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A Glossary of Common Home Refinancing Terms

The language of home refinancing may seem foreign to many homeowners. This article provides definition to many important terms and phrases associated with home refinancing.

Homeowners can choose to refinance their home for a number of reasons. Knowing finance lingo may make a lender take you more seriously, particularly when negotiating terms. It can also help you make sense of the fine print attached to the loan contract. Here are a few of the most common words and phrases associated with home refinancing.

  • Acceleration: Those at Interest.com say that acceleration is the right of the lender to demand immediate repayment of the mortgage loan balance upon default of the borrower according to the due-on-sale clause.
  • APR: APR stands for the annual percentage rate. According to the professionals at Interest.com, this is an interest rate that reflects the actual cost of a mortgage, expressed as a yearly rate. It takes into account points and credit costs.
  • ARM: ARM stands for adjustable-rate mortgage. With this type of mortgage, the interest rate and payment can fluctuate to reflect the current market trends.
  • Broker: This professional is involved with processing contracts. Brokers usually aren't involved in directly lending money to the borrower. However, they do have contact with lenders.
  • Lender: A lender is often a company who provides money for the loan.
  • Pre-Payment Penalty Fees: Some lenders may charge a fee for paying off the mortgage early.
  • Terms of the Loan: Loan terms include the life of the loan, the type of interest rate, and the amount of payments expected.

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