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Amortization The gradual repayment of a mortgage by installments. As you pay back the loan, an increasing amount of each payment is applied to principal and a lesser amount is applied to interest. Amortization is also a process of spreading a cost that is incurred upfront over the term of the loan or life of the asset. | |
Deed of Trust An instrument used in many states in place of a mortgage. The property is transferred to a trustee by the borrower (trustor), in favor of the lender (beneficiary) and re-conveyed upon payment in full. | |
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A revolving line of credit secured on the equity in the mortgagor's house, usable for any purpose. | |
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. | |