Home Buyer’s Guide Glossary

Buying a home comes with many new terms. Here are the key terms every buyer should know. We’ll help explain anything unfamiliar in the process.

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A complete historical summary of the public records relating to the legal ownership of a particular property from the time of the first transfer to the present.
Also known as a variable-rate loan, an ARM is one in which the interest rate changes over time.
Also known as a contract of purchase, purchase agreement, or sales agreement, according to location or jurisdiction. A contract in which a seller and buyer agree to transact under certain terms, spelled out in writing and signed by both parties.
The process of reducing the principal debt through a schedule of fixed payments at regular intervals of time, with an interest rate specified in a loan document.
An appraiser's estimate of the market value of a property based on local market data and the recent sale prices of similar properties.
The value placed on a home by municipal assessors for the purposes of determining property taxes.

The final steps in the transfer of property ownership. On the closing date, as specified by the sales agreement, the buyer aspects and signs all the documents relating to the transaction, and the final disbursements are paid. Also referred to as the Settlement.
The costs to complete a real estate transaction, in addition to the price of the home, may include: points, taxes, title insurance, appraisal fees, commissions, and legal fees.
This is usually the date that the legal ownership of the property transfers from the seller to the buyer.
A clause in the purchase contract that describes certain conditions that must be met and agreed upon by both buyer and seller before the contract is binding.
A response to an initial offer that rejects the original terms while presenting new terms. In contract law, it voids the original offer. It is a standard negotiating tool in real estate transactions to reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
One that is not guaranteed by the federally insured government, typically issued by banks and credit unions.

A ratio that measures total debt burden. It is calculated by dividing gross monthly debt repayments, including mortgages, by gross monthly income.
The amount of money provided from the buyer to the seller as a token of the buyer's assurance and intention to buy the property involved. The deposit is applied against the purchase price of the home once the sale has closed. Your agent can assist you in proposing a certain and appropriate amount for the deposit.
Seller disclosures are based on seller's knowledge of issues. They to serve to inform buyers; they can protect the sellers from future legal action. It is the seller's chance to lay out anything that can negatively affect the value, usefulness, or enjoyment of the property.

A deposit given by the buyer to bind a purchase offer and which is held in escrow. If the property sale is closed the deposit is applied to the purchase price. If the buyer does not fulfill all contract obligations, the deposit may be forfeited.
The value of property, less the loan balance and any outstanding liens or other debts against the property.
Legal right of access to use property by individuals or groups for specific purposes. Easements may affect property values and are sometimes part of the deed.
Funds held by a neutral third party (the escrow agent) until conditions of a contract are met and the funds can be paid out. Escrow accounts are also used by loan services to pay property taxes and homeowner's insurance.

A type of mortgage loan in which the interest rate does not change during the entire term of the loan.

Professional inspection of a home, paid for by the buyer, to evaluate the quality and safety of its plumbing, heating, wiring, appliances, roof, foundation, etc.
Service contract that covers the repair or replacement of home system components and appliances that break down.
A policy that protects you and the lender from natural disasters and liabilities, such as a visitor injury, or damage to your personal property.

Specifications within the offer that detail the items to be included or excluded from the purchase. Typical inclusions are appliances, fixtures, and curtain rods.

A claim or charge on property for payment of a debt. With a mortgage, the lender has the right to take the Title to your property if you don't make the mortgage payments.

The amount a buyer would pay a seller for a home. An appraised value is an estimate of the current fair market value.
Purchased by the buyer to protect the lender in the event of default (typically for loans with less than 20% down). Available through a government agency like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or through private mortgage insurers (PMI).

When the buyer takes possession as specified in the contract of purchase, and adjustments are made for prepaid taxes, maintenance fees, etc. They are usually the same date.
A letter from a mortgage lender indicating that a buyer qualifies for a mortgage of a specific amount. It also shows a home seller that you're a serious buyer.
The amount of money borrowed from a lender to buy a home, or the amount of the loan that has not yet been repaid. Does not include the interest paid to borrow.
A detailed written document which makes an offer to purchase a property, and may be amended several times in the process of negotiations. When signed by all parties involved in the sale, the Purchase Offer becomes a legally-binding sales agreement.
The amount that the buyer is offering to pay for the property, usually dependent on market conditions and may differ from the seller's current asking price. There is no “normal” amount or percentage that a price will differ from its asking price, as the final price will be determined by many factors, including the seller's motivation and how close the asking price is to actual “market value”.

An offer includes certain “terms” which specify the total price offered and how the financing will be arranged, such as if you will arrange your own with a financial institution or mortgage broker, or if you wish to take over the seller's mortgage (assumability).
The right to, and the ownership of property. A Title or Deed is sometimes used as proof of ownership of land. Clear title refers to a title that has no legal defects.
Insurance policy that guarantees the accuracy of the title search and protects lender and homeowners against legal problems with the title.
Federal law that requires disclosure of a Truth-In-Lending statement for consumer loans. The statement includes summary of the total cost of credit.
A historical review of all legal documents relating to ownership of a property to determine if there have been any flaws in prior transfers of ownership or if there an any claims or encumbrances on the title to the property.

Browse our FAQ page for answers to common home buying questions, or contact our team for tailored guidance every step of the way.