by maria | Sep 7, 2016 | Exclusive QA |
When you amortize a loan you basically pay off the principal by making regular installment payments. This typically takes place gradually over several years. Negative amortization is when the mortgage payment is smaller than the interest that is due, which causes the...
by maria | Sep 7, 2016 | Exclusive QA |
Also referred to as PMI, it is insurance you pay to protect the lender in case you default on the home loan. It is required when borrowers put down less than 20% of the purchase price. Usually, a small fee is paid at the outset and a percentage of the face amount of...
by maria | Sep 7, 2016 | Exclusive QA |
It is the cash value of your property over and above what is owed on it, including mortgages, liens, and judgments. The amount of equity almost always grows in a home over the years, but it follows along with the economic times and cycle. Generally speaking, you can...
by maria | Sep 7, 2016 | Exclusive QA |
The loan-to-value ratio, or LTV, is the loan amount expressed as a percent of either the purchase price or the appraised value of the property. It is an important factor considered by lenders before approving a mortgage. Lenders generally prefer a down payment of 20%,...
by maria | Sep 7, 2016 | Exclusive QA |
The annual percentage rate, or APR, is an interest rate that differs from the loan rate. It is the actual yearly interest rate paid by the borrower, including the points charged to initiate the loan and other costs. The APR discloses the real cost of borrowing by...