Glossary of Mortgage Loan Related Terms

Debt

Amount owed to another.

Debt Service

The total amount of credit card, auto, mortgage or other debt upon which you must pay.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

The ratio, expressed as a percentage, which results when a borrower's monthly payment obligation on long-term debts is divided by his or her gross monthly income.

Deed of Trust

Used in many western states, the agreement used to pledge your home or other real estate as security for a loan. Similar to a mortgage.

Default

Failure to make mortgage payments on a timely basis or to comply with other requirements of a mortgage.

Deferred interest

When a mortgage is written with a monthly payment that is less than required to satisfy the note rate, the unpaid interest is deferred by adding it to the loan balance. See negative amortization.

Delinquency

Failure to make mortgage payments when mortgage payments are due.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

An independent agency of the federal government which guarantees long-term, low-or no-down payment mortgages to eligible veterans.

Discount Points (or Points)

The amount paid either to maintain or lower the interest rate charged. Each point is equal to one percent (1%) of the loan amount (i.e., two points on a $100,000 mortgage would equal $2,000).

Down Payment

The difference between the purchase price and that portion of the purchase price being financed. Most lenders require the down payment to be paid from the buyer's own funds. Gifts from related parties are sometimes acceptable, and must be disclosed to the lender.

Due on Sale Clause

A clause in a mortgage agreement providing that, if the mortgagor (the borrower) sells, transfers, or, in some instances, encumbers the property, the mortgagee (the lender) has the right to demand the outstanding balance in full.