A to Z · 1055 Terms

Real estate & finance, demystified.

The jargon can be exhausting. Here’s a plain-English glossary covering real estate, lending, investment, and the business-finance ecosystem that surrounds them.

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Mortgage Loans

Lock Extension

Pushing the rate-lock expiration further out, typically for a fee.

Mortgage Loans

Lock Float

Choosing not to lock a rate immediately, hoping rates improve before closing.

Mortgage Loans

MIP

Mortgage Insurance Premium — required on FHA loans, often for the life of the loan.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage

A loan used to finance the purchase of real estate, secured by the property itself.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Banker

A direct lender that originates and funds its own loans.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Broker

An intermediary who shops multiple lenders to find a borrower the best loan.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

A federal tax credit for qualifying low/moderate income homebuyers on a portion of mortgage interest paid.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgagee

The lender holding the mortgage on a property.

Mortgage Loans

Mortgagor

The borrower who pledges property as collateral under a mortgage.

Mortgage Loans

Negative Amortization

When loan payments don’t cover interest, causing the balance to grow over time.

Mortgage Loans

Non-QM Loan

A mortgage that doesn’t meet the qualified-mortgage standards — often for self-employed borrowers.

Mortgage Loans

Origination Fee

A fee charged by a lender for processing a new loan application.