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Complicated mortgage terms can make home shopping even more confusing. Below is a list of commonly used terms to help empower you as you speak with mortgage professionals and realtors. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). An ARM, also known as a Variable Rate Mortgage, is a loan whose interest rate is periodically adjusted based on a pre-determined index. Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR is the cost of a mortgage stated as a yearly rate. Since the APR includes points and other credit costs, it is typically higher than the advertised note rate. An APR allows home buyers to compare different mortgages based on loans' annual costs. Appraisal. An appraisal is a written analysis, prepared by a qualified appraiser, of a property's estimated value. Buy-down. A buy-down is when a lender or builder subsidizes a loan by lowering the interest rate during the initial years of a loan. Payments increase when the subsidy expires. ClosingCosts. The fees charged for services performed, including the home appraisal, loan origination, flood certificate, the title survey, etc. Debt-to-Income Ratio. This is the ratio that results when a buyer's monthly payment obligation on long-term debts is divided by his or her gross monthly income. Down Payment. The part of a property's purchase price paid by the borrower (i.e., not financed by the mortgage). Down payments can be anywhere from 3-20 percent of the purchase price. Earnest Money. Earnest money is paid by the buyer to the seller to bind a transaction or assure payment. Equity. Equity is the value of a property over and above the obligation against the property. Escrow. Escrow is the holding of funds or documents by a third party prior to closing; the funds are usually for payment of taxes and insurance on property. Fixed-Rate Mortgage. A fixed-rate mortgage has interest rates that remain constant during the repayment period. HUD-1 Settlement Statement. Standard, government regulated settlement statement that itemizes the costs of transaction when purchasing a home. Commonly referred to as “HUDs” or “HUD-1s.” Origination Fee. Fee(s) charged by the lender to the borrower to prepare loan documents, conduct credit checks, inspect and sometimes appraise property. Origination fees are usually charged as a percentage of the loan. Lock-in. A lock-in is a written agreement guaranteeing a borrower a specific interest rate as long as the loan closes and funds before a certain date. A lock-in usually specifies the number of points paid at closing. PITI. A borrower's monthly mortgage payment: Principle, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. Points. Fee assessed by the lender, usually to permanently buy a below-market rate. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount. For example, three points on a $100,000 mortgage is $3,000. Pre-Paids. Expenses such as interest and escrow reserves. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI, which protects lenders against loss if a borrower defaults, is typically required for borrowers making a down payment less than 20 percent. PMI typically requires an initial premium payment of 1-5 percent and also has a monthly fee. Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

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