There are so many things involved in purchasing or selling a home and sometimes we take for granted and assume that everyone understands all these terms as they relate to their real estate transaction. Here are some of the more common terms to provide a good foundation.
Here are some of the more common terms that you may or may not be familiar with but that are important to know if you may be considering a real estate purchase or sale.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - The interest rate is tied to a financial index making the monthly mortgage payment go up or down over time.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) - The percent of interest that will be charged on a home loan.
Appraisal - A report provided by a licensed, third part professional appraiser highlighting the estimated value of the property. This is typically done for the benefit of the buyer or the buyer’s lender to ensure the property is worth the purchase price.
Association Fee / HOA Fee - In addition to a mortgage, certain housing communities in Florida may have monthly fees associated paid by home owners for costs associated with community common areas and amenities.
Balloon Mortgage - A long-term mortgage loan that starts small but has a large payment due at maturity.
Closing - Closing is used to refer to the end of the purchase process when the buyers become the new owners of this property. This becomes official when the new title to the property is officially recorded by the County Recorder’s Office to transfer ownership of the property.
Closing Costs - The buyer and seller have expenses associated with the transaction other than that of the actual cost of the home. For example, the buyer has a variety of fees due for obtaining a new loan and the seller must pay commission to both agents.
Closing Disclosure - A document that provides the final details about the mortgage loan. It includes loan terms, projected monthly payments, and how much the extra fees will be.
Collateral - Something of value (in this case your home) that is held to ensure repayment of a mortgage or loan.
Commission - A percent of the sale price of the home that is paid to agents. The seller pays commission to both the buyer and listing agent. Commission is set at the time the home is listed with the listing agent.
Comparables - Homes in the area of interest that are used to compare to a subject property. These homes may represent homes with similar age, style, finishes, upgrades, acreage, etc. These homes are ones that have recently sold.
Contingencies - Conditions which must be met in order to close on the purchase/sale of real estate property. Contingencies are typically tied to a date, referred to as a deadline. If the contingency is not satisfied the contract may be canceled.
Counter Offer - The response from the seller in regard to an offer submitted on behalf of a buyer.
Debt to Income Ratio - A lender will evaluate whether a borrower’s income is large enough to handle their payments on existing debts plus their new mortgage payments.
Down Payment - A percent of the cost of the property that is paid up front as a part of the mortgage.
Earnest Money - The upfront deposit made from the buyer to the seller when submitting an offer. This deposit is held in escrow by a third party and applied towards the down payment or closing costs upon closing.
Escrow - This term has multiple meanings; earnest money is typical held by a third party until closing in “escrow”. It can also be referred to as the time period from when the contract is written and accepted by the seller to when the home sale actually closes.
Equity - The difference in the market value of a home versus what is owed on the home.
FHA - A mortgage that is financed through a private lender and insured by the Federal Housing Administration, often requiring a lower down payment and income to qualify.
Fixed Rate - The interest rate will remain the same for the entire life of the mortgage.
Home Equity Line of Credit - A loan or line of credit that your lender may offer using the equity in your home as collateral.
Home Inspection - The process in which a professional inspects the seller’s home for issues that may not be readily apparent, and then creates a report for the buyer to review.
Home Protection Plan - A one-year service that covers the cost of repairs or replace- ments to items covered in the plan (such as stoves, dishwashers, A/C, heaters, etc.).
Hybrid - A loan that starts with a fixed rate period, then converts to an adjustable rate.
Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - Insurance written in connection with a mortgage loan that protects the lender in the event the borrower cannot repay their loan. This is usually not required if the borrower has 20% or more for the down payment.
Mortgage Note - A promise to pay a sum of money at a standard interest rate during a spe-cific term that is secured by a mortgage.
Multiple Listing Services - The national list of real estate properties that are available for sale. These are the most reliable sources to receive up-to-date listing information.
Pre-Approval - The process in which a lender makes an initial evaluation of how much money a buyer might be qualified to borrow based on the preliminary financial information provided. This gives the seller more confidence in the buyer’s ability to close escrow, but is not a guarantee that the loan will be approved.
Principal - The underlying amount of the loan which is actually borrowed.
REO - Real estate owned properties or foreclosed properties currently owned by a financial institution such as the bank that made the loan to the previous owner.
Reverse Mortgage - This is specifically for seniors and it allows them to convert the equity in their home to cash.
Short Sale - A situation when the seller’s lender is willing to accept an offer and allows the sale to be completed for an amount less than the mortgage amount owed by the seller.
Title - A legal document proving current and proper ownership of the property. Also referred to as a Title Deed, this document highlights the history of property ownership and transfers.
Underwriting - The process in which the potential home buyer is evaluated for their finan-cial ability to obtain and repay a loan. This normally includes a credit check and an appraisal of the property.
VA Loan - Special little to no down payment loans that are available to Americans who have served in the Armed Forces. These loans are issued by private lenders and are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.