Library of real estate terms
The terms used in the real estate world can be confusing, here I offer you a glossary of the most common terms.
Credit History
What is credit history?
As part of the loan application process, virtually all lenders will want to see a copy of
your credit report. The report will list all your long-term debts (credit cards, mortgage
payments, automobile and student loans, etc), as well as your payment history. If you don't
have a copy of your credit report, most lenders will generally require you to pay for a copy
when they process your loan application.
However, most real estate experts agree that it
is a good idea to obtain a copy of your credit report several months before you apply for a
loan. This is so you have a chance to resolve any problems with your credit before your bank
sees it. U.S. Federal law ensures that you have access to your credit report, which may be
obtained from your local credit bureau or any of several national firms that specialize in
credit reports.
Late payments
What is late payments?
For most people, problems with their credit report are likely related to late payments on a debt. If you were late one month in paying off your credit card, but otherwise have a good payment history, chances are most lenders won't be too concerned. But if you have a history of late payments you'll need to document the reasons why. A slow payment history won't necessarily get you turned down for a loan, but you may have to pay a higher rate of interest or otherwise prove to the lender that you can repay your loan in a timely fashion.
Errors on your credit report
What are errors on your credit report?
Many people are surprised to learn that credit reports can often contains errors or inaccurate information. If this is the case with your credit report, you'll need to contact the reporting agency or creditor to have the problem resolved. This can sometimes be a slow process, so make sure to give yourself time to clear up the mistake.
Bankruptcies and foreclosures
What are bankruptcies and foreclosures?
There's no getting around it, a bankruptcy on your credit report is not a good thing. But that doesn't mean you still can't obtain a loan. Even though a bankruptcy may stay on your credit report for seven to ten years, lenders will often consider the circumstances surrounding a bankruptcy (family illness, injury, etc.). Moreover, if you have reestablished good credit since the bankruptcy, a lender will be more inclined to approve your application.
Different Types of Loans
What different types of mortgage loans are there?
Today's homebuyer has more financing options than have ever been available before. From
traditional mortgages to adjustable-rate and hybrid loans, there are financing packages
designed to meet the needs of virtually anyone.
While the different choices may seem
overwhelming at first, the overall goal is really quite simple: you want to find a loan that
fits both your current financial situation and your future plans. Though this article
discusses some of the more common loan types, you should spend time talking with different
lenders before deciding on the right loan for your situation.
General categories of loans
What are general categories of loans?
Most loans fall into three major categories: fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and hybrid loans that combine features of both.
Fixed-rate mortgage
What is a Fixed-rate mortage?
As the name implies, a fixed-rate mortgage carries the same interest rate for the life of the loan. Traditionally, fixed-rate mortgages have been the most popular choice among homeowners, because the fixed monthly payment is easy to plan and budget for, and can help protect against inflation. Fixed-rate mortgages are most common in 30-year and 15-year terms, but recently more lenders have begun offering 20-year and 40-year loans.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
What is adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)?
Adjustable-rate mortgages differ from fixed-rate mortgages in that the interest rate and monthly payment can change over the life of the loan. This is because the interest rate for an ARM is tied to an index (such as Treasury Securities) that may rise or fall over time. In order to protect against dramatic increases in the rate, ARM loans usually have caps that limit the rate from rising above a certain amount between adjustments (i.e. no more than 2 percent a year), as well as a ceiling on how much the rate can go up during the life of the loan (i.e. no more than 6 percent). With these protections and low introductory rates, ARM loans have become the most widely accepted alternative to fixed-rate mortgages.
Hybrid loans
What are hybrid loans?
Hybrid loans combine features of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Typically, a
hybrid loan may start with a fixed-rate for a certain length of time, and then later convert
to an adjustable-rate mortgage. However, be sure to check with your lender and find out how
much the rate may increase after the conversion, as some hybrid loans do not have interest
rate caps for the first adjustment period.
Other hybrid loans may start with a fixed
interest rate for several years, and then later change to another (usually higher) fixed
interest rate for the remainder of the loan term. Lenders frequently charge a lower
introductory interest rate for hybrid loans vs. a traditional fixed-rate mortgage, which
makes hybrid loans attractive to homeowners who desire the stability of a fixed-rate, but
only plan to stay in their properties for a short time.
Balloon payments
What are balloon payments?
A balloon payment refers to a loan that has a large, final payment due at the end of the loan. For example, there are currently fixed-rate loans which allow homeowners to make payments based on a 30-year loan, even though the entire balance of the loan may be due (the balloon payment) after 7 years. As with some hybrid loans, balloon loans may be attractive to homeowners who do not plan to stay in their house more than a short period of time.
Time as a factor in your loan choice
What is the time factor in your loan choice?
As has been discussed, the length of time you plan to own a property may have a strong influence on the type of loan you choose. For example, if you plan to stay in a home for 10 years or longer, a traditional fixed-rate mortgage may be your best bet. But if you plan on owning a home for a very short period (5 years or less), then the low introductory rate of an adjustable-rate mortgage may make the most financial sense. In general, ARMs have the lowest introductory interest rates, followed by hybrid loans, and then traditional fixed-rate mortgages.
FHA and VA loans
What are FHA and VA loans?
U.S. government loan programs such as those of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are designed to promote home ownership for people who
might not otherwise be able to qualify for a conventional loan. Both FHA and VA loans have
lower qualifying ratios than conventional loans, and often require smaller or no down
payments.
Bear in mind, however, that FHA and VA loans are not issued by the
government; rather, the loans are made by private lenders. FHA loans are insured to the
actual lender and VA loans are guaranteed in case the borrower defaults. Remember too, that
while any U.S. citizen may apply for a FHA loan, VA loans are only available to veterans or
their spouses and certain government employees.
Conventional loan
What is a conventional loan?
A conventional loan is simply a loan offered by a traditional private lender. They may be fixed-rate, adjustable, hybrid or other types. While conventional loans may be harder to qualify for than government-backed loans, they often require less paperwork and typically do not have a maximum allowable amount.