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Thinking about buying a home this spring? Check out the latest update to the income needed to buy a median-priced home in the top 50 metro areas.

Thinking about buying a home this spring? Check out the latest update to the income needed to buy a median-priced home in the top 50 metro areas.

The HSH Mortgage Glossary A-Z

MORTGAGE GLOSSARY INDEX:

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
Abstract Of Title
A public record showing a condensed title history of the property.
Acceleration Clause
A provision which requires that the remaining balance due be paid if the borrower defaults on the loan or transfers title to another party.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
A mortgage with an interest rate that changes periodically, according to an "index", such as Treasury Bills. Monthly payments can go up or down when the rate is adjusted.
Adjustment Date
The date that an ARMs interest rate is changed.
Amortization
The process of paying off the debt or mortgage, usually by equal monthly payments. Monthly payments are mostly interest at first (because the debt is higher) and almost entirely principal in later years, when the loan balance is small.
Amortization Schedule
A table which shows the distribution of monthly payments - how much will be applied toward principal and how much toward interest over the life of the loan.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
A figure which attempts to reflect the total cost of a loan, expressed as a yearly rate. Because the APR takes the total cost of credit into account, it can never be lower, and is almost higher than the stated note rate or advertised rate. Within reason, the APR allows you to compare different types of mortgages based on the total cost.
Application Form (1003)
The standard form used to apply for a mortgage. The form used to includes regarding income, savings, assets, debts, and more.
Appraisal
A written justification of value of a property, usually based on an analysis of the price paid for similar properties in the area.
Appraised Value
An opinion of the fair value of a property, generally by a qualified and/or licensed professional appraiser.
Appreciation
The increase in the value of a property over time, usually due to changes in market conditions, inflation, or improvements.
APR
See Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
ARM
See Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Assessed Value
The valuation placed on property for the purpose fixing the amount property taxes.
Assessment
The process of setting the value of a property for tax purposes.
Asset
Personal and Real property: items of value which can be quickly converted into cash. Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, personal property, etc.
Assignment
Transfer of ownership from one individual or company to another. Lenders often assign mortgages which they make to Fannie Mae or other entity which specializes in buying mortgages.
Assumable Mortgage
A mortgage which can be assumed by the buyer when a home is sold. Not commonly available in recent years.
Assumption
The process of assuming a mortgage.
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