Pre-Approval
Getting Ready to Buy
Before you start shopping, you need to know what you can afford. Pre-approval tells sellers you're a serious buyer.
Pre-Qualification
An informal estimate of how much you might be able to borrow based on self-reported financial information. Not verified - just a starting point.
Pre-Approval
A lender's conditional commitment to lend you a specific amount after verifying your income, assets, and credit. Much stronger than pre-qualification.
Credit Score
A three-digit number (300-850) that represents your creditworthiness. Higher scores typically qualify for better interest rates. Most lenders pull scores from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage. Most lenders prefer DTI below 43%, though some programs allow higher.
Loan Estimate (LE)
A standardized 3-page document lenders must provide within 3 business days of application. Shows estimated interest rate, monthly payment, and closing costs.
Rate Lock
A lender's guarantee that your interest rate won't change for a specified period (typically 30-60 days). Protects you from rate increases while your loan processes.
House Hunting
Finding Your Home
With pre-approval in hand, you can confidently shop for homes within your budget and make competitive offers.
Listing Price
The price at which a property is advertised for sale. Not necessarily what you'll pay - it's a starting point for negotiations.
Comparable Sales (Comps)
Recently sold properties similar in size, condition, and location to the home you're considering. Used to determine fair market value.
Buyer's Agent
A real estate agent who represents your interests as the buyer. Helps you find homes, negotiate offers, and navigate the purchase process.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
A database where real estate agents share property listings. Most homes for sale are listed here and syndicated to sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.
Days on Market (DOM)
How long a property has been listed for sale. High DOM may indicate pricing issues or property problems; low DOM suggests high demand.
Under Contract
Offer Accepted
Your offer was accepted. Now begins the due diligence period where you verify the home's condition and finalize financing.
Purchase Agreement
The legally binding contract between buyer and seller that outlines the terms of the home sale including price, contingencies, and timeline.
Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)
A good-faith deposit (typically 1-3% of purchase price) showing you're serious about buying. Held in escrow and applied to your down payment at closing.
Contingencies
Conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common contingencies include financing, appraisal, and home inspection. Protects buyers if issues arise.
Home Inspection
A professional examination of the property's condition including structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Usually costs $300-500 and takes 2-4 hours.
Appraisal
An independent assessment of the property's market value by a licensed appraiser. Required by lenders to ensure the home is worth the loan amount.
Title Search
An examination of public records to verify the seller has legal right to sell and identify any liens, easements, or encumbrances on the property.
Title Insurance
Protection against financial loss from defects in title not discovered during the title search. Lender's policy required; owner's policy recommended.
Processing & Underwriting
Loan Review
Your loan application goes through rigorous verification. The underwriter reviews everything to ensure you qualify.
Loan Processor
The person who gathers and organizes all documentation for your loan file. They'll request pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and other verification documents.
Underwriter
The person who analyzes your complete loan file to determine if you meet all lending guidelines. They make the final approval decision.
Conditions
Additional documentation or explanations the underwriter requires before final approval. 'Prior to docs' conditions must be cleared before closing documents are prepared.
Verification of Employment (VOE)
Confirmation from your employer that you're currently employed and your income is as stated. May be done verbally, in writing, or through automated services.
Verification of Deposit (VOD)
Confirmation of your bank account balances and history. Lenders verify you have sufficient funds for down payment and closing costs.
Clear to Close (CTC)
The green light from underwriting that all conditions are satisfied and the loan is approved. This means you can schedule your closing date.
Closing
Signing Day
The final step where ownership transfers to you. You'll sign documents, pay closing costs, and receive the keys.
Closing Disclosure (CD)
A 5-page document detailing your final loan terms and closing costs. Must be provided at least 3 business days before closing so you can review.
Closing Costs
Fees and expenses paid at closing, typically 2-5% of the loan amount. Includes lender fees, title fees, prepaid items, and government charges.
Origination Fee
A lender charge for processing and underwriting your loan. May be a flat fee or a percentage of the loan amount (often 0.5-1%).
Discount Points
Optional upfront fee to lower your interest rate. One point costs 1% of the loan amount and typically reduces your rate by 0.25%.
Escrow Account
An account held by your lender to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance on your behalf. Funded at closing and replenished monthly with your payment.
Prepaid Items
Costs paid in advance at closing including homeowners insurance premium, property taxes, and per-diem interest through the end of the month.
Recording Fees
Government charges to record the deed and mortgage in public records. Varies by county but typically $50-250.
Funding
When the lender transfers the loan proceeds to complete the purchase. May happen at closing or within a few days depending on your state.
Post-Closing
After the Keys
You own the home, but there are still important steps and terms to understand as you settle into homeownership.
Mortgage Servicer
The company that handles your loan after closing - collecting payments, managing escrow, and sending statements. May or may not be your original lender.
First Payment Letter
A document telling you when and where to send your first mortgage payment. Your first payment is typically due 30-60 days after closing.
Homestead Exemption
A property tax reduction available in many states for primary residences. Must apply separately - doesn't happen automatically. Can save hundreds annually.
Deed
The legal document proving your ownership of the property. Will be recorded with the county and mailed to you within a few weeks of closing.
Mortgage Note
Your promise to repay the loan according to specified terms. Details your interest rate, payment amount, and consequences of default.
First Year of Ownership
Settling In
Your first year as a homeowner brings new responsibilities and opportunities. Understanding these terms helps you manage your investment.
Principal
The portion of your monthly payment that reduces your loan balance. Early payments are mostly interest; principal portion grows over time (amortization).
Equity
The difference between your home's value and what you owe. Builds through principal payments and property appreciation. Can be accessed through refinancing or HELOCs.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Insurance protecting the lender if you default, required when down payment is less than 20%. Can be removed once you reach 20% equity.
Escrow Analysis
Annual review of your escrow account to ensure enough funds for taxes and insurance. May result in payment adjustment if taxes or insurance changed.
Property Tax Assessment
Your local government's determination of your property's value for tax purposes. May change after purchase, potentially increasing your escrow payment.
Homeowners Insurance Renewal
Your insurance policy renews annually. Shop around before renewal to ensure competitive rates. Your escrow will pay if escrowed.
Congratulations, Homeowner!
You've learned the essential terminology for every stage of the home buying journey. Ready to take the next step? Explore our resources or connect with lenders.