Real Estate Dictionary

  • Loan

    A sum of borrowed money (principal) that is generally repaid with interest.

  • Loan commitment

    See commitment letter.

  • Loan origination

    The process by which a mortgage lender brings into existence a mortgage secured by real property.

  • Loan-to-value percentage (LTV)

    The relationship between the principal balance of the mortgage and the appraised value (or sales price if it is lower) of the property. For example, a $100,000 home with an $80,000 mortgage has a LTV percentage of 80 percent.