Essential Mortgage Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re bombarded with mortgage jargon. Whether you’re going through your first mortgage experience or you’ve been through the process before, you may come across many terms that can be confusing.

At Scott Credit Union, we believe every homebuyer deserves to feel confident throughout the process. That’s why our Mortgage Loan Originators are here to help you make informed decisions—and we’re starting with the basics. Below, we’ve broken down key mortgage terms to help you navigate your homebuying journey with ease.

Preapproval Letter

One of the most important steps in the early stages of buying a home is obtaining a preapproval letter. This is a detailed evaluation where the lender verifies your financial information and conditionally approves you for a specific loan amount. A preapproval letter signals to sellers that you are a serious buyer, giving you an edge in competitive markets.

Need a preapproval letter? Start your home search on the right foot with a preapproval from Scott Credit Union. Our Mortgage Loan Originators will help you navigate the process from day one.

Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

Another important factor in your loan approval is the Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. This ratio measures the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debts.

Lenders generally prefer a lower DTI, as it indicates a borrower’s ability to manage additional debt. If your DTI is higher, it can affect your loan terms or even your eligibility for approval. At Scott Credit Union, we guide you through the prequalification process and provide advice on how to manage your debt to improve your chances of approval.

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

One of the initial terms you’ll encounter is Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). This deposit demonstrates a buyer’s serious intent to purchase a property. The EMD is held in an escrow account until closing, where it’s applied toward your down payment or closing costs. If the buyer backs out of the deal for reasons not outlined in the purchase agreement, the seller may keep the deposit.

Escrow

Throughout the homebuying process, you’ll hear about escrow accounts, which are managed by a third party to ensure that property taxes and insurance premiums are paid on time. Escrow accounts are set up at closing and can affect both your initial costs and monthly payments. The experts at Scott Credit Union can explain how escrow works and ensure you understand how it fits into your overall mortgage plan.

Taxes and Insurance (T&I)

As part of your mortgage, you’ll encounter the term Taxes and Insurance (T&I). These costs, often collected by your lender, cover property taxes and homeowners insurance. The lender holds these funds in an escrow account and includes them in your monthly mortgage payment, so that you stay current on these obligations.

Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI)

A related term you’ll hear is Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (PITI), which represents the total monthly mortgage payment. PITI gives a complete picture of what you owe each month, including the principal loan amount, the interest charged by the lender, and the taxes and insurance premiums.

It’s important to understand this breakdown, as it directly affects your household budget. Our Mortgage Loan Originators will walk you through these details, ensuring you know exactly what to expect in your payment plan.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

You’ll also want to pay attention to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which reflects the true annual cost of borrowing. This includes not only the interest rate but also any additional fees or costs.

A higher APR means a more expensive loan over time, so securing a competitive rate is crucial. Scott Credit Union offers competitive APRs, and we’ll work with you to find the best loan option for your financial goals.

Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio

As you move through the loan application, the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio will become an important factor. This ratio compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value of the property, helping lenders determine how much risk they’re taking on. A higher LTV indicates that the loan covers more of the home’s value, which can result in higher interest rates or more stringent loan terms.

Scott Credit Union is here to guide you through how LTV impacts your loan. We can also explore strategies to improve your LTV, so you secure the most favorable terms possible for your financial situation.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you put down less than 20% on your home, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) may be required. PMI protects the lender in case of default, but it also increases your monthly mortgage payments. Fortunately, once you reach 20% equity in your home, the PMI requirement can be removed on most loans, reducing your monthly payment.

Our team at Scott Credit Union helps borrowers explore ways to minimize PMI from the start. We’ll walk you through the benefits of a larger down payment and help you monitor your loan so you know exactly when refinancing can remove PMI.

Champion Your Homebuying Journey with Scott Credit Union

When it comes to securing your dream home, knowledge is power—and Scott Credit Union has the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re buying your first home, building your dream home, or refinancing an existing mortgage, our experienced Mortgage Loan Originators are here to help. They’ll guide you through every term and process, making sure you feel confident every step of the way.

From competitive rates to personalized service, Scott Credit Union is with you during your homeownership journey. Ready to get started? Apply for a mortgage or connect with one of our Mortgage Loan Originators today and unlock the keys to your new home!