyer Buyers Agent: Agents Address & Phone No: Additional Terms or Conditions: TOP OF PAGE Related Documents Other people who purchased this document also purchased: Purchase Order / Irrevocable Letter of Intent to Purchase Commodities CDA Offer to Purchase for Residential Property NS Counter Offer to Purchase Real Property AB Offer to Purchase & Agreement of Purchase and Sale of Condo BC Offer to Purchase Land for Development Bid for Purchase of Real Property (Estate Probate) AB Offer to Purchase Commercial Building In Category: TOP LEGAL FORMS & DOCUMENTS RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FORMS OTHER COUNTRIES & GENERIC FORMS TOP LEGAL FORMS & DOCUMENTS LETTER OF INTENT FORMS OTHER COUNTRIES & GENERIC FORMS TOP LEGAL FORMS & DOCUMENTS COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FORMS UNITED STATES Number of Items: 0 Total Price: $0.00 ORDER BY PHONE! Members Login Username: Password: Sign Up Top | Site Map | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Statement | Contact Suite 440, 1111-11 Avenue S.W. Calgary AB Canada T2R 0G5 | Phone:1-866-634-2369 Fax:403-245-0569 Email: info@megadox.com Powered By

Denver Real Estate Buyers

METRO DENVER Real Estate, Metro Denver CO Homes for Sale, Highlands Ranch Real Estate Metro Denver Real Estate Toll Free 1-888-406-2259 Denver Real Estate Buyers Denver Real Estate Sellers Or, if you would like us to personally run your daily Denver Real Estate searches for you, click Run It For Me . Community Information + Detailed Maps of Metro Denver Area NEGOTIATING 101 See over 27,000 Metro Denver Home Listings In The Colorado M.L.S. Homes FOR SALE: View Here Servicing All Metro Denver Communities Denver Aurora Castle Rock Cherry Hills Centennial Englewood Greenwood Village Golden Castle Pines Cherry Creek Highlands Ranch Ken-Caryl Ranch Lakewood Littleton Lone Tree Parker Washington Park Castle Rock Area Denver County Douglas County Jefferson County METRO DENVER COMMUNITY INFORMATION + MAPS Denver Encyclopedia WEATHER BY CITY What's Happening In Denver? This comprehensive web site is all you will need to find your next Denver area home or sell the one you now have! There are easy to find answers to all your Denver Real Estate questions. RE / MAX and I are here to assist you through every step of the way. If you have any questions or are ready to buy or sell your Metro Denver Property , please Contact Us . or call (303) 880-4944 . Bill Kosena, a Denver real estate agent , has assisted clients just like you with all their real estate needs since 1978. Have Questions? With 28 years of experience, I have your answers. Receive your answers by e-mail , quickly and without obligation Your privacy is guaranteed! 303-880-4944 Toll Free 1-888-406-2259 OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST Real Estate Practices In Denver A GUIDE TO BENTONITE Mold Mold Mold... And YOU Current Mortgage Rates Moving Check List What To Know Before Buying From A Builder FREE APPRAISAL "On the House!" Your Water Well Motor Vehicle & Driver's License Conforming Money Increased NEGOTIATING For Dummies Help Yourself To A Healthy Home Current Weather History of Colorado Great Reading! Denver Recreation Seniors Only Kids Only Colorado's Official Web Site Denver Employment Links Ready to BUY a Metro Denver area home? Welcome to Denver Real Estate On Line.com where you have direct access to all Metro Denver listings , extensive buyer information including helpful tips and articles all Denver buyers will find to be invaluable. Ready to SELL your Metro Denver area home? This site can offer your Denver area listing access to over 33,000 viewers every month who are looking for Denver Real Estate . We also offer you the skill and experience necessary to obtain a trouble-free sale that nets you the very highest possible price for your home. Expect a diverse range of marketing strategies that will expose your home to all possible buyers. The marketing plan for your home will be customized to your specific needs and your neighborhood market conditions. And, our 33,000 + monthly viewers will be the first to know your property is on the market. Simply fill out the free Broker Market Analysis form and we'll get back to you right away. Feel free to call 303-880-4944 to discuss specific questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Featured Homes: - Looking for just the right property Check here first! Buyer/Seller Tips: - Read through helpful tips of information on buying or selling your home! What is your Home's Value? Let us figure out how much your home is worth in today's market! Local Schools: Identify the best school district for your family with our free schools reports. Local Weather: - Get up-to-date information on weather in the surrounding communities. Map & Driving Directions: - Need a map to our office or anywhere else? Denver Real Estate Expert for Highlands Ranch , Denver , Lone Tree , Greenwood Village , Cherry Hills Village , Castle Pines , Parker , Castle Rock , Cherry Creek , Washington Park , Littleton , Centennial, Ken Caryl To Get Answers Or More Information... 1 Please provide the following contact information: Name: Home Phone: E-mail: 2 How can we help you? By submitting this form with your telephone number you are consenting for this website's authorized representatives to contact you even if your name is on the Federal "Do not call List" Thank you for submitting your information. We will be in contact with you by phone or email shortly. Hello, I'm Denver Realtor Bill Kosena . I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs throughout the Metro Denver area. 303-880-4944 or Bill@DenverRealEstateOnline.com Want to know what they are saying about Bill? 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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)