Appraisal Value
In order to determine the fair market value of your home, a lender will order an independent appraisal. This value will play a large part in determining how much money you will be able to borrow.

Debt Consolidation Loan
A Debt Consolidation Loan is primarily structured for individuals who have various amounts of existing debt. This type of loan allows you to consolidate your personal loans, credit card balances, student loans, and any other debts you have into one single loan, often at a greatly reduced interest rate. Because Debt Consolidation Loans are considered second mortgages, your interest payments may be tax deductible

Down payment
These are personal funds you will use toward the purchase of your new home. When added, the amount of your down payment and the amount of your loan will equal the purchase price of your new home.

Equity
The difference between the value of your home and any debts you have against your home is considered equity. Your equity will increase as the value of your home increases and the amount of debts you have against your home decrease.

Fixed rate mortgage
The interest rate on a Fixed Rate Mortgage stays the same for the life of your loan. The payment amount also remains the same.

Home Equity Loan or Line
Sometimes called a second mortgage, a Home Equity Loan uses your home’s equity as collateral. You receive the loan proceeds in a lump sum and make regular payments over the life of the loan. Interest that you pay on this loan may be tax deductible.

An Equity Line differs from an Equity Loan in that you have access to a line of credit which you can draw from as you choose. Interest that you pay on this loan may also be tax deductible.

Homeowner's insurance
This is insurance that lenders will require you have on your property. It can protect against damage caused by such things as fire, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, and other catastrophic events. Most policies also provide liability insurance in case someone is injured on your property.

Interest rate
This is the rate quoted for your loan.

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
Your loan amount divided by the appraised value of the property in question equals the Loan-to-Value ratio.

Mortgage/Discount points
This refers to a charge based on a percentage of your loan amount. One mortgage point is equal to 1% of your loan amount. Points are often ‘paid’ to reduce the interest rate on a loan.

Origination fees
This is the fee charged for originating and processing a loan. The amount can add up to as much as 1% of the total loan amount.

Other loan payments
This refers to other installment type loans you may have such as student loans, car loans, or personal loans.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Private Mortgage Insurance protects your lender in the event you default on your loan. PMI is usually only required if the Loan-to-Value ratio is more than 80%.

Property tax rate
This is the rate used to calculate property taxes.

Property taxes
Property taxes are paid to your city, county, or taxing municipality. Your property taxes can be deducted on your taxes. The amount you pay is usually a pre-determined rate charged against the assessed value of your home. For example, a 1% property tax assessed on a $200,000 home would be $2,000.

Refinance Loan
A Refinance loan enables you to pay off your existing first mortgage along with a second mortgage if applicable. There are many reasons to choose this type of loan, including taking advantage of lower interest rates, obtaining lower monthly payments, or “cashing out”to obtain funds.

Savings rate
This is the return you expect to receive on your investments.

Tax rate
There are 5 Federal tax rates, ranging from 15% - 39.6%. To identify your tax “bracket”, refer to the I.R.S.’s tax rate schedules.

Term
This is the period of a loan, defined in years. Most of the mortgages you see will be for either 15 or 30 years.