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Mortgage Glossary

  • Amortization

    The length of time to pay off the mortgage in full


  • Cashback Mortgage

    A percentage of the mortgage is determined and paid at closing to homeowner. You pay a higher rate or interest to obtain this type of morgage


  • Closed Mortgage

    A penalty will be levied if the mortgage is paid out before the original term is due


  • Conventional Mortgages

    When there is a no risk insurance required. Usually more than 20% equity
    (i.e. value of property $100,000, mortgage is $80,000; therefore 20% equity)


  • Equity

    Difference between the value of the property and the mortgage owed against the property


  • Fixed Rate

    Constant interest rate charged for a set period of time


  • High Ratio / Insured Mortgages

    If you have 0 to 19% downpayment or equity with regard to the value of your home and mortgage owed against – by law the mortgage has to be insured


  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

    A limit of credit is established by the equity in your property. This works like an overdraft on your account, you withdraw and deposit $ to the account. Security is the property


  • Insurers

    There currently (2008) are three mortgage insurers in Canada:
    CMHC, Genworth and AIG.


  • Open Mortgage

    Mortgage may be paid in full at any time without penalty


  • Penalty

    When a mortgage is paid off in full prior to the end of the contracted term. A penalty is charged by the lender/bank.


  • Pre-Approval

    Personal and financial information gathered, a credit check completed and a commitment issued by lender


  • Pre-Qualify

    Personal and financial information gathered, NO CREDIT CHECK, NO COMMITMENT issued from lender


  • Prime Interest Rate

    A floating interest rate charged by lender to clients


  • Refinance

    Alterations are made to your mortgage to re-negotiate your mortgage without selling your home


  • Term

    The interest rate is set for a term (i.e. 3 yr, 5 yr.) at which time the mortgage is either renewed for an addition term or paid off in full


  • Variable Rate

    Interest rate fluctuates higher or lower as prime interest changes