Loan
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In real estate, a loan refers to the borrowing of funds to purchase property, typically facilitated by a financial institution such as a bank, credit union, or mortgage lender. This type of loan is commonly known as a mortgage.
Key features of a real estate loan include:
- Principal: The amount of money borrowed to purchase the property.
- Interest Rate: The cost of borrowing the money, expressed as a percentage of the principal. This can be fixed (remaining the same throughout the loan term) or variable (changing periodically based on market conditions).
- Term: The duration over which the loan is to be repaid, often ranging from 15 to 30 years.
- Monthly Payments: Regular payments made to repay the loan, typically including both principal and interest. These payments may also include property taxes and homeowner’s insurance if they are escrowed.
- Down Payment: An initial payment made by the borrower, usually a percentage of the property’s purchase price. A higher down payment can reduce the loan amount and may result in more favorable loan terms.
- Collateral: The property itself serves as collateral for the loan, meaning that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to foreclose and sell the property to recoup the owed amount.
Real estate loans can come in various forms, including conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and jumbo loans, each with its own qualifications, benefits, and restrictions. The choice of loan type depends on factors such as the borrower’s credit score, income, down payment amount, and the specific property being purchased.
Obtaining a real estate loan typically involves a detailed application process, including credit checks, income verification, property appraisal, and other assessments to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
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