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Glossary of Reverse Mortgage Terms

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1009

Uniform Residential Loan Application for Reverse Mortgages

1-Year CMT

An index rate commonly used to calculate interest rate changes for HECM ARMs. Published daily by the Federal Reserve (H.15). See: CMT – Constant Maturity Treasury

10-Year CMT

For CMT-based HECM ARMs, this is added to the lender margin at application to determine the loan’s Expected Interest Rate, which is used to calculate the principal limit. This is the market’s best guess of the average CMT index rate over the next 10 years.

1st Note

The 1st Note secures the lender’s lien position. The Note outlines the agreement that money is owed and outlines the terms of repayment of the debt.

2nd Note

HUD assumes the 2nd Note because they are ensuring that the homeowner will continue to receive loan advances in the event that the lender becomes incapable of doing so. Also, the 2nd note is activated if the loan is assigned to HUD when the balance reaches 98% of the max claim amount. This does NOT reflect a 2nd loan. When the reverse mortgage is paid off, both security instruments will be released from county records.

Acceleration Clause

Part of a contract that says when a loan may be declared due and payable. 

Account Executive

These employees assist and help manage our wholesale accounts from the sales side.

Accrued Interest (AI)

This is the balance of interest that has accrued but has not been paid.

Actual Interest Rate

The interest rate first charged on the loan beginning at closing; it equals one of the HUD-approved interest rate indices (1-month CMT or 1-year CMT) plus a margin. Also called Initial Interest Rate

Actuarial Risk

Uncertainty about how long the borrower will live

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) & Adjustable-Rate Loan (ARL)

This is a loan where the interest rate can move up or down based on changes in a published market-rate index.

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

Gross income minus specific reductions.

Administration on Aging (AOA)

This is an agency of the US Department of Health and Human Services

Adverse Action (AA) Notice of Adverse Action (NOA)

The term means a denial or revocation of credit, a change in the terms of an existing credit arrangement, or a refusal to grant credit in the amount or terms requested. The notice must be sent within 30 days of the denial of credit. Also:

  • AANR -Adverse Action Notice Request - The internal form that lenders use to initiate the AA
  • AAR - Adverse Action Reason - Withdrawn by applicant, closed for incompleteness, not accepted, or denied.
  • AAD - Adverse Action Date - The date of the event which triggers the need for adverse action to be taken.

Age

Generally, this is the age of the youngest borrower or eligible non borrowing spouse in years. If the prospective borrower is closing within six months of their next birthday, FHA allows it to round up to the next year on HECM products. (Nearest age)

Amortization Schedule

A calculation to determine the cost of a loan, which multiplies the loan amount by the applicable interest rate for a set period of time.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

APR is a measure of the total cost of the loan expressed as a yearly rate. APRs are calculated by the lender.

Anti-Churning

Policies and underwriting guidelines that are designed to discourage refinancing within a period of time. We currently discourage refinancing a HECM within 12-months and in cases where the principal limit will not increase by 5 times the costs.

Application

Application means the submission of a borrower's financial information in anticipation of a credit decision relating to a federally related mortgage loan, which shall include:

  • The borrower's name
  • The borrower's monthly income
  • The borrower's social security number to obtain a credit report
  • The property address
  • An estimate of the value of the property
  • The mortgage loan amount sought
  • Any other information deemed necessary by the loan originator

An application may either be in writing or electronically submitted, including a written record of an oral application.

Application Date

FAR considers the borrower’s signature date on the initial 1009 to be the application date

Appraised Value

An estimated value of a home in a fair market. The appraised value is the amount you could sell your home for if it were on the market today.

Appraisal - Appraisal Fee

An appraisal is required for all HECM and HomeSafe® loans and is the process of a third party evaluating the home’s value based upon research of the market and other variables. The heart of the appraisal is an estimate of the fair market value of the home. Typically, the borrower pays a third-party appraisal management company (AMC) upfront to handle the appraisal. An FHA appraiser can also comment on whether home’s structure (condition) complies with the federal regulations.

Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs)

These are third-party firms that serve as an intermediary between us (the lender) and the appraiser.

Appreciation

An increase in a home's value.

Assignment (HUD Assignment)

A HECM loan will be serviced by HUD when the loan balance reaches 98% of the max claim amount. The loan is assigned to HUD per HECM regulations. 

Automated Valuation Model (AVM aka Automated Valuation Report (AVR)

A computer model used to estimate the current market value of a home. It calculates the figure with property records and various analytical methods, such as comparable sale prices, home characteristics and historical home appreciation.

Basis Points (BPs)

A basis point is a percentage of 1%. Therefore, 0.5% origination could also be called 50 basis points. 

Broker

This is an individual or firm that arranges transactions between an individual and a lender. They receive compensation when the deal is executed. In our case, a broker will originate our loans and get paid lender paid broker compensation (LPBC) as a result.

CAPs

Cap is a limit on the amount an adjustable interest rate may go up or down during a specified time period. Currently, the adjustable HECM product offers caps of 5% or 10% above the starting rate which is listed in the note. 

Closing

The occasion when a borrower signs loan documents, including the mortgage or deed of trust.

Closed for Incompleteness, Withdrawn and Denied (CWD)

This refers to loan files that are closed for incompleteness, withdrawn or denied in accordance with procedures as stated in the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and with lender’s compliance policies.

Certificate of Occupancy

This document is issued by a local government or building department certifying the building's compliance with local and federal codes. It indicates the home is suitable for occupancy.

Churning (Also: Anti-Churning)

A prohibited practice whereby lenders engage in multiple refinancing to generate additional profit from loan fees and charges. HUD and NRMLA have guidelines designed to prevent this. See: Anti-Churning. 

Clear to Close (CTC)

The underwriter will declare the loan clear to close when there are no outstanding prior to closing conditions. At this point processor or loan officer is able to schedule the closing

Closed End Line of Credit

A line of credit that you can make prepayment on, but those funds would not be available for future use.

Closed Loan Seller (CLS)

Closed Loan Sellers originate, close and fund in their own name with their funds. FAR purchases loans from these wholesale partners post-closing.

Closing

The process of completing a loan transaction. At closing the mortgage documents are signed by the borrower and, unless it is a purchase transaction, the three day rescission period begins. Also called a loan settlement or consummation are signed to "close the deal" on a mortgage.

Closing Costs

Closing costs on a reverse mortgage are the fees a borrower must pay to secure a reverse mortgage. These fees may include an origination fee, up front mortgage insurance premium, title insurance, appraisal, counseling, as well as state and local fees as required, etc. 

Compensating Factors

Additional income that can help make up for a shortfall in residual income.

Compounding Rate

HECM and HomeSafe® reverse mortgage interest compounds on a monthly basis. The rate that a mortgage balance grows is more than just the interest rate. For example, on a HECM, the unpaid loan balance accrues based upon the interest, monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP), 

Computerized Home Underwriting Management System (CHUMS)

HUD's automated system that tracks the application for mortgage insurance from the initial appraiser request through to loan closing and MIC (Mortgage Insurance Certificate) issuance.

Conservator or Conservatorship

This is a court order that allows an individual to make financial decisions for a protected person.

Correspondent

An organization that typically sells the mortgages it originates to other lenders with which it has an ongoing relationship. 

Counseling

A service provided by an independent third-party, typically approved by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, to make sure the borrower fully understands the reverse mortgage and reviews alternative options, prior to application. Mandatory for the HECM program and in certain states for all types of reverse mortgages.

Counseling List

This is a list of firms that perform HECM (and in some cases, HomeSafe®) counseling. Loan officers provide this list to the borrower, and then remove themselves from the counseling process due to anti-steering provisions. The list should contain the national intermediaries as well as some local HUD-approved counseling agencies. 

Counselor / Reverse Mortgage Counselor (HECM Counselor)

The federal government mandates that all reverse mortgage borrowers, co-borrowers, non-borrowing spouses, POAs, and others meet with a HUD-approved counselor before proceeding with a reverse mortgage. The counselor explains the advantages and disadvantages of the program, discusses their suitability for the loan, and provides a certificate when completed. It is important that the lender receive the counseling certificate before the HECM application is processed.

Credit Alert Verification Reporting System (CAIVRS)

Checks for delinquent records for the below:

  •  Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Department of Education (DOE)
  • Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
  •  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
  •  Department of Justice (DOJ)

Debt to Income Ratio (DTI)

Used primarily on the forward side, DTI is a way of analyzing how much of a borrower’s income goes to paying debt. It can be calculated by adding all monthly housing costs and debt payments then dividing by the borrower’s monthly income.

Deed in Lieu (Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure)

This occurs when the mortgagor conveys all interest in a property back to the mortgagee to satisfy a loan that is in default.

Deed of Trust

This is a document which pledges real property to secure a loan, used instead of a mortgage in certain states. 

Default

This is a breach or nonperformance of the terms of a note or of the provisions of a mortgage loan. Defaults under a reverse mortgage could include failure to repay the loan after a repayment notice has been issued, failure to maintain property, and failure to pay property taxes and/or hazard insurance. 

Deferral Period

HUD allows the NBS to remain in the subject after the death of the last surviving borrower as long as all FHA requirements are met.

Delinquent Federal Debt

Debt owed to a government agency that may or may not be a lien against the subject property. Certain circumstances may permit some delinquent federal debt to be satisfied at closing with the reverse mortgage proceeds. Otherwise, this debt will need to be satisfied prior to closing. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (See HUD)

HUD defines itself as the Nation’s Housing Agency. It is a federal department committed to increasing homeownership. HUD is the creator of the HECM, the most popular and one of the first reverse mortgage products. The HECM is offered from qualified lenders.

Depreciation

A decrease in the value of a home. 

Direct Endorsement (DE)

This allows homeowners to secure mortgage insurance directly with a HUD-approved lender who has DEapproved underwriters on staff. 

Eminent Domain

The right of a government to take private property for public use; for example, taking private land to build a highway. 

Equity Sharing

A feature offered in proprietary reverse mortgages that allows a borrower to receive more funds, or pay a lower interest rate, in exchange for giving up a percentage of the home’s future value. No longer offered in any reverse mortgage programs.

Existing Liens

Mortgages or lien balances required to be paid-off at closing. 

Expected Interest Rate

On a Fixed Rate HECM, the expected rate is the same as the Initial or note rate, as it does not change over time. On the HECM ARM, the expected rate equals a published index plus the lender’s margin. The expected rate is used to determine the principal limit on a HECM loan.

Extenuating Circumstances

An event or situation out of a borrower’s control that resulted in financial difficulty that offsets weaker credit history.

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

This was the first company to offer credit scoring, and the term FICO became synonymous with someone’s credit score.

Fannie Mae (FNMA)

Fannie and Freddie are Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) that were created to free up (or provide a source of) funds for banks. Also, part of a secondary market for loans, Fannie Mae is a private company that operates under federal government oversight. It directs funds toward helping increase homeownership. 

Fee Simple

An estate in real property that the owner can dispose of, trade, or will, as he or she chooses. It represents absolute ownership of the property, only limited by the four basic government powers of taxation, eminent domain, police power, and escheat. However, it could also be limited by certain encumbrances or a condition in the deed.

Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)

The primary purpose of this federal agency is to coordinate the response to a disaster that has occurred in the United States and that overwhelms the resources of local and state authorities.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

An agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that issues insurance to private lenders for forward as well as reverse (HECM) loans. 

FHA-Insured Reverse Mortgage

A HECM reverse mortgage is FHA- insured, meaning the FHA insures the loan to ensure the borrower is protected in the event their lender defaults on their obligation. It also insures the non-recourse limit. See NonRecourse Limit. 

FHA Case Number

A case number is assigned to all FHA-insured loan applications. It is specific to the property address and the borrower data. For HECMs, it must be assigned after the 1009 and counseling certificate have been signed and dated by the borrower. 

Financial Assessment Guide

A HECM program guideline that requires an underwriter to assess credit history, property charge, payment history, and monthly residual income to determine the loan sustainability for each borrower.

Fully Indexed Rate

This is calculated by adding the index base rate plus the lender’s margin. With fixed-rate reverse mortgages, this is the only rate that the loan will ever have, while adjustable rate reverse mortgages adjust over time.

Funding Date

The date on which the originating lender disburses funds to the reverse mortgage borrower.

Gift Funds

Gift funds are funds given to the borrower voluntarily and without compensation. No conditions may be attached, nor can repayment be expected. To qualify for consideration in the financial assessment analysis they must be sourced, and a gift letter attached to the file.

Ginnie Mae (GNMA)

This is a government sponsored entity that comprises a portion of the secondary market. It guarantees investors’ timely payment of principal and interest on MBS-backed federally insured or guaranteed loans.

Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

This is a reasonable estimate of settlement charges and loan terms. It must be provided to the borrower within 3 days of application.

Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE)

Also called Government Sponsored Entities. These are financial services corporations created by the US Congress to enhance the flow of credit to targeted sections of the economy. Includes Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.

Growth Rate (See Line of Credit Growth Rate)

This is an increase in the available line of credit in an adjustable rate HECM. The borrower is not earning interest; it is simply a greater capacity to borrow in the future.

Grossed Up

A formula that applies to an increase in non-taxable income (often 25%).

Ground Rent

Ground rent arrangements require periodic payments (monthly or quarterly for example) by the tenant (homeowner, in our case) to the landlord for the use of the land. The homeowner owns the building but not the land. 

Guardian or Guardianship

This is a court order that allows an individual to make healthcare decisions or living arrangement decisions for a protected person.

Hazard Insurance (See Homeowners Insurance)

This is required to cover appraised value minus site value, and the payment of this is an ongoing requirement of all HECM borrowers.

HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage)

Commonly referred to as a “Hek-um” or simply a reverse mortgage, the program is designed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to enable elderly homeowners, 62 and over, to convert a portion of the equity in their homes to monthly streams of income and/or lines-of-credit. The FHA insures the HECM if all program guidelines are met. 

HECM ARM

See Real Estate Settlement Statement.

HECM Counseling

HECM Counseling

HECM FIXED

The fixed rate product requires the borrower to take all the available loan proceeds up front. 

HECM for Purchase (H4P)

The HECM for Purchase is a unique home loan program for homebuyers 62 and older. It allows them to purchase a primary residence with no required monthly mortgage payment (however borrower is required to Page 9 of 20 cover property charges, including but not limited to HOA dues, homeowner’s insurance and property taxes). Title to the property is transferred to the new mortgagor, who will then occupy the property as a primary residence within 60 days of the closing. In the end, the HECM first and second liens must be the only liens against the property.

HECM Limits

Historically, home value limits were determined by the county of the subject property. Since 2008, HUD publishes nationwide limits instead. While homes more than this amount are eligible for HECM lending, the home value is capped for calculating principal limits. These values often change on January 1st and limit the maximum claim amount (MCA) for a HECM loan. 

HECM Servicer Worksheet

Those that service HECMs can provide this as a summary of the transaction. When refinancing a HECM, it is important to obtain it to determine the borrower’s last closing date, the principal limit the upfront MIP that can be credited on this new HECM.

HECM to HECM (H2H) Refinance

This is a reverse mortgage variation that allows a current HECM borrower to refinance into a new HECM loan after a minimum of 12 months. The borrower will generally receive a full credit of any upfront mortgage insurance applied to the new upfront MIP.

Home Equity

The value of a home minus any debt against it.

Home Equity Conversion

Turning home equity into cash without having to sell your home or make regular loan repayments. 

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM)

These loans permit older homeowners to convert a portion their home equity into cash without having to leave their home or make regular monthly mortgage payments. The HECM is the most popular type of reverse mortgage as it typically offers the greatest loan proceeds for average-priced homes. The HECM was designed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is FHA-insured and regulated.

 

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

This is a traditional forward loan where the collateral is the equity in your home. It requires a monthly mortgage payment, where HECMs do not.

Home Equity Reverse Mortgage Information Technology (HERMIT)

HUD’s Reverse Mortgage loan software to replace IACS that may, or may not, be completed in this decade.

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)

Requires mortgage lenders to collect and report information on their lending practices.

Home Ownership Center (HOC)

These are regional offices that support HUDs initiatives in promoting home ownership.

Homeowners Association (HOA)

These are corporations formed for the purpose of managing homes and common areas in residential neighborhoods or subdivisions. Dues are commonly paid by the homeowners on a monthly or annual basis.

Homeowners Insurance (HOI)

This should cover appraised value minus site value, and the payment of this is an ongoing requirement of all HECM borrowers.

HomeSafe®

Proprietary product offered by Finance of America Reverse. It is specifically designed for borrowers with higher-priced primary homes and for those with other situations that would not qualify under the HECM program.

HUD Assignment

A HECM may be assigned to HUD when the loan balance reaches 98% of the max claim amount.

Imputed Income

The estimated monthly income from dissipated assets. 

Index or Index Base Rate

Different reverse mortgage loan programs use different published indices to calculate the interest rate.. The lender adds a margin to reach the fully indexed rate.

Initial or Current Interest Rate

With a HECM ARM, this is the interest rate currently being charged on a loan; it is a combination of a published index and the lender’s margin. See Index and Margin. 

Initial Cash Advance

Any amount of the net principal limits the borrower might need to access at the time the loan funds.

Initial Disbursement Limit

A limit to how much a HECM borrower can draw at closing (for HECM Fixed) or during the first year (for HECM ARM products).

Initial Interest Rate

This is the interest rate that is charged on the loan until another scheduled rate change date. For ARMs, it equals a published index plus a lender margin. For fixed rate loans, the initial rate is the same as the note rate as it does not change.

Initial Mortgage Insurance Premium (IMIP)

Also called upfront MIP, this is 2% of the Maximum Claim Amount (MCA). This is paid to the federal government within 15 days of loan closing for insuring the loan.

Initial Unpaid Principal Balance (Initial UPB)

This is the initial amount that is borrowed on the day the loan funds. This could include any draws, payoffs, and closing costs.

Interest Rate Caps (see CAPS)

Interest rate caps restrict the movements (up or down) of the rates on an ARM. Annually-adjusted HECM ARMs have 2% periodic caps and a 5% lifetime cap above the start rate. Monthly-adjusted HECM ARM caps are at the lender’s discretion.

Interest Rate Structure

  • Index: Reverse mortgage interest rates are tied to one index, the Constant Maturity Treasury rate (CMT).
  • Margin: An amount added to the Index (CMT) to determine both the expected and actual interest rates. The margin is determined by the loan investor.

Irrevocable Trust

These trusts are unable to be amended.

Jumbo Loan

A jumbo loan is a loan product for home values that exceed conforming or FHA limits. 

No terms listed.

Leasehold

In leaseholds the borrower pays ground rent. This allows the borrower temporary rights to the land. They own the home but not the land it rests on. The term must be 99 years and renewable or extend 50 years past the 100th birthday of the youngest borrower

Lender

A lender is the entity that offers a loan. Any lender approved by HUD can offer the HECM product.

Lender's Margin

This is added to the published index to determine the note interest rate and added to a published 10-year security to determine the expected interest rate (used to establish the initial principal limit). 

Lender-Paid Broker Compensation (LPBC)

(see notes on YSP) this is payment to a broker for arranging the loan. LPBC cannot be paid if the broker is also receiving origination on a fixed rate HECM.

Lien

A lien is a legal claim against property that acts as security against payment of debts. A mortgage loan is the most common type of lien. 

Lien Seasoning

Borrowers may only pay off existing non-HECM liens using HECM proceeds if the liens have been in place for longer than 12 months or resulted in less than $500 cash to the borrower. Exceptions exist for HELOCs where the payoff is withing the borrowers first year disbursement limit.

Line of Credit (Also LOC - Line of Credit)

A line of credit is available when the borrower decides to draw from the available funds. They may draw funds up to the available amount. Interest does not accrue on the unused LOC, but the unused LOC can grow based upon current interest rates. See LOC Growth Rate.

Life Estate

This allows ownership of property for the duration of a person’s life. Upon the owner’s death, ownership is automatically transferred to a successor called a remainderman.

Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA)

Funds that are removed from a borrower’s principal limit and set aside for the payment of property charges over a calculated time. A LESA is established when the underwriter determines that the borrower fails to pass a financial assessment test.

Limited Denial of Participation (LDP)

A system that checks for individuals or businesses suspended, disbarred, or penalized for Department of Enforcement Center violations. The Department of Enforcement Center works with HUD's program areas in various capacities, takes suspension and debarment actions, and pursues civil money penalties or double damages, where there have been program violations. The LDP system is a database you can use to search for these violations.

Line of Credit (LOC)

A Line of credit is a popular payment plan for adjustable rate reverse mortgages-. The borrower draws funds as needed and interest is only charged on the outstanding loan amount. Any funds not drawn initially are in a line of credit and available for future use.

Living Trust (Also Inter Vivos)

Living trusts are usually formed for their tax benefit and are either REVOCABLE (can be amended) or IRREVOCABLE (cannot be amended). Inter Vivos means it is established while the principal is living.

Loan Account Manager (LAM) Underwriting Support

Liaison between TPO/PA and the Underwriting Department.

Loan Amount

Loan amount is the term that refers to the actual amount you are eligible to borrow with a reverse mortgage. The loan amount is determined by the parameters and lending limits of the particular reverse mortgage product, your home’s location, the age of the youngest borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse, and the prevailing interest rate for the product selected.

Loan Balance

The amount owed, including principal and interest; capped in a reverse mortgage by the value of the home when the home is sold.

Loan Closing Date

Date on which your reverse mortgage is scheduled to close

Loan to Value (LTV)

On forward mortgages, the LTV is a standard way of identifying how much of a home’s value the borrow can finance. On the reverse mortgage, we use principal limit factors instead.

Lump Sum

An amount of money that is given in a single payment, rather than being divided into smaller periodic payments.

Margin (Lender’s Margin)

In the HECM program, the amount added to the index to determine the initial and current interest rates for the adjustable-rate option. For example, if the index is 1% and the margin is 3%, the interest rate charged on the loan balance will be 4%. 

Mandatory Obligations

Fees and charges incurred in connection with the origination of the HECM that are paid at loan closing or for which provision is made at closing for the mortgagee to subsequently fund any disbursements during the first 12-month disbursement period that are a condition or a requirement for loan approval or any disbursements for a repair set-aside, including the cost of repairs and the repair administration fee.

These are items that are traditionally included in financing HECMs like:

  • Existing liens against the property or judgments that affect title
  • Delinquent federal debt that is required to be paid off at closing
  • Closing costs, including third party fees
  • Upfront MIP, also known as initial MIP (IMIP)

Maturity

A written promise to pay a debt at a stated interest rate during a specified term. The agreement is secured by a mortgage.

Mortgagee

The lender in a mortgage contract.

Maturity Events

Actions or circumstances that cause the loan to become due and payable, such as death of borrower, sale of the home, conveyance or transfer of title, non-occupancy or default of other terms outlined in the security instruments.

Maximum Claim Amount (MCA)

This is the lesser of a home’s appraised value or the maximum lending limit. On a HECM for purchase loan, it is the lesser of the appraised value, maximum lending limit or the sales price. This is used in determining the principal Limit for a HECM loan.

Modified Tenure

A type of payment plan that combines tenure payments and a line of credit

Modified Term

A combination of line of credit with monthly payments for a fixed period of months selected by the borrower. Modified term payments equal monthly payments to the borrower over a fixed term agreed to by the lender and borrower, combined with a line of credit on which the borrower may draw at any time up to the available balance. 

Monthly Service Fees

A fee charged by the loan servicer for administering a loan after closing, such as disbursing loan funds, maintaining loan records and sending statements. 

Mortgage

A legal document making a home security to a lender to repay a debt, in California a deed of trust is used.

Mortgage - A legal document making a home available to a lender to repay a debt.

Mortgage - A legal document that pledges property to a lender as security for the repayment of the loan.

Collectively, the security instrument, note title evidence, and all other documents and papers that evidence as secured debt. The term is also used to refer to the loan itself. 

Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)

The HECM program requires borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). These are required to be collected and paid to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Most borrowers will finance the MIP as part of their loan. There are two types, INITIAL MIP (IMIP) and ANNUAL MIP. The MIP guarantees the non-recourse feature; that you will not owe more than your home is worth at the time it is sold. 

Mortgagee

The lender in a real estate transaction. 

Mortgagor

The borrower in a real estate transaction.

Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS)

This is the legal system of record for non-depository, financial services licensing or registration for participating state agencies, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories. NMLS is the official system for companies and individuals seeking to apply for, amend, renew and surrender licenses managed through NMLS on behalf of the jurisdiction’s governmental agencies.

Net Principal Limit

The amount of funds available to the borrower after removing any liens to the home, any financed fees, and any set-asides.

Non-Borrowing Spouse (NBS)

There are cases where a spouse will not be on the reverse mortgage. For example, the spouse may not yet be 62. Regardless, FHA requires non-borrowing spouses to be counseled for a HECM transaction.

Non-Recourse Mortgage

A home loan where the borrower will not owe more than the home is worth at the time it is sold. No assets other than the home itself must be used to repay the debt. The HECM is a non-recourse loan.

Non-Traditional Credit

Credit profile that is established when a borrower doesn’t have the types of trade references that appear on a traditional credit report.

Note (Mortgage Note)

The note is a promissory note given to the lender as an agreement that money is owed, and it outlines the events that would cause the loan to become due and payable.

Origination Fee

Origination fee is a one-time fee paid to the lender at the time the loan closes. It covers a lender's operating expenses for making the reverse mortgage. With a HECM, the maximum origination fee is 2% on the initial $200,000 in home value, and 1% on the value thereafter with a cap of $6,000. FHA does allow a minimum of $2,500 regardless of value.

Other Closing Costs

Apart from the origination fee, mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and appraisal fee, there are various costs that are paid at the time of closing. These may include a credit report fee, courier fee, recording, document preparation, survey, and title insurance fees.

Paid Outside of Closing (POC)

Fees in a mortgage transaction that are not financed in the loan.

Payment Plan or Payout Options

A map of a piece of land showing boundary lines, streets, actual measurements and easements.

Payout Options - For Fixed Rate

The funds from a fixed rate HECM can only be drawn as a lump sum. 

Payout Options - For HECM ARMs

The funds from an adjustable-rate HECM can be given to the borrower in the following payout options:

  •  Initial Draw - A Distribution of a portion of the net principal limit at the time the loan funds
  • Tenure Payment (Lifetime payment) - Equal monthly payments for as long as one borrower remains in the home.
  • Term Payment - Equal monthly payments for a specified number of months.
  • Line of Credit – A line of credit allows one to only pay interest on the money you use. The available line of credit also grows over time by the interest rate plus .5%.
  •  Modified Tenure and Modified Term - These options combine a line of credit with a tenure or term payment.

Periodic Rate Adjustments

The adjustment period varies by product, monthly, bi-annually, or annually. The adjustment amount is the difference between the index base rate at the beginning of the period and the index base rate at the end of the period. 

Planned Unit Development (PUD)

A preliminary assessment of a buyer's ability to secure a loan, based on a specific set of lending guidelines and buyer representations made. This is not a guarantee or commitment by a lender to extend credit.

Power of Attorney (POA)

The interest rate charged by banks to their preferred corporate customers, it tends to be an estimator for general trends in short term interest rates.

Primary Residence (Principal Residence)

This is where the borrower typically spends most of the calendar year. Reverse mortgages are only available on primary residences.

Principal Limit (PL)

This is the dollar amount ($) a lender can lend on a HECM transaction, according to the PLF tables. The principal limit is based on the maximum claim amount, the expected rate, and the age of the youngest borrower or eligible non borrowing spouse.

Principal Limit Factor (PLF)

This is a percentage (%) of the home value that a lender can lend on a HECM transaction. It is based on 2 things: The age of the youngest borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse and the expected rate of the loan. 

Principal Limit Lock

The time during which a loan rate or funds available to the borrower is guaranteed not to change.

Principal Limit Usage (PLU) (Principal Limit Utilization)

PLU is a percentage of the Initial Principal Limit of the HECM loan which will be used to satisfy mandatory payoffs paid when the loans is funded. PLU is calculated by adding mandatory payoffs of liens against the property, past due property charges, mandatory payoffs of outstanding judgments, and repair set aside amounts, and dividing that sum by the Initial Principal Limit of the HECM loan.

Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI)

These are commonly the 4 components of required mortgage payments on forward loans.

Prior to Close (PTC)

These are underwriting conditions that must be cleared before closing.

Prior to Docs (PTD

These are underwriting conditions that must be cleared to get final approval and to get a cleared for closing status.

Prior to Funding (PTF)

These are underwriting conditions that must be cleared before funding.

Property Charges

This could include property taxes, hazard insurance, flood insurance, HOA dues, condo fees, assessments, etc. The primary concern with a reverse mortgage is that the senior has sufficient income or assets to continue to pay these fees.

Property Tax Deferral

Property tax deferral programs may be offered to seniors where the state or local government will defer property taxes until the home is sold. Note: Borrowers who have deferred their property taxes may not be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Refer to individual state regulations

Proprietary Reverse Mortgages

Sometimes these are referred to as private or jumbo reverse mortgages. At FAR, for example, we have a suite of HomeSafe® products as well as the EquityAvail® retirement mortgage.

Quit Claim Deed

Guidelines used by lenders to determine how much of a loan a home buyer qualifies for. Often referred to as debt-to-income ratios (or DTI).

Real Estate Owned (REO)

These are generally properties that a mortgagee would acquire though the foreclosure process.

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) (Reg. X)

The charges made by the register of deeds to record the legal documents.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) (REG. B)

Prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants, establishes guidelines for gathering and evaluating credit information, and requires written notification when credit is denied. This regulation covers creditor activities before, during and after the extension of credit. 

REG. C - HMDA

Requires certain mortgage lenders to disclose specific data regarding their lending patterns. Administered and enforced by the CFPB. Associated disclosure forms: Fannie Mae Form 1009: Section I. Type of Mortgage and Terms of Loan, Section VIII. Information for Government Monitoring Purposes.

REG. Z – TILA

Prescribes uniform methods for computing the cost of credit, for disclosing credit terms in a timely manner, and for resolving errors on certain types of credit accounts. Administered and enforced by the
CFPB. Associated disclosure forms: TIL, TALC, HECM Disclosure – Application Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Important Terms, FRB’s What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit, Notice of Right to Cancel, Mortgage Transfer Disclosure.

Remainderman

The person who inherits the property upon the death of an individual with a life estate.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a financial tool that provides borrowers with funds from the equity in their homes. Generally, no monthly mortgage payments are required on reverse mortgages until the borrower moves, property is sold, or some other maturity event has occurred. The borrower is obligated to cover property charges, including property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and HOA dues, as applicable.

Residual Income

Total monthly income from all sources for all borrowers on the mortgage, minus total monthly expenses

Revocable Trust

These are forms of living (inter vivos) trusts that have the ability to be amended. They usually pose no problems for the reverse mortgage, but a copy of the trust will need to be obtained.

Right of Rescission/ Right to Rescind (RTR)

A borrower has a right to cancel (rescind) a refinance home loan within three business days of closing. This applies to refinance, not purchase transactions.

SAM

A government database containing a comprehensive list of individuals and firms excluded by federal government agencies from receiving federal contracts or federally approved subcontracts, and from certain types of federal assistance and benefits.

Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing (S.A.F.E. ACT)

The market wherein home loans are sold by the lender after closing to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or a variety of other institutional investors.

Servicing Fee Set Aside

A map prepared by an engineer or surveyor charting a particular piece of real estate.

Servicing

This includes handling multiple aspects of a mortgage loan after closing. It consists of maintaining loan records, reconciling with regulators and investors, issuance of periodic statements to the borrower, loan mitigation and delinquency management.

Servicing Waterfall

Also known as the prepayment waterfall, this determines in what order partial prepayments are applied to the outstanding loan balance (i.e., interest, principal etc.). This is outlined in the Note.

Servicing Fee

The servicing fee is a small monthly charge that covers the cost of servicing a mortgage loan. Typically, these fees are between $20 and $35 dollars per month.

Servicing Set Aside

Amount of funds estimated at closing that will be needed to service the reverse mortgage over the projected life of the loan. These funds are deducted from the initial principal limit and automatically paid each month.

Set- Aside

Funds for specified uses that are set aside from the borrower’s available funds.

Settlement Agent

The individual or firm involved in completing a transaction between a buyer and seller. Also known as “closing agent”.

Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages that can be used for only one purpose, generally offered by state or local government agencies.

Social Security (SS)

Funded through payroll taxes called Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax (FICA) and/or Self Employed Contributions Act Tax (SECA). The tax deposits are collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). And paid out to individuals who are entitled to receive social security benefits, often at retirement.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A federal monthly income program for low-income persons who are aged 65+, blind, or disabled. 

Tenure Payment

The tenure payment plan provides borrowers with equal monthly payments for as long as their reverse mortgage is in good standing and not due and payable. 

Term Payment

A policy designed to protect the buyer or lender after closing from financial losses arising from any defects in the title that may have occurred prior to purchase.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

A check of public record to disclose the past and current facts regarding ownership of a particular piece of property.

Title Insurance (Title Company)

In some areas city, county or state taxes imposed when property passes from one person to another.

Total Annual Loan Cost (TALC)

This shows to a borrower the projected annual cost of a reverse mortgage, including all itemized fees. It provides more information than a TIL, as it shows the annual cost for 4 different time lengths and 3 different appreciation rates. The primary message is that the reverse mortgage is more cost-effective for those who plan to stay in the home for longer terms.

Traditional Mortgage

Also referred to as forward or standard mortgages. These mortgages require monthly principal and interest payments to be made to the lender for a set period of time. Most traditional mortgages have 360 month or 180-month terms, for example.

Tri-Merged Credit Report

A merged report including information from all 3 credit bureaus.

Trust

Many homes are held in living (inter vivos) trusts for various reasons. They are generally revocable (can be amended) or irrevocable (cannot be amended).

Underwriting or Underwriter (UW or U/W)

Lenders utilize underwriters to review and determine the eligibility of a customer or property.

Uninsured Reverse Mortgage

Private (or proprietary) reverse mortgage products like FAR’s proprietary HomeSafe® products, which are not insured by FHA. 

Unpaid Principal Balance (UPB)

Also known as the loan balance, this is the outstanding loan balance, which accrues interest and mortgage insurance, and therefore generally rises over time.

Variable Rate

These are loans where rates can fluctuate, and the term can be used interchangeably with “ARM” or adjustable-rate.

Willingness

Analysis of the borrower’s past performance and credit history to determine if he/she is likely to pay the ongoing property charges. 

No terms listed.

Yield Spread Premium (YSP)

A yield spread premium (YSP) is a form of compensation that a mortgage broker, acting as the intermediary, receives from the originating lender for selling an interest rate to a borrower that is above the lender's par rate for which the borrower qualifies. This differs from reverse mortgage broker compensation, which is either borrower-paid or lender-paid compensation based upon the home value and interest rate. 

No terms listed.