Mortgage Loans Flashcards
What is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARMs)? What is its AKA?
It frees lenders from being locked into a fixed-interest rate for the entire loan of the loan.
Interest rates may adjust, acc to the terms in the note, to reflect the current cost of $ (meaning what’s going on with our economy today)
*They are a popular alt financing tools as they may help borrowers qualify more easily for a home loan/for a more expensive home (usually rate starts lower than a fixed)
*Many lenders like ARMs bc they can pass the risk of fluctuation interest rates on to borrowers
*AKA = Variable Rate Loan (variable = go up or down)
-The interest on the loan varies upward/downwards over the term of the loan dep on money market conditions and the agreed upon INDEX
When does the interest rate on an ARM change?
(Adjustable Rate Mortgage) only changes IF the CHOSEN INDEX changes
*Borrower’s payments may stay the same for a specified time (ex 1 -2 years) dep on the borrower’s agrmt w/ the lender
What are the 5 components of ARMs?
1) Index - determines rate going up or down
2) Margin - pretty much stays the same of the life of the loan
3) Rate adjustment period
4) Interest rate cap/floor (if any) - how high it can go and how low it can go?
5) Conversion options (if any) - option to convert from an adj to fixed
What is an index in an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?
It is an economic measurement that is used to make periodic interest adjustments for an adjustable-rate mortgage
-Referred to as the COST OF MONEY
-It can fluctuate during the term of the loan, causing the borrower’s actual interest rate to increase/decrease bc of market
-The lender has NO CONTROL over the measurement of the index at any given time
-Plural for index: INDICES
How is the Fully Indexed Rate determined on an ARM?
By adding the index to the margin
INDEX + MARGIN = FULLY INDEXED RATE
Rate is made up of the index and the margin. This is the actual interest rate that the borrower is paying
FOR EXAMPLE:
4.25% current index value
+ 2.00% Margin
= 6.25% Fully Index Rate
Where does the index appear on the disclosures or at closing?
LE & Promissary Note
What determines the Index in an ARM? What are the most common indices?
Market conditions determine the index NOT the control of the lender
Most common:
-Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT)
-The 11th District Cost of Fund Index (COFI) Cert of Deposit Index (CODI)
-The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) replaced The London Inter Bank Offering Rates (LIBOR),
-The Bank Prime Loan Rate (Prime Rate)
U.S. Treasury Securities
What is the margin in an ARM? AKA?
It is the # that a lender ADDS to an index to determine the interest rate of an ARM
-AKA = SPREAD (profit that the bank makes)
-Margin can vary greatly btwn diff lenders
-It is a FIXED # that is not subject to change during the term of the loan
-It represents the lender’s operating costs & profit margin
expressed in basis points 100 points = 1%
What is an introductory rate in an ARM? AKA?
It is the interest rate on an ARM at closing and it will be in effect for a period of time ranging from one month to 10 yrs dep. upon the loan product
-Rate that you’re starting at
-AKA = “start rate” or “initial rate”
-It is set by the lender
What is a teaser rate in an ARM?
When the introductory rate is lower than the fully-indexed rate at the time of closing
They try to do this to get the borrower to the door
Where is the margin disclosed?
LE
What is the Rate Adjustment Period in an ARM?
It is the LENGTH OF TIME between interest rate changes on ARMS
Example: Every 2 years, every period
What is the Interest Rate Cap on an ARM? AKAs?
A rate cap is a limitation on the amt that an interest rate may increase or decrease either @ the adj. date or over the lifetime of the loan. What’s the cap - highest it can go?
-AKA = adjustment caps
Why are interest rate caps used in ARMs?
It’s to limit the # of % points an interest rate can be increased during the term of a loan, helping to eliminate large fluctuations in mtg payments
What’s the benefit of an ARM loan?
Helps to avoid payment shock with built-in protections called CAPS
A huge increase that can surprise the borrower
Example: Starts with 4.5% and then 14%
What do CAPS regulate and what are the 3 main interest CAPS?
It regulates how much the interest rate can increase in a given period
1) INITIAL Cap
2) PERIODIC ADJUSTMENT Cap
3) LIFETIME Cap
What is the initial cap in an ARM?
It applies ONLY TO THE FIRST rate adjustment period & indicates the # of % points that a rate may increase over the start rate
What is a Periodic Cap in an ARM?
It limits the amt of interest rate can adjust up or down from one adjustment period to the next
Example: If a previous period rate was 5% and the periodic cap is 2%, then the MAX change is 2% up or down - 3% would be the lowest, 7% would be the highest
What is the Life Cap in an ARM?
It sets a MAX # of % points that the rate can increase over the START RATE for the life of the loan functioning as a RATE CEILING
Example #1: an ARM has an interest rate of 5.5% with a 6.0% lifetime cap = interest rate can NEVER exceed 11.5% (5.5 + 6 = 11.5)
Example #2: If start rate is 3% and the life cap is 6%, then max the rate can reach over the life of the loan is 9%
Explain when ARMs are identified with three #s. For example: 5/2/6
They are FROM where it started. It allows for a higher rate change at the FIRST adjustment and then apply a periodic adjustment to future adjustments
> 5% at the first adjustment. The FIRST # is the interest rate cap for the 1st adjustment
2% for subsequent adjustable period. Period adjustment cap
6% total over the life of the loan. Lifetime interest rate cap
Explain the rate caps shown as two numbers for an ARM. Example: 2/6
> 2 is the FIRST # which indicates the MAX amount the interest rate can increase (or potentially decrease) from one adjustment period to the next
> 6 indicates the MAX amt the interest rate can increase during the life of the loan
Example: An ARM has a start rate of 4% with a 2/6 cap.
Most the ARM can increase/decrease is 2% at each adj. period
Most the rate can increase is 6% and lowest it can decrease is 2%
However, most it can increase over the life of the loan (life cap) is 6% from the start rate so 10% (4 + 6)
What is the Rate Floor on an ARM?
A lending agreement in order to protect the lender.
It is the LOWEST interest rate to which an ARM may adjust
For loans sold to Fannie/Freddie, this is usually identical to the margin
What is the types of ARMs?
1) Interest-only ARM
2) Payment-option ARMs
3) Convertible ARMs
4) Hybrid ARMs
What is an Interest-Only ARM?
(IO). It allows payment of interest ONLY for a specified # of years. (Typically btwn 3-10 years)
-It allows the borrower to have smaller monthly payments for a period of time
-After that, monthly payments increase even if interest rates stay the same bc the borrower must start repaying the principal and interest each month
What is an Option ARM?
It is a type of loan that allows the borrower to choose among several payment options each month.
-It provides flexibility for borrowers by allowing them to choose the payment that suits their current financial situation
-It offers a VARIETY of payment options, such as min payment - less than the minimum (which can lead to neg. amortization), a 15 yr or 30 yr amortized payment, or an interest-only payment (usually is a 4 payment option, every month they can do different options)
What does Recasting mean? What led this?
Option ARM led to this, they had to relook at the payments
Option ARM payments are typically adjusted every 5 yrs (too much at the end, negative) then that option goes away
-Lenders do this by amortizing the higher principal bal created by the addition of interest (negative amortization)
-Recasting = automatic payment adjustment. It amortizes the loan so it can be fully paid by the end of the loan term
What is a Convertible ARM?
It has a CONVERSION option
-To change from an adjustable to a fixed rate mortgage, a refinance of the trans is usually required, but a CONVERTIBLE ARM allows a borrower from an ARM to a fixed rate w/o going through the refinance process
-Lender may charge a one-time fee at the time the loan is converted to a fixed rate
-When loan converts, it converts to the current prevailing rate
This clause can be in the promissary note
What is a Hybrid Loan in an ARM?
A Hybrid ARM combines the feature of a fixed-rate loan with those of an adjustable-rate loan. (fixed component and an adjustable like a hybrid car)
-It may be desirable for borrowers who plan to sell their homes/pay off their loans w/in a few years
-The fixed-rate feature gives the borrower some security with fixed payments in the initial term of the loan
-The adj. rate feature is that the initial interest rate on these loans are typically lower than a fixed-rate loan
-Initially, a fixed interest rate exists for a period of 3, 5, 7, or 10 years
Often advertised as 3/1, 5/1, 7/1 or 10/1 ARMs
- These loans are a hybrid of a fixed & adjst.
- 1st # = how long the fixed interest rate period will be
- 2nd # = how often the rate will adjust after the initial period
fixed for the 5 years and then adjust every year
A 2/28 or 3/27 is another example of a hybrid ARM loan. Explain.
> 1st # = how long the fixed interest-rate period will be
2nd # = the # of years the rate on the loan will be adjustable
SCENARIO: Joe and Maria Sullivan are borrowing $280,000 toward the purchase of a home. The loan is a 3-1 ARM with a start rate of 5.625%, a periodic rate cap of 2% thereafter, and a lifetime rate cap of 6%.
They want to know the highest interest rate that could be charged in the fifth year of the mortgage loan?
5.625% + 4% = 9.625%
What is a Reverse Mortgage? AKA?
There are no payments due from the borrower. In many cases, the lender will actually make periodic payments TO the borrower that come from the borrower’s EQUITY in the home
They allow an older homeowner to use equity in their homes to meet the expenses of living or to pay for home improv.
AKA = HECM “home equity conversion mortgages)
What are the requirements of a Reverse Mortgage?
-62 or older
-Borrower must live in his/her home
-Payments are not taxable income and paid out based on a TENURE METHOD (payments overtime as opposed to lump-sum)
-BALANCE of a loan rises as EQUITY shrinks
-Mortgage is payable in full when the home is sold or when the last surviving homeowner dies
-Amt that an applicant may borrower is based on the AGE OF THE YOUNGEST borrower
-They must show that they can make property tax & HOI
When will the Reserve Mortgage be taken away?
-Homeowner dies
-Homeowner moves out of the home for a period of 12-consecutive months (one continuous year)
-Homeowner sells the home
-Homeowner fails to pay property tax and HOI
What is the max Seller Concession allowed (closing cost) in a conventional loan?
3%
What is an acceleration clause?
Gives lender right to declare entire loan balance due IMMEDIATELY bc of borrower default or for violation of other contract provisions. Remember it needs 2 things: immediate & default (late)
What is an alienation clause?
A clause that specifically calls a mortgage loan due upon sale or transfer of the property. This allows the lender to be paid immediately if the borrower transfers ownership of the mortgaged property without lender’s approval (aka due on sale clause).
What is a promissory note? Who is it signed by?
Financing instruments that evidence a promise to pay a specific amount of money to a specific person within a specific time frame.
It’s signed by the borrower as evidence to promise to pay
Payee: Person/institution lending $
Payor: Maker of the note who promises to repay funds
What is a Straight Note?
A Type of Promissory Note
A type of fixed-rate mortgage that allows the borrower to pay only the interest due on the mortgage for a period of years, after which the loan becomes fully amortizing.
What is a Fully Amortizing Loan (Self-Liquidating)?
A type of Promissory Note
A loan is fully amortizing when the regular monthly payments result in the principal balance being extinguished at the end of the loan term. Most fixed-rate loans are fully amortizing.
pay off the entire balance
What is a Partially Amortizing Loan?
A type of Promissory Note
A loan where a portion of the principal is repaid with regular monthly payments, but the balance is not fully extinguished at the end of the loan term (resulting in a large payment to satisfy the remaining balance), is called a “partially amortizing loan.” Balloon loans are partially amortizing loans.
What is a Negative Amortization?
A type of Promissory Note
Monthly payment is not sufficient to cover the accrued interest from the previous month
What 2 security instruments accompany a Promissory Note?
1) Trust Deeds (or deed of trust)
2) Mortgages
*They are used in real estate trans
What is a trust deed?
Instruments placing specific financial interest in title to real property into hands of disinterest 3rd party as security for payment of note
> Borrower = trustor
> Lender = beneficiary who retains note & deed of trust
> Trustee = holds legal title to security property descried in deed of trust
> Trustee (usually 3rd party) has authority under terms of trust to commence NON-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE ACTION when lender has declared loan in default . meaning that they don’t have to go to the court to sell the house
*usually west coast
What is Mortgages?
Signed by the borrower creating a VOLUNTARY LIEN on the property for the security of the payment of the debt
> Borrower = mortgagor
> Lender = mortgagee who retains note and deed of trust
> When borrower defaults on mortgage, lender may commence judicial foreclosure action
**usually east coast
What is a nontraditional mortgage?
SAFE Act defines it as ANYTHING other than a 30 year fixed rate mortgage
What is a traditional mortgage?
Defined as a 30 year fixed rate
What are 2 types of conventional loans? What does “conventional” mean?
1) Conforming loans
2) Non-conforming loans
Means that the loan is not part of a specific govt program
What is a conventional loan?
Made by a bank or institutional lender. Not insured or guaranteed by a govt entity or agency. NOT part of a specific govt program.
They are written to guidelines set by govt-sponsored entities (GSE) so they may be sold on secondary market (Fannie/Freddie)
They are CONFORMING loans that limit loan amts of a single-fam residence to the current limit of $528,250
What is the min down payment on a conventional loan?
3-5%, depending on the loan program
A 97% LTV loan is offered under “Home Ready (FNMA)” & “Home Possible (FHLMC)”
Borrowers utilizing these programs do not need to be first-time homebuyers & meet certain income criteria
PMI is required on all loans, if the borrower puts how much at closing? What is the late fee?
If borrower puts less than 20% of the loan amount at closing.
Late fee is 5% of the monthly P&I
What is the qualifying guideline on a conventional loan?
1) 28% total housing expense ratio
2) 36% total DTI ratio
3) Borrowers must qualify under BOTH ratios ^
4) Borrowers should have 2 months of reserves on deposit
What is a conforming loan?
A conventional loan. They MEET Fannie/Freddie standards and can be sold int othe secondary market
What are Non-conforming loans?
They are JUMBO loans, loans that EXCEED the conforming loan limit
They do NOT meet the UW requirements established by Freddie/Fannie
They can NOT be sold onto the secondary market
What are the 2 main reasons why a loan would be classified as nonconforming?
1) Size of the loan - exceed max loan amt
2) Credit Quality of Borrower - MLOs may see a borrower who do not meet MIN. standards by Freddie/Fannie classified as a “B or C Borrower”. Might be someone who has had a credit problem in the past
What is the credit quality of the borrower for non-conforming loans?
>Alt-A
>B or C
> Alt A: designation for loans made to borrowers who do not represent the high credit risk of subprime borrowers, but who do not quite meet the uw requirements for conforming prime rate loans characterized by reduced documentation, high ratios or limited assets.
> B or C borrower: MLOs may see these borrowers who do not meet min Fannie/Freddie, Credit problem in past
What is a fixed rate mortgage?
Type of mortgage loan in which the interest rate & payments (P&I) remain same for the life of the loan
What is an Interest only loan? AKA?
AKA straight note
Period of reduced payments for a specified time, then payment increases to fully amortize by end of term
What is a Bi-Weekly Mortgage?
Make a payment every 2 weeks is the same as making an extra mortgage payment every yr bc there are 26 bi-weekly periods in a year
What is the main advantage & disadvantage in a 15 year mortgage?
Advantage: Lenders give best interest rate
Disadvantage: Payments are generally higher. Borrower has full ownership in half the time.
What is a Balloon Mortgage? AKA?
A balloon loan means that the loan has a larger-than-usual, one-time payment, typically @ the end of the loan term. If you cannot pay the balloon amt, you might have to refi, sell your home, or face foreclosure AKA “partially amortizing loans”
What is a subordinate lien?
Any mortgage or other lien that has priority lower than that of the 1st mortgage. Referred to as a “junior lien”.