Down Payment

80-10-10 Mortgage
An 80-10-10 mortgage is a piggyback mortgage where the first mortgage covers 80% of the home's value, the second mortgage covers 10%, and the remaining 10% is a cash down payment. This structure helps homeowners avoid mortgage insurance.
Bridal Registry Mortgage
A Bridal Registry Mortgage is a unique financial tool, sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), enabling soon-to-be-married couples to establish a registry where friends and family can contribute funds. These contributions can be used toward the down payment for an FHA-insured mortgage.
Down Payment
A down payment is the initial upfront portion of the total amount due on a property purchase. It is typically paid in cash, representing a percentage of the property's value.
Earnest Money
Earnest money is a deposit made by a purchaser of real estate to evidence good faith.
FICO (Fair Isaac Company) Scores
FICO scores measure borrower credit risk and are commonly used by mortgage underwriters when originating loans on owner-occupied homes. The score is based on the applicant’s credit history and credit usage patterns, expressed as a number between 300 and 850. This score determines loan approval and terms offered.
Gross Profit Ratio
In an installment sale, the Gross Profit Ratio represents the relationship between the gross profit (gain) and the contract price. It is used to determine the taxable gain from each periodic receipt from the buyer.
High-Ratio Mortgage/Loan
A high-ratio mortgage is a loan that requires a smaller percentage of down payment, typically covering more than 80% of the property's value. Such loans often necessitate mortgage insurance to mitigate risk.
Initial Equity
Initial equity refers to the amount of down payment made by a buyer when purchasing a property. Initial equity does not include appreciation, mortgage amortization, or transaction costs.
Installment Sale
An installment sale is a sales method in which the seller receives payments over time and reports a portion of the capital gain to tax authorities as payments are received, thus spreading tax liabilities.
Liquid Asset
A liquid asset is a property that can be converted to cash quickly and with minimal loss of value. Liquid assets provide the ability to raise cash for financial needs such as down payments for real estate.
Second Mortgage
A second mortgage is a subordinated lien created by a mortgage loan that enhances financing options by reducing the cash down payment requirement during a property purchase or refinancing.
Shared Equity Mortgage
A shared equity mortgage is a home loan where the lender is granted a share of the equity, allowing the lender to participate in the proceeds from the resale of the property. After satisfying the unpaid balance of the loan, the borrower splits the remainder of the proceeds with the lender.
Sinking Fund
A sinking fund is a reserved account used for saving up for a specific future expense. Over time, through continuous contributions and compound interest, the fund grows to the desired amount.
Subject To
Acquiring property with an existing mortgage, but the buyer does not become personally liable for the debt. Contrasted with assumption of mortgage.

Real Estate Lexicon

With over 3,000 definitions (and 30,000 Quizes!), our Lexicon of Real Estate Terms equips buyers, sellers, and professionals with the knowledge needed to thrive in the real estate market. Empower your journey today!

Real Estate Real Estate Investment Real Estate Law Property Management Real Estate Transactions Real Estate Financing Real Estate Development Mortgage Property Valuation Commercial Real Estate Real Estate Appraisal Real Estate Valuation Property Rights Land Use Property Ownership Urban Planning Property Value Real Estate Finance Foreclosure Market Value Real Estate Contracts Depreciation Property Law Interest Rates Construction Estate Planning Lease Agreement Appraisal Investment Financing Mortgage Loans Financial Planning Real Estate Terms Legal Terms Zoning Real Estate Market Rental Income Market Analysis Lease Agreements Housing Market Property Sale Interest Rate Taxation Title Insurance Property Taxes Amortization Eminent Domain Investment Analysis Property Investment Property Tax Property Transfer Risk Management Tenant Rights Mortgages Residential Property Architecture Investments Contract Law Land Development Loans Property Development Default Condemnation Finance Income Tax Property Purchase Homeownership Leasing Operating Expenses Inheritance Legal Documents Real Estate Metrics Residential Real Estate Home Loans Real Estate Ownership Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Affordable Housing Cash Flow Closing Costs Collateral Net Operating Income Real Estate Loans Real Property Asset Management Infrastructure Mortgage Loan Property Appraisal Real Estate Investing Urban Development Building Codes Insurance Loan Repayment Mortgage Payments Real Estate Broker Shopping Centers Tax Deductions Creditworthiness Mortgage Insurance Property Assessment Real Estate Transaction