1003 – Uniform Residential Loan Application.
A & D LOAN – Acquisition and development loan- a loan for the purchase of raw land for the purpose development.
Abstract Title – A written history of the ownership of a parcel of land.
Acceleration Clause – Allows the lender to speed up the rate at which your loan comes due or even to demand immediate payment of the entire outstanding balance of the loan should your default on you loan.
Acknowledgment – A declaration by a notary, certifying, by way of personal knowledge or written identification, the identity of the signer.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage – Is a mortgage in which the interest rate is adjusted periodically based on a pre-selected index. (ARM)
Adjustment Interval – On an adjustable rate mortgage, the time between changes in the interest rate and/or monthly payment, typically one, three or five years, depending on the index.
Affidavit – A sworn statement in writing.
ALTA American Land Title Association – An organization of title companies specializing in Real Property Law which has standardized forms and coverage on a national basis. This is standardized coverage.
Amortized / Amortization – Amortization refers to the principal portion of the loan payment and is the loan payment by equal periodic payments calculated to pay off the debt at the end of a fixed period, including accrued interest on the outstanding balance. A fully amortized loan will be completely paid off at the end of the loan term.
Annual Percentage Rate – An interest rate reflecting the cost of a mortgage as a yearly rate. This rate is likely to be higher than the stated note rate or advertised rate on the mortgage, because it takes into account points and other credit costs. The APR allows homebuyers to compare different types of mortgages based on the annual cost for each loan. (APR)
Appraisal – An estimate of the value of real property, made by a qualified professional called an “appraiser.” An appraisal will be needed to determine the value of your property.
APR Annual Percentage Rate – A form of disclosure on the truth and lending form that explains the interest rate after factoring in the cost of obtaining the loan. It is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate.
ARM Adjustable Rate Mortgage – A mortgage loan where the interest rate is not fixed for the entire term of the loan, but changes during the life of the loan in line with movements in an index rate.
Assumption – The agreement between buyer and seller where the buyer takes over the payments on an existing mortgage from the seller. This must be approved by the lender and be allowed by the note, which was originally signed by the seller.