HUD Flash Cards
203(b)
FHA’s single-family program which provides mortgage insurance to lenders to protect against the borrower defaulting; 203(b) is used to finance the purchase of new or existing one to four family housing; 203(b) insured loans are known for requiring a low-down payment, flexible qualifying guidelines, limited fees, and a limit on maximum loan amount.
203(k)
This FHA mortgage insurance program enables homebuyers to finance both the purchase of a house and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage loan.
“A” Loan or “A” Paper
A credit rating where the FICO score is 660 or above. There have been no late mortgage payments within a 12-month period. This is the best credit rating to have when entering into a new loan.
ARM
Adjustable Rate Mortgage; A mortgage loan subject to changes in interest rates; when rates change, ARM monthly payments increase or decrease at intervals determined by the lender; the change in monthly payment amount, however, is usually subject to a cap.
Abstract of Title
Documents recording the ownership of property throughout time.
Acceleration
The right of the lender to demand payment on the outstanding balance of a loan.
Acceptance
The written approval of the buyers offer by the seller.
Additional Principal Payment
Money paid to the lender in addition to the established payment amount used directly against the loan principal to shorten the length of the loan.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage(ARM)
A mortgage loan that does not have a fixed interest rate. During the life of the loan the interest rate will change based on the index rate. Also referred to as adjustable mortgage loans (AMLs) or variable-rate mortgages (VRMs)
Adjustment Date
The actual date that the interest rate is changed for an ARM
Adjustment Index
The published market index used to calculate the interest rate of an ARM at the time of origination or adjustment.
Adjustment Interval
The time between the interest rate change and the monthly payment for an ARM. The interval is usually every one, three or five years depending on the index.
Affidavit
A signed, Sworn statement made by the buyer or seller regarding the truth of information provided.
American Society of Home Inspectors
The American Society or Home Inspectors is a professional association of independent home inspectors (800) 743-2744
Amortization
A payment plan that enables you to reduce your debt gradually through monthly payments. The payments may be principal and interest, or interest-only. The monthly amount is based on the schedule for the entire term or length of the loan.
Annual Mortgagor Statement
Yearly statement to borrowers detailing the remaining principal and amount paid for taxes and interest.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
A measure of the cost of credit, Expressed as a yearly rate. It includes interest as well as other charges. Because all lenders, by federal law, follow the same rules to ensure the accuracy of the annual percentage rate, it provides consumers with a good basis for comparing the cost of loans, including mortgage plans. APR is a higher rate than the simple interest of the mortgage.
Application
The first step in the official loan approval process; this form is used to record important information about the potential borrower necessary to the underwriting process.
Application Fee
A fee charged by lenders to process a loan application.
Appraisal
A document from a professional that gives a estimate of a property’s fair market value based on the sales of comparable homes in the area and the features of a property; an appraisal is generally required by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than value of the property.
Appraisal Fee
Fee charged by an appraiser to estimate the market value of a property.
Appraised Value
An estimation of the current market value of a property.
Appraiser
A qualified individual who uses his or her experience and knowledge to prepare the appraisal estimate.
Appreciation
An increase in property value.
Arbitration
A legal method of resolving a dispute without going to court.
As-is Condition
The purchase or sale of a property in its existing condition without repairs.
Asking price
A seller’s stated price for a property.
Assessed Value
The value that a public official has placed on any asset (used to determine taxes).
Assessments
The method of placing value on a asset for taxation purposes.
Assessor
A government official who is responsible for determining the value of a property for the purpose of taxation.
Assets
Any item with measurable value.
Assumable Mortgage
When a home is sold, the seller may be able to transfer the mortgage to the new buyer. This means the mortgage is assumable. Lenders generally require a credit review of the new borrower and may charge a fee for the assumption. Some mortgages contain a due-on-sale clause, which means that the mortgage may not be transferable to a new buyer. Instead, the lender may make you pay the entire balance that is due when you sell the home. An assumable mortgage can help you attract buyers if you sell your home.
Assumption Clause
A provision in the terms of a loan that allows the buyer to take legal responsibility for the mortgage from the seller.
Automated Underwriting
Loan processing completed through a computer-based system that evaluates past credit history to determine if a loan should be approved. This system removes the possibility of personal bias against the buyer.
“B” Loan or “B” Paper
FICO scores from 620-659. Factors include two 30-day late mortgage payments and two or three 30-day late installment loan payments in the last 12 months. No delinquencies over 60 days are allowed. Should be two to four years since a bankruptcy. Also referred to as Sub-Prime.
Back End Ratio(Debt Ratio)
A ratio that compares the total of all monthly debt payments (mortgage, Real estate taxes and insurance, car loans, and other consumer loans) to gross monthly income.
Balance Sheet
A financial statement that shows the assets, liabilities and net worth of an individual or company.
Balloon loan or Mortgage
A mortgage that typically offers low rates for an initial period of time (usually 5,7, or 10) years; After that time period elapses, the balance is due or is refinanced by the borrower.
Balloon Payment
The final lump sum payment due at the end of a balloon mortgage.
Bankruptcy
A federal law whereby a person’s assets are turned over to a trustee and used to pay off outstanding depts; this usually occurs when someone owes more than they have the ability to repay.