Buying a home involves navigating a sea of unfamiliar terms and concepts, especially when it comes to mortgages. From APR to escrow, the world of home financing can feel like learning a new language. But fear not! We're here to decode the mortgage jargon with a handy glossary of terms to help you confidently navigate the home buying process.

​

Glossary of Mortgage Terms:

 

1. Amortization: The process of paying off a loan over time through regular payments. With each payment, a portion goes towards the principal (the amount borrowed) and a portion goes towards the interest (the cost of borrowing).

2. Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The total cost of borrowing money expressed as an annual percentage. It includes the interest rate, points, and other fees associated with the loan.

3. Closing Costs: Fees and expenses paid at the closing of a real estate transaction. These may include appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and more.

4. Down Payment: The initial payment made towards the purchase of a home, typically expressed as a percentage of the total purchase price.

5. Escrow: A third-party account where funds are held during the home buying process, often used to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance.

6. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A type of mortgage where the interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan, providing predictable monthly payments.

7. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): A type of mortgage where the interest rate can change periodically, usually based on an index such as the prime rate. Monthly payments may fluctuate accordingly.

8. Home Equity: The value of ownership in a home, calculated by subtracting the outstanding mortgage balance from the home's current market value.

9. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): The ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the property. Lenders use this ratio to assess the risk of the loan.

10. Pre-approval: A preliminary assessment by a lender indicating how much money you may be eligible to borrow based on your income, credit score, and other factors. It helps demonstrate to sellers that you're a serious buyer.

11. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Insurance required by lenders when the down payment on a home is less than 20% of the purchase price. PMI protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan.

12. Principal: The original amount of money borrowed in a loan, excluding interest and other fees.

13. Refinancing: The process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan, often to secure a lower interest rate or change the loan term.

14. Title Insurance: Insurance that protects homeowners and lenders against any defects in the title of a property, such as liens or ownership disputes.

15. Underwriting: The process by which lenders assess the creditworthiness of a borrower and determine whether to approve their mortgage application.

​

​

Armed with this mortgage glossary, you'll be better equipped to understand the ins and outs of the home financing process. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, having a grasp of these essential terms will empower you to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of mortgages with confidence. So, when you're ready to embark on your home buying journey, you'll be speaking the language of mortgages like a pro!