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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. |
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Debt ratio or Debt-to-Income Ratio
The ratio, expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing the monthly payment of long-term debts by gross monthly income. |
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Monthly Housing Payment
Typically the total amount of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) paid each month on a mortgage loan. Many lenders and investors limit the monthly housing payment to 28% of the gross monthly income. |
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Refinancing
The process of paying off one loan with the proceeds from a new loan secured by the same property. The main reasons for refinancing is to better the borrower with a lower interest rates, loan term reduction, switch to or from a fixed or ARM loan, receive cash out, debt consolidation, or to eliminate a balloon payment. |
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