ADJUSTABLE MORTGAGE LOANS: Loans under which the interest rate is periodically adjusted to coincide with current rates. The amounts and times of adjustment are agreed to at the inception of the loan. Sometimes called (ARM’s) Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
ADJUSTMENT PERIOD: The length of time between interest rate changes on an ARM.
AMORITIZED LOAN: A loan which is paid in equal installments during its term.
ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR): The total finance charge (interest, loan fees, points) expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
APPRAISAL: An estimate of value of a property by a licensed Appraiser.
APPRAISED VALUE: A determination of value by a licensed real estate appraiser. This is needed for obtaining a mortgage from a financial institution.
ASSESSED VALUE: The evaluation placed on property by a public tax assessor as the basis to establish property taxes.
BALLOON MORTGAGE: A mortgage that has a substantial amount of the principal due at the maturity of the note.
BI-LEVEL: Two-story entry, two levels of living area, bedrooms and living area on a second level, and family room on lower level.
CAP: The limit on how much an interest rate can change, either at each adjustment or over the life of the mortgage.
CAPE COD: Usually one and a half stories high with [...]
