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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. | |
Down Payment Money deposited towards the purchase of a home paid to make up the difference between the purchase price and the mortgage amount not finance with a mortgage. The larger the down payment, the less you need to borrow. Most lenders require the down payment to be paid from the buyer's own funds. Gifts from related parties are sometimes acceptable, and must be disclosed to the lender. However, FHA allows gifts from any source. | |
Home Owners Association (HOA) A nonprofit organization that manages the common areas and services of a planned unit development or condominium project. In a condominium project it has no ownership interest in the common areas; in a planned unit development it holds title to common areas. | |
V.A. Mortgage Funding Fee A premium assed to the VA borrower in lieu of mortgage insurance. First time VA borrowers have a 3% funding fee included in their loan. When the VA borrower sells their home and uses their VA rights on a new home, the funding fee is 2%. VA borrowers refinancing their home, have a half percent funding fee in their mortgage. Disabled Veterans are not burdened with the funding fee. | |