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Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) A mortgage whose interest rate changes over time based on an index and a margin. Rate changes are made at prescribed times and within prescribed limits (caps) as defined in the mortgage contract. | |
Deferred Interest When a mortgage is written with a monthly payment that is less than required to satisfy the note rate, the unpaid interest is deferred by adding it to the loan balance. | |
Interest-only payments Mortgage payments that include only interest. No loan amortization occurs and, thus, the homeowner does not accrue any equity (unless the home value increases). | |
Underwriting Underwriting involves an analysis of the borrower's creditworthiness (debts and assets, employment history, property evaluation, and other factors to determine an appropriate rate, term & loan amount. | |