The Home Buyer’s Glossary of Terms
Amortization Period: The actual number of years it will take to pay back your mortgage loan.
Appraised Value: An estimate of the value of the property. Conducted for the purpose of mortgage lending by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not to be confused with a building inspection.
Assumability: Allows the buyer to take over the seller’s mortgage on the property.
Closed Mortgage: A mortgage that locks you into a specific payment schedule. A penalty usually applies if you repay the loan in full before the end of a closed term.
Condominium: The owner has title to a single unit, as well as a share in the common elements such as elevators or surrounding land.
Condominium Fee: A common payment among owners that is allocated to pay expenses.
Conventional Mortgage: A mortgage loan issued for up to 75%of the property’s appraised value or purchase price, whichever is less.
Down Payment: The buyer’s cash payment toward the property. The difference between the purchase price and the amount of the mortgage loan.
Equity: The difference between the home’s selling value and the debts against it.
High-Ratio Mortgage: A mortgage that exceeds 75% of the home’s appraised value. These mortgages must be insured for payment.
Interest Rate: The value charged by the lender for the use of the lender’s money. Expressed as a percentage.
Land Transfer Tax, Deed Tax or Property Purchase Tax: A fee paid to the municipal and/or provincial government for the transferring of property from seller to buyer.
Maturity Date: The end of the term, at which time you can pay-off the mortgage or renew it.
Mortgagee: The person or financial institution that lends the money.
Mortgagor: The borrower.
Mortgage Insurance: Applies to high-ratio mortgages. It protects the lender against loss if the borrower is unable to repay the mortgage.
Mortgage Life Insurance: Pays off the mortgage if the borrower dies.
Open Mortgage: Allows partial or full payment of the principal at any time, without penalty.
Portability: A mortgage option that enables borrowers to take their current mortgage with them to another property, without penalty.
Pre-Approved Mortgage: Qualifies you for a mortgage before you start shopping. You know exactly how much you can spend and are free to make a “firm” offer when you find the right home.
Prepayment Privileges: Voluntary payments in addition to regular mortgage payments.
Principal: The amount borrowed or still owing on a mortgage loan. Interest is paid on the principal amount.
Refinancing: Paying off the existing mortgage and arranging a new one or re-negotiating the terms and conditions of an existing mortgage.
Renewal: Re-negotiation of a mortgage loan at the end of a term for a new term.
Second Mortgage: Additional financing. Usually has a shorter term and higher interest rate than the first mortgage.
Term: The length of time the interest rate is fixed. It also indicates when the principal balance becomes due and payable to the lender.
Title: Legal ownership in a property.
Variable-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage with fixed payments but fluctuating with interest rates. The changing interest rate determines how much of the payment goes towards the principal.
Vendor Take-Back Mortgage: When the seller provides some or all of the mortgage financing in order to sell their property.
