Mortgage Glossary
There are a lot of unfamiliar terms that get tossed around during the mortgage process. But don't worry, we've put together this glossary to help you get a better grasp of any terms that may be less than clear.
B
Bi-weekly Payment Mortgage
A mortgage that requires payment to reduce the debt every two weeks instead of monthly. The 26 (sometimes 27) biweekly payments are each equal to one-half of the monthly payment that would be required with a standard 30 year fixed-rate mortgage. The result is a faster loan balance reduction with substantial savings in interest.
Bill of Sale
A written instrument that transfers title to personal property.
Billing Error
Any mistake in your monthly statement as defined by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Binder
An agreement between a buyer and seller to purchase real estate. A binder, also known as an offer to purchase or a sales contract, secures the right to purchase real estate upon agreed terms for a limited period of time. If the buyer changes his mind or is unable to purchase, the earnest money that was paid is forfeited unless the binder expressly provides that it is to be refunded.
Binder Deposit
A sum of cash paid to a seller by a buyer prior to the closing to show that the buyer is serious about buying the house. The binder deposit is deducted from the purchase price at closing and is not an additional cost. Sometimes referred to as earnest money.
Blanket Insurance Policy
A single policy that covers more than one piece of property (or more than one person).
Blanket Mortgage
A single mortgage that is secured by more than one parcel of real estate.
Bona fide
In good faith without fraud.
Bond
An interest-bearing certificate that serves as evidence of a debt with a maturity date. Typically, bonds represent obligations of a government or business corporation. A real estate bond is a written obligation, usually secured by a mortgage or deed of trust.
Breach of Contract
A violation of the terms of any legal obligation or agreement.
Bridge Loan
Sometimes called a "swing loan", a bridge loan is generally a loan that is secured by a borrower's current residence to obtain the funds needed to purchase a new home if the current residence will not be sold prior to the purchase of a new home.
Broker
A state-licensed agent who, for a commission or a fee, represents property owners in real estate transactions.
Budget
A detailed plan of income and expenses estimated over a specified period of time. Budgets provide guidelines for managing costs and profits.
Budget Category
A category of income or expense data that you can use in a budget.
Building Code
Regulations established by local governments that control design, construction and materials used in construction. Building codes are usually based on standardized health and safety guidelines.