Glossary of Terms

Amortization period:
The actual number of years it will take to pay back your mortgage loan.

Appraised value:
An estimate of the value of the property, conducted for the purpose of mortgage lending by a certified appraiser.

Assumability:
Allows the buyer to take over the seller's mortgage on the property.

Closed mortgage:
A mortgage that locks you into a specific payment schedule. A penalty usually applies if you repay the loan in full before the end of a closed term.

Condominium fee:
A payment among owners, which is allocated to pay expenses.

Conventional mortgage:
A mortgage loan issued for up to 75% of the property's appraised value or purchase price, whichever is less.

Down payment:
The buyer's cash payment toward the property that is the difference between the purchase price and the amount of the mortgage loan.

Equity:
The difference between the home's selling value and the debts against it.

High-ratio mortgage:
A mortgage that exceeds 75% of the home's appraised value. These mortgages must be insured for payment.

Interest rate:
The value charged by the lender for the use of the lender's money, expressed as a percentage.

Land transfer tax, deed tax or property purchase tax:
A fee paid to the municipal and/or provincial government for the transferring of property from seller to buyer.

Maturity date:
The end of the term of the loan, at which time you can pay off the mortgage or renew it.

Mortgage:
The financial institution or person that lends the money.

Mortgage insurance:
Applies to high-ratio mortgages. It protects the lender against loss if the borrower is unable to repay the mortgage.

Mortgage life insurance:
Pays off the mortgage if the borrower dies.

Mortgagor:
The borrower.

Open mortgage:
Allows partial or full payment of the principal at any time, without penalty.

Portability:
A mortgage option that enables borrowers to take their current mortgage with them to another property, without penalty.

Pre-approved mortgage:
Qualifies you for a mortgage before you start shopping. You know exactly how much you can spend and are free to make a firm offer when you find the right home.

Prepayment privileges:
Voluntary payments that are in addition to regular mortgage payments.

Principal:
The amount borrowed or still owing on a mortgage loan. Interest is paid on the principal amount.

Refinancing:
Paying off the existing mortgage and arranging a new one or renegotiating the terms and conditions of an existing mortgage.

Renewal:
Renegotiation of a mortgage loan at the end of a term for a new term.

Second mortgage:
Additional financing, which usually has a shorter term and a higher interest rate than the first mortgage.

Term:
The length of time the interest rate is fixed. It also indicates when the principal balance becomes due and payable to the lender.

Title:
Legal ownership in a property.

Variable rate mortgage:
A mortgage with fixed payments that fluctuates with interest rates. The changing interest rate determines how much of the payment goes towards the principal.

Vendor take-back mortgage:
When the seller provides some or all of the mortgage financing in order to sell their property.

Closing the deal
Closing day is the day you become the official owner of your home. However, the entire closing process usually takes a few days.

Typically, you visit your lawyer's office to review and sign documents relating to the mortgage, the property you are buying, the ownership of the property and the conditions of the purchase. Your lawyer will also ask you to bring a certified cheque to cover the closing costs and any other outstanding costs.

Once your mortgage and the deed for the property are officially recorded, you become the official owner of the property and your lawyer will call you to pick up the keys to your new home.