Mortgage

A government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that was created in 1938 to expand the flow of mortgage money by creating a secondary mortgage market. Fannie Mae is a publicly traded company ...

A type of fixed-rate mortgage in which the payment increases gradually from an initial low base level to a desired, final level. Typically, the payments will grow 7-12% annually from ...

A deposit investment security sold by Canadian banks and trust companies. They are often bought for retirement plans because they provide a low-risk fixed rate of return. The principal ...

Properties that are taken into a bank's inventory, after a foreclosure sale. Bank-owned property is aquired by a financial institution when a homeowner does not make their mortgage ...

A resident of a property who also holds the title to that property. In contrast, an absentee owner holds title to the property but does not live there. A landlord is a type of absentee ...

When a creditor or bank has the right to sell the mortgaged or collateral property of those who fail to meet the obligations of a loan contract.

A type of financing arrangement in which the outstanding mortgage and its terms can be transferred from the current owner to a buyer. By assuming the previous owner's remaining debt, the ...

An intermediary who brings mortgage borrowers and mortgage lenders together, but does not use its own funds to originate mortgages. A mortgage broker gathers paperwork from a borrower, ...

A mortgage provision allowing some of the pledged collateral to be released from the mortgage contract if certain conditions are met.

An interest rate on a loan or security that fluctuates over time because it is based on an underlying benchmark interest rate or index that changes periodically. The obvious advantage of ...

These terms may sound the same, but they mean very different things for home buyers.

Search and compare the best fixed and adjustable mortgage rates in your area with Bankrate.com. Read More »

Follow this step-by-step guide to make your homeownership dreams a reality.

These common mistakes occur when you allow your emotions to take over.

Find out what you can do to polish up some of the common flaws that put off lenders.

It starts with knowing your choices as well as your price range. We show you how to get there.

We explain the calculation and payment process as well as the amortization schedule of home loans.

Buying a home may be the biggest debt you'll ever incur. Learn why you should retire it sooner, rather than later.

Debt is one of the biggest obstacles that prevents people from investing - but it shouldn't be.

Carrying this debt can have benefits if done correctly, but is it worth the risk?

Learn the factors to consider when comparing the different programs offered by various lenders.

Exotic mortgages allow you to decide how much to pay. Find out how much they really cost.

Find out which areas you should most invest in: equity, debt, private or public.

Getting a mortgage is one of the most important aspects of buying real estate. Build the foundation you need to find and secure the right mortgage.

In a climate of rising interest rates, having an adjustable-rate mortgage can be risky.

Avoiding loans goes against the norm but it can be possible - and enjoyable.

Go beyond interest and find out how mortgage points affect your taxable income.

Owning property isn't always easy, but there are plenty of perks. Find out how to buy in.

FHA home financing is a good alternative for first-time buyers.