Glossary of Auto Loan Related Terms
Balance
The balance on a loan account is the amount remaining to be paid back.
Balloon Payment
A large payment due at the end of a loan. Using a balloon payment, the individual monthly payments can be smaller.
Base Price
The cost of a car without options. Also called the "sticker price" or "MSRP."
Bill of Sale
A document that shows the details of a sale. Your dealership will prepare a bill of sale to document your purchase.
Billing Error
Any mistake in your monthly statement as defined by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Binder or "Offer to Purchase"
A preliminary agreement, secured by the payment of earnest money, between a buyer and seller as an offer to purchase real estate. A binder 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 is forfeited unless the binder expressly provides that it is to be refunded.
Blue Book
A publication of Kelley Blue Book, Inc. and one of several standard references used to determine the value of used vehicles. The value is sometimes called the "Blue Book Value." Blue books typically show a wholesale value and a retail value for each vehicle.
Broker
An individual in the business of assisting in arranging funding or negotiating contracts for a client but who does not loan the money himself.
Building Line or Setback
Distances from the ends and/or sides of the lot beyond which construction may not extend. The building line may be set by a filed plat of subdivision, by restrictive covenants in deeds or leases, by building codes, or by zoning ordinances.
Business Days
Find out from your institution to find out what days it counts as business days under the Truth in Lending and Electronic Fund Transfer Acts.
Buydown
When the lender and/or the home builder subsidizes the mortgage by lowering the interest rate during the first few years of the loan. While the payments are initially low, they will increase when the subsidy expires.