Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio is the relationship between a company’s total debt and its total equity. The debt-to-equity ratio is a key measure for investors looking

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-income ratio refers to how much of a borrower’s monthly income is eaten up by debt. Creditors, especially mortgage lenders, want to know what’s left

Conventional Mortgage

A conventional mortgage or conventional loan is a plain-vanilla home loan that’s ideal for borrowers with good or excellent credit. These can carry a fixed

Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio

Combined loan-to-value ratio, or CLTV, is a borrower’s overall mortgage debt load, expressed as a percentage of the home’s fair market value.

Collateral

Collateral describes the personal property or assets that a borrower offers to a lender to secure a loan. As part of the loan agreement, the

Cash-out Refinance

A cash-out refinance, or “cash-out refi,” is when a mortgage is refinanced for more than what is owed and the borrower takes out the difference

Basis Point

A basis point represents the smallest unit of measurement for interest rates and other financial instruments. One basis point is equal to one-hundredth of 1

Balloon Payment

A balloon payment is an installment payment due at the end of a loan term. Such loans don’t amortize at the end of the term,

Amortization Table

Whether you are buying a new car, funding your education or buying property, it’s essential to understand the terms of your loan. While understanding down

Alternative Mortgage

An alternative mortgage is a home loan with terms that differ from conventional, fixed-rate mortgages and may come with higher interest rates. In addition, there

Homeowner Education