Interest Rate: The percentage rate at which interest is charged on the mortgage loan.
Loan Term: The length of time the borrower has to repay the mortgage, typically expressed in years.
Credit Score: A numerical representation of a borrower's creditworthiness, which plays a significant role in determining the mortgage terms and interest rate.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): A financial metric used by lenders to assess a borrower's ability to manage additional debt, calculated as the percentage of monthly debt payments to monthly income.
Closing Disclosure (CD): A document provided to the borrower before closing, detailing the final loan terms, closing costs, and other pertinent information.
Appraisal: An evaluation of the property's value conducted by a professional appraiser to determine its market worth.
Homeowners Insurance: Insurance that protects the property and its contents against damage and liabilities.
Title Insurance: Insurance that protects the lender and borrower from potential issues with the property's title, such as ownership disputes or liens.
Origination Fee: A fee charged by the lender to cover the cost of processing the mortgage application.
Underwriting: The process of assessing a borrower's creditworthiness and determining if they meet the lender's criteria for mortgage approval.
Escrow Account: An account held by the lender to collect funds for property taxes, insurance, and other related expenses.
Points: Optional fees paid by the borrower at closing to lower the interest rate on the mortgage.
Mortgage Broker: A middleman who connects borrowers with lenders and assists in the mortgage application process.
PITI: An acronym representing the components of a mortgage payment: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.
Refinancing: The process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, often to secure better terms or lower interest rates.
Down Payment Assistance Program: Government or non-profit initiatives that provide financial aid to help borrowers with their down payment.
Mortgage Prepayment Penalty: A fee charged by some lenders if the borrower pays off the mortgage before a specified period, discouraging early repayment.
Mortgage Servicer: The company responsible for collecting mortgage payments and managing the loan account on behalf of the lender.
These terms are essential to understand when navigating the mortgage process, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or refinancing an existing property. Always consult with a knowledgeable mortgage professional to ensure you fully comprehend the terms and conditions of any mortgage agreement.