|
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. |
|
Equity
In real estate, the interest or value of the real estate over and above the amount of the indebtedness thereon. |
|
Index rate
An index is a widely used published interest rate that lenders use to set the interest rate on loans. 10-year U.S. Treasury securities are often used for 30-year fixed-rate loans. ARM loans are commonly based upon the, one-, three-, and five-year U.S. Treasury security yields; the monthly average interest rate on loans closed by savings and loan institutions; or the monthly average costs-of-funds incurred by savings and loans. Lenders adjust the interest rate up or down on an adjustable rate mortgage by measuring the difference between a current index rate to the ARM interest rate, and adding a margin. |
|
Revolving Loan
A loan with a maximum credit limit that provides the borrower with the ability to disburse funds up to the maximum credit line as needed. The line of credit can be accessed repeatedly as the balance is paid down. A revolving loan functions similar to a credit card and may be accessed by writing a check or a using a debit card. |
|
