Quick Navigation

MORTGAGE#1

A loan specifically for purchasing real estate, secured by the property itself.

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE#2

A mortgage with a constant interest rate and monthly payments that never change.

ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE (ARM)#3

A mortgage with an interest rate that may change periodically based on market conditions.

FHA LOAN#4

A government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, ideal for low-to-moderate income buyers.

VA LOAN#5

A mortgage option for veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

USDA LOAN#6

A mortgage option for rural homebuyers, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aimed at promoting rural development.

BUDGETING#7

The process of creating a plan to spend your money, ensuring you can cover expenses and save for future goals.

HOMEOWNERSHIP COSTS#8

Expenses associated with owning a home, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

GRANTS#9

Financial aid that does not need to be repaid, often aimed at helping first-time homebuyers.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS#10

Programs designed to provide financial support or resources to help homebuyers with their purchase.

LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING#11

The process of setting financial goals and creating a strategy to achieve them over an extended period.

CREDIT SCORE#12

A numerical representation of a person's creditworthiness, impacting loan eligibility and interest rates.

DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO#13

A measure of an individual's monthly debt payments compared to their gross monthly income, used by lenders to assess risk.

DOWN PAYMENT#14

The initial payment made when purchasing a home, typically expressed as a percentage of the purchase price.

EQUITY#15

The difference between the market value of a property and the amount owed on the mortgage.

PRE-APPROVAL#16

A lender's conditional commitment to loan a certain amount based on the borrower's financial profile.

ESCROW#17

A financial arrangement where a third party holds funds or documents until specific conditions are met.

CLOSING COSTS#18

Fees and expenses incurred during the finalization of a real estate transaction, beyond the purchase price.

PROPERTY TAX#19

An annual tax paid by homeowners based on the assessed value of their property.

MORTGAGE INSURANCE#20

Insurance that protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan, often required for low down payments.

REAL ESTATE AGENT#21

A licensed professional who represents buyers or sellers in real estate transactions.

FINANCIAL LITERACY#22

The ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including budgeting, investing, and managing debt.

CASH RESERVES#23

Savings set aside to cover emergencies or unexpected expenses related to homeownership.

REFINANCING#24

The process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, often to secure a lower interest rate or change terms.