Mortgage Dictionary

  • Hazard insurance

    Insurance protecting against loss to real estate caused by fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the terms of the policy.

  • Home equity line of credit

    a credit line that is secured by a second deed of trust on a house. Equity lines of credit are revolving accounts that work like a credit card, which can be paid down or charged up for the term of the loan. The minimum payment due each month is interest o

  • Home equity loan

    a loan secured by a second deed of trust on a house, typically used as a home improvement loan.

  • Housing ratio

    The ratio of the monthly housing payment in total (PITI - Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) divided by the gross monthly income. This ratio is sometimes referred to as the top ratio or front end ratio.

  • HUD

    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.