The mortgage world loves its jargon. Here's plain English for the terms you'll hear most.
APRThe yearly cost of your loan including interest and certain fees, a fuller picture than the rate alone.
EscrowAn account that collects part of your payment to cover property taxes and insurance when they come due.
PMIPrivate mortgage insurance, typically required on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It can come off later.
PointsOptional upfront fees you can pay to lower your interest rate. Sometimes smart, sometimes not. We'll do the math.
DTIDebt-to-income ratio: how your monthly debts compare to your income. A key number in qualifying.
UnderwritingThe behind-the-scenes review where the lender verifies everything and approves the loan.
Rate LockLocking in your interest rate for a set window so it can't move while you close.
DSCRDebt-service coverage ratio: for investors, it measures whether a property's rent covers its loan payment.
PrincipalThe actual amount you borrowed and still owe, separate from the interest charged on it.
InterestThe cost of borrowing, charged as a percentage of your remaining balance.
AmortizationHow your balance shrinks over time as each payment chips away at principal and interest on a set schedule.
Down PaymentThe cash you put toward the purchase up front; the rest becomes your loan.
Closing CostsThe fees to finalize your loan and purchase (appraisal, title, lender, and more), usually 2–5% of the price.
Earnest MoneyA good-faith deposit submitted with your offer to show a seller you're serious; it typically applies toward closing.
EquityThe share of your home you actually own: its value minus what you still owe.
AppraisalA licensed professional's independent estimate of a home's value, required by your lender.
Fixed-Rate MortgageA loan whose interest rate and principal-and-interest payment never change for the life of the loan.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)A loan with a rate that's fixed for a few years, then adjusts periodically with the market.
Pre-ApprovalA lender's documented confirmation of how much you can borrow, which makes your offers far stronger.
Pre-QualificationA quick, informal estimate of what you might borrow, based on figures you provide.
Loan-to-Value (LTV)Your loan amount compared to the home's value; a lower LTV often unlocks better terms.
Origination FeeA lender's charge for processing and underwriting your new loan.
Title InsuranceCoverage that protects you and your lender if someone later disputes ownership of the property.
Home InspectionA professional's top-to-bottom check of a home's condition before you buy.
ContingencyA condition in your contract (like financing or inspection) that lets you back out safely if it isn't met.
Loan EstimateA standardized early breakdown of your loan's rate, payment, and costs so you can compare offers.
Closing DisclosureThe final, itemized statement of your loan terms and costs, provided at least three days before closing.
Credit ScoreA number summarizing your credit history that helps set your rate and the programs you qualify for.
ClosingThe final step where you sign, funds are exchanged, and the home officially becomes yours.