Knowledge Center

Mortgage
Glossary

Demystify mortgage terminology with our comprehensive glossary. From APR to Zoning Laws, we make complex mortgage concepts simple to understand.

200+
Terms Defined
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Essential mortgage terms every homebuyer should know

APR
Annual Percentage Rate
PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance
DTI
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Escrow
Third-party account for taxes
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Knowledge Center

Mortgage Terms
Glossary

Your comprehensive guide to understanding mortgage terminology. We believe informed borrowers make empowered decisions.

A

Amortization

The gradual repayment of a loan through regular payments of principal and interest over time.

A

Appraisal

A professional estimate of a property's market value, used by lenders to determine loan amount eligibility.

A

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

The total cost of borrowing annually, including interest rate plus fees—expressed as a percentage.

A

ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage)

A mortgage with an interest rate that changes at scheduled intervals, often after an initial fixed period.

C

Closing Costs

The various fees and charges (e.g., title, escrow, lender fees) paid at the closing of a real estate transaction.

C

Credit Score

A numerical rating that reflects a borrower's creditworthiness, based on payment history, debt, and other factors.

D

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

A measure of how much of your income goes toward debt payments. It helps lenders assess affordability.

D

Down Payment

The portion of the home price paid upfront, not financed through the mortgage. Often 3–20% of the purchase price.

E

Escrow

A third-party account that holds money for property taxes and insurance, collected with your mortgage payment.

E

Equity

The difference between your home's market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage.

F

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

A mortgage where the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan.

F

FHA Loan

A government-backed loan from the Federal Housing Administration, designed for lower down payments and flexible qualifications.

Most Searched Terms

These are the mortgage terms our clients ask about most frequently.

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PMI
📊
LTV Ratio
Pre-Approval
📋
Underwriting

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