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An estimate of value of property resulting from analysis of facts about the property; an opinion of value.

The borrower’s costs of the loan term expressed as a rate. This is not their interest rate.

The recipient of benefits, often from a deed of trust; usually the lender.

Closing Disclosure form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding all of the costs of the transaction. This form will be given to the consumer three business days before closing.

Though varied from state-to-state, escrow generally refers to the date the buyer becomes the legal owner and title insurance becomes effective.

Sales that have similar characteristics as the subject real property, used for analysis in the appraisal. Commonly called “comps.”

Occurs when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan, not, for example, when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to a seller on a real estate transaction. The point in time when a borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan depends on applicable State law. Consummation is not the same as close of escrow or settlement.

An instrument used in many states in place of a mortgage.

Limitations in the deed to a parcel of real property that dictate certain uses that may or may not be made of the real property.

The date the amounts are to be disbursed to a buyer and seller in a purchase transaction or the date funds are to be paid to the borrower or a third party in a transaction that is not a purchase transaction.

Down payment made by a purchaser of real property as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.

A right, privilege or interest limited to a specific purpose that one party has in the land of another.

As to a title insurance policy, a rider or attachment forming a part of the insurance policy expanding or limiting coverage.

 

A trust type of account established by lenders for the accumulation of borrower’s funds to meet periodic payments of taxes, mortgage

insurance premiums and/or future insurance policy premiums, required to protect their security.

Real estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. Buyer often adds liability insurance and extended coverage for personal property.

A description of land recognized by law, based on government surveys, spelling out the exact boundaries of the entire parcel of   land. It should so thoroughly identify a parcel of land that it cannot be confused with any other.

A form of encumbrance that usually makes a specific parcel of real property the security for the payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. For example, judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust.

Form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding the key features, costs and risks of the mortgage loan for which they are applying. Initial disclosure to be given to the borrower three business days after application.

The instrument by which real property is pledged as security for repayment of a loan.

A payment that includes Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.

A written instrument whereby a principal gives authority to an agent. The agent acting under such a grant is sometimes called an Attorney-in-Fact.

Process of filing documents affecting real property with the appropriate government agency as a matter of public record.

Document providing a detailed breakdown of costs involved in a real estate transaction.

A rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that combines and integrates the disclosures under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

Effective in October 2015.