|
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. |
|
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It insures residential mortgage loans made by private lenders. FHA also sets standards for underwriting mortgages. |
|
Home Equity Loan
A type of loan that allows homeowners to acquire a loan in addition to their original mortgage/lien using a portion or all of the equity in their home (primary residence). A home equity loan is a generally a second mortgage on the subject property and may be used for any personal needs (i.e., college education, debt consolidation, home improvement, etc). |
|
Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM)
A form of mortgage in which the lender makes periodic payments to the borrower using the borrower's equity in the home as Satisfaction of Mortgage: The document issued by the mortgagee when the mortgage loan is paid in full. Also called a release of mortgage. |
|
