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Assessed Value The value that a taxing authority, such as a county assessor places on real property as a base for computing property taxes. Generally assessed at 80% of value. | |
Convertible ARM An adjustable-rate mortgage that can be converted to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions. | |
Index rate An index is a widely used published interest rate that lenders use to set the interest rate on loans. 10-year U.S. Treasury securities are often used for 30-year fixed-rate loans. ARM loans are commonly based upon the, one-, three-, and five-year U.S. Treasury security yields; the monthly average interest rate on loans closed by savings and loan institutions; or the monthly average costs-of-funds incurred by savings and loans. Lenders adjust the interest rate up or down on an adjustable rate mortgage by measuring the difference between a current index rate to the ARM interest rate, and adding a margin. | |
Title Search An examination performed by a title company of the public records, including court decisions, to disclose facts concerning the ownership of real estate. The title examiner prepares an Abstract and the title agent prepares a Binder but decisions regarding the legal sufficiency of title or questions requiring legal interpretation must be resolved by a licensed attorney at law. | |