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Annual Percentage Rate (A.P.R.)
The actual cost of a mortgage loan expressed as a yearly rate. The APR will be higher than the interest rate stated on the application and note because it includes fees such as: interest, discount points, origination fee, mortgage insurance and other related fees. The truth in lending act requires lenders to disclose an APR to assist the borrower in measuring the actual cost of a loan. |
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Convertible ARM
An adjustable-rate mortgage that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions. |
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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). |
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Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
In the event that you do not have a 20 percent down payment, lenders will allow a smaller down payment - as low as 3 percent in some cases. With down payments below 20%, borrowers are usually required to carry private mortgage insurance depending on your loan's structure. Private Mortgage Insurance, is paid on all non-government-insured loans and whose equity is less than 20%. When you have accumulated 20% in equity, your lender may waive PMI at your request. FHA and VA loans have different insurance and guidelines; see Mortgage Insurance Premium for FHA loans. |
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