A home equity loan (sometimes called a HEL) allows you to borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral. Equity is the amount your property is currently worth, minus the amount of any existing mortgage on your property. You receive the money from a home equity loan as a lump sum. A home … Read more
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) is a private corporation founded by Congress. Its mission is to promote stability and affordability in the housing market by purchasing mortgages from banks and other loan makers. The corporation is currently under co “Mortgage Key Terms.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/answers/key-terms/. Accessed 21 May 2021. Legal Disclaimer: The content … Read more
Foreclosure is when the lender or servicer takes back property after the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments. In some states, the lender has to go to court to foreclose on your property (judicial foreclosure), but other states do not require a court process (non-judicial foreclosure). Generally, borrowers must be notified if the lender or … Read more
Your servicer may require force-placed insurance when you do not have your own insurance policy or if your own policy doesn’t meet your servicer’s requirements. Force-placed insurance usually protects only the lender, not you. The servicer will charge you for the insurance. Force-placed insurance is usually more expensive than finding an insurance policy yourself. “Mortgage … Read more
Forbearance is when your servicer allows you temporarily to pay your mortgage at a lower rate or temporarily to stop paying your mortgage. Your servicer may grant you a forbearance if, for example, you recently lost your job, suffered from a disaster, or from an illness or injury that increased your health care costs. Forbearance … Read more
Government recording charges are fees assessed by state and local government agencies for legally recording your deed, mortgage, and documents related to your home loan. “Mortgage Key Terms.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/answers/key-terms/. Accessed 21 May 2021. Legal Disclaimer: The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. New Dwelling … Read more
If you’re interested in buying a condo, co-op, or a home in a planned subdivision or other organized community with shared services, you usually have to pay condo fees or Homeowners’ Association (HOA) dues. These fees vary widely. Condo or HOA fees are usually paid separately from your monthly mortgage payment. If you do not … Read more
A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is an arrangement where you voluntarily turn over ownership of your home to the lender to avoid the foreclosure process. A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure may help you avoid being personally liable for any amount remaining on the mortgage. If you live in a state in which you are responsible for any … Read more
FHA mortgage limits are the dollar amount limits for qualifying mortgages that the FHA will insure as part of its single-family home mortgage program. These limits are based upon location and they may be revised each year. “Mortgage Key Terms.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/mortgages/answers/key-terms/. Accessed 21 May 2021. Legal Disclaimer: The content on this page provides general … Read more
FHA loans are loans from private lenders that are regulated and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans differ from conventional loans because they allow for lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3.5 percent of the total loan amount. Maximum loan amounts vary by county. “Mortgage Key Terms.” Consumer Financial Protection … Read more