FAQ
Frequent questions


Glossary of terms
Mortgage Foreclosure
The foreclosure of a mortgage is a legal procedure through which a bank/lender repossesses a real estate property due to the borrower’s failure to make payments. This process is commonly known as foreclosure of a home.
Amortization Schedule
A plan for paying off a mortgage that shows the amount of each payment applied to: interest, principal, and the remaining balance.
APR – Annual Percentage Rate
The total annual cost of the mortgage is declared as a percentage of the quantity of the loan; it includes among others: the basic interest rate, basic mortgage insurance and the cost for generating the loan (points).
Points
A one-time fee imposed by the lender to increase the profitability of the loan; One point represents 1 percent of the loan amount.
Refinancing
The process of repaying an existing loan with proceeds from a new loan secured by the same property.
Title company
A company that specializes in insuring property titles.
Joint Ownership
A form of co-ownership that gives each owner equal interest and rights in the property, including the right of survivorship.
Mortgage refinancing
It consists of increasing the principal owed on the mortgage including all debts and extending the amortization period to reduce the monthly payment.
Short Refinancing
It is a transaction whereby the lender agrees to accept less than the total amount owed. It allows the owner to retain ownership of the property while at the same time avoiding foreclosure or having to declare bankruptcy.
Informal Payment Plan
It is usually a short-term plan and is based on the borrower's ability to make payments. This program is often used when the loan is in the initial stage of delinquency (30 to 60 days) and can last for 90 to 120 days. This plan can be done through a verbal or a written agreement.
Formal Payment Plan
An analysis of the borrower's financial situation is made and based on the borrower's ability to catch up with his or her arrears, a payment plan is established to correct the delinquency. Counseling is usually offered to the borrower. A Formal Payment Plan is always done in writing and can have a much longer term than the informal plan. Based on the borrower's excess of income over expenses, formal plans usually result in a monthly payment.