Real Estate Terms and Definitions

Debt-to-income ratio A comparison of gross income to housing and non-housing expenses; With the FHA, the-monthly mortgage payment should be no more than 29% of monthly gross income (before taxes) and the mortgage payment combined with non-housing debts should not exceed 41% of income. Home inspection An examination of the structure and mechanical systems to determine a home's safety; makes the potential homebuyer aware of any repairs that may be needed. ARM Adjustable Rate Mortgage; a mortgage loan subject to changes in interest rates; when rates change, ARM monthly payments increase or decrease at intervals determined by the lender; the Change in monthly -payment amount, however, is usually subject to a Cap. Equity An owner's financial interest in a property; calculated by subtracting the amount still owed on the mortgage loon(s)from the fair market value of the property. Deed The document that transfers ownership of a property Condominium A form of ownership in which individuals purchase and own a unit of housing in a multi-unit complex; the owner also shares financial responsibility for common areas. HUD The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; established in 1965, HUD works to create a decent home and suitable living environment for all Americans; it does this by addressing housing needs, improving and developing American communities, and enforcing fair housing laws. Certificate of title A document provided by a qualified source (such as a title company) that shows the property legally belongs to the current owner; before the title is transferred at closing, it should be clear and free of all liens or other claims. Lease A lease is an agreement between a landlord, property owner or property manager and a tenant. The agreement covers issues such as rental amount and length of time the lease is in effect. The rental amount may include or exclude property taxes, garbage pickup fees, utility costs, property maintenance and other expenses. FHA Federal Housing Administration; established in 1934 to advance homeownership opportunities for all Americans; assists homebuyers by providing mortgage insurance to lenders to cover most losses that may occur when a borrower defaults; this encourages lenders to make loans to borrowers who might not qualify for conventional mortgages.

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	Did You Know?
	Stopping foreclosure with Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure can be done This won't save your house, but it is not as damaging to your credit rating as a foreclosure. You can qualify if: you are in default and don't qualify for any of the other options,your attempts at selling the house before foreclosure were unsuccessful, and you don't have another FHA mortgage in default.