Do you know these mortgage terms?

The mortgage process can often be a confusing one — whether you’ve bought a home before or not. There’s a lot of prep work and moving parts, and most of the terminology is unfamiliar to the average consumer.

Fortunately, that last part is an easy fix.

Are you getting ready to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage? Take a look at some of the lesser-known terms you might want to know.

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): This number reflects the total annual cost of taking out your mortgage loan. It’s different from your mortgage interest rate and includes some extra fees.
  
• Underwriting: When a loan professional evaluates your application and verifies all your financial details, that’s underwriting. It’s important to ensure that you have the means to manage your new monthly payment.
  
• Escrow: An escrow account is used to hold funds prior to closing, including your earnest money deposit. You might also pay into an escrow account to cover property taxes, homeowners insurance and private mortgage insurance (if you have it).
  
• Closing Disclosure: This is a document that you’ll be given at least three days before your closing date. It should detail all the final costs of your loan, as well as what you’ll be expected to pay on closing day.
  
• Mortgage Note: You’ll sign this document at closing.It outlines the terms of your home loan and includes how much you’re borrowing, whether it’s a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage and more.
  
• Prepaid Costs: These also come up at closing and will go into your escrow account. They usually cover mortgage interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance expenses that occur between your closing date and the date your first mortgage payment is due.

If you need help understanding any part of the mortgage process, get in touch today.