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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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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. |
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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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Points
Points are also called discount points, mortgage points, loan discount points, loan origination fees, or maximum loan charges. Points are prepaid interest assessed at closing by the lender and or the broker. A point is equal to 1 percent of the loan amount. Lenders consider mortgage points as interest that you pay in advance. As a result, the more points you pay when you close the loan, the lower your interest rate. The IRS considers points to be a form of prepaid interest. Discount fees are totally tax deductible for the year the loan is closed for tax purposes, while origination points are tax deductible over two years (half for the year the loan is closed, and half in the year following). |
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