Mortgage terminology

Featured resources

Showcasing a small house with an eye-catching Tiffany blue door.

8-minute read

What Is Fannie Mae (FNMA)? A guide for home buyers

The Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), or Fannie Mae, purchases and backs mortgage loans for borrowers. Learn more about how Fannie Mae works.

A couple signing papers, potentially associated with finalizing a real estate deal or mortgage agreement.

8-minute read

Joint mortgage: A complete guide for borrowers

A joint mortgage is a home loan that multiple borrowers are responsible for paying. Learn more about joint mortgages, including their pros and their cons.

Young couple inside their home with their baby.

9-minute read

Qualifying for a mortgage: The basics

Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what factors affect your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances.

A woman in a sweater looking at a laptop, possibly working or engaging in online activities.

4-minute read

Variable interest rate: Should you get one?

Unlike a fixed interest rate, a variable interest rate changes over time based on a predetermined index. Learn how these rates work and why you might want one.

A couple with an agent in a home, likely discussing real estate matters.

7-minute read

Capital gains tax on real estate and home sales: A guide

Are you required to pay the capital gains tax on your real estate property? Review our guide to learn what the capital gains tax is, when to pay it and more.

A suburban home with green and well cared garden.

5-minute read

The mortgage constant explained

The mortgage constant is the amount paid in debt service each year divided by the amount of a loan, expressed as a percent. Learn more about mortgage constants.

An elderly couple sitting and reading together having a good time.

8-minute read

Mortgage protection insurance explained: Does every homeowner need it?

Mortgage protection insurance is an insurance policy that helps the family of the policyholder make mortgage payments after they die. Read on to learn more.

Perfect neighborhood, showcasing an ideal or picturesque neighborhood setting.

5-minute read

Freddie Mac: What is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)?

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored agency charged with keeping mortgage markets liquid. Learn more about FHLMC – and how it impacts home buyers and sellers.

A black man on the phone, expressing happiness or contentment during a conversation.

5-minute read

Get a leg up on the competition with Verified Approval

A Verified Approval allows you to confidently make an offer knowing that your financing is rock solid. Read on for details!

Documents spread across a table alongside a coffee mug, portraying an organized or busy setting related to home paperwork or financial documentation.

4-minute read

What is fair market value (FMV) in real estate and how is it calculated?

Fair market value (FMV) in real estate is an assessment of a property's worth in an open market. Learn how FMV is calculated and what it's used for.

A fashionable women sitting on a stool looking outside, possible posing for a photo.

4-minute read

Fee simple: What is it in real estate and how does it work?

Fee simple refers to a landowner’s absolute ownership of real property. Read our article to learn about how fee simple determines real estate or land ownership.

A luxury kitchen with a marble slab backsplash and modern appliances.

7-minute read

What are lender credits used for when buying a house?

Lender credits let you roll your closing costs into your loan for a higher interest rate. Learn about lender credits and if they could be helpful to you.

An image capturing a father and his child huddled closely together, both focused intently on a piece of paper laid out before them. The father, pencil in hand, is writing on the paper, while the child watches with interest.

4-minute read

What is the power of sale in a mortgage note, and how does it affect foreclosure proceedings?

The power of sale allows a lender to sell a home – without judicial review – if a borrower defaults on a mortgage. Learn more about how the power of sale works.

Couple laughing in living room together.

9-minute read

How to get a mortgage preapproval

A mortgage preapproval determines how much you can borrow for your mortgage. Here’s what to expect from your lender and how to navigate the preapproval process.

Small vivid red brick house with white door/window trim and lush green lawn.

7-minute read

CARES Act mortgage forbearance: FAQs and updates

The CARES Act provides mortgage forbearance and other relief to those suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on for updates on the CARES Act.

6-minute read

Tenancy by entirety: Defined and explained

Tenancy by entirety allows married couples to each own 100% of the property – as one entity. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of this type of ownership.

A small indigo colored house with a red door and green front yard.

7-minute read

Mortgage rate lock: A guide to protect you from rate fluctuations

A mortgage rate lock prevents changes to your interest rate as you prepare to close. Learn about the steps you can take to lock in your mortgage rate.

A residential neighborhood with multiple houses, showing a suburban or urban living environment.

7-minute read

What are easements and how can they affect my property?

Easements grant non-property owners limited access to a part of your property. Learn the different types of easements and how they can affect your property.