Also known as a variable rate mortgage. This is a type of mortgage where the interest rate changes periodically. As a result, the principal and interest payments may vary over the life of the loan. The loan is linked to a financial index. These loans can offer lower starting rates, which may be helpful in high-cost areas like Seattle and King County.
This is the length of time for which the interest rate is fixed on an ARM. For example, if the adjustment period is six months, the interest rate remains fixed for six months before adjusting again.
A gradual paying off of a debt through regular payments of principal and interest over time.
APR reflects the total cost of a loan, including interest and fees, expressed as a yearly rate. This allows for better comparison between lenders.
An assessment of a property’s market value, required before most home purchases or refinances in areas like Snohomish, King, or Pierce County.
A licensed professional who evaluates the value of real estate based on recent sales and current market conditions.
An increase in the value of a property over time due to market trends or improvements made to the home or neighborhood.
Any valuable item owned, such as a bank account, investment, or property.
A mortgage that requires smaller payments in the beginning and one large payment (balloon) at the end of the loan term.
The large, final lump-sum payment due at the end of a balloon mortgage term.
Legal process to discharge or restructure debt. Pacific National Lending works with clients across Washington who are recovering from financial hardship.
Equal to 1/100th of a percent. Commonly used to express changes in interest rates.
Total income before taxes are deducted, also called gross income.
The limit on how much the interest rate can increase on an ARM—per adjustment period or over the life of the loan.
A refinancing option where the new loan is larger than the existing one, and the homeowner receives the difference in cash. Popular for renovations across Washington homes.
Fees and expenses (like title insurance and appraisal fees) that must be paid before the deal closes. These are common in all Washington real estate transactions.
Property or assets pledged to secure a loan.
Individually owned unit within a multi-unit complex. Pacific National Lending helps many Seattle-area condo buyers secure affordable financing.
Clause that allows an ARM to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage under specified conditions.
An ARM that allows conversion to a fixed-rate mortgage after a period of time.
An index used to determine interest rate adjustments on some ARMs.
A measure of a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, based on borrowing history and financial behavior.
A borrower’s record of debt repayment. A good credit history helps secure favorable mortgage terms.
Detailed reports that show your credit history, current obligations, and overall financial standing.
Money that is owed, such as car loans or credit cards.
Failure to make timely payments. May impact your credit and future lending eligibility.
Money put down to demonstrate commitment to purchasing property.
Decrease in a home’s value due to wear, damage, or market conditions.
Initial cash portion paid toward the home’s purchase price. Pacific National Lending offers low-down-payment options, including FHA programs with as little as 3.5% down.
A California state law that affects property tax transfers and exemptions. Prop 19 allows eligible homeowners (such as those over 55, severely disabled, or affected by natural disasters) to transfer their property tax base to a new home up to three times statewide. This can be a huge benefit when upgrading or downsizing your home.
A common automated underwriting system (AUS) used by mortgage lenders to determine eligibility for a loan. It analyzes borrower information such as credit, income, and assets in real-time and issues findings like "Approve/Eligible" or "Refer/Ineligible."
This means your loan has passed initial underwriting, but certain conditions (such as income verification, final appraisal, or updated bank statements) must be satisfied before a final approval is issued. It’s a common stage in the lending process.
A letter provided by someone (usually a relative) who is "gifting" funds to the buyer to help with the down payment or closing costs. The letter confirms the money is a gift—not a loan—and is required documentation during underwriting.
A commitment from the lender to honor a specific interest rate for a set period of time, usually 15, 30, 45, or 60 days. In today’s volatile market, locking your rate can protect you from sudden increases while your loan is processed.
A standardized form that details the estimated costs, terms, and fees of a mortgage loan. You’ll typically receive your LE within 3 business days of submitting a loan application. It helps borrowers compare offers from different lenders.
A final five-page document that outlines the actual costs of your mortgage loan. It must be provided at least three business days before closing. The CD includes loan terms, projected monthly payments, fees, and cash-to-close.
An arrangement in which a portion of the mortgage proceeds is held by the escrow company until specific conditions—like repairs or property updates—are completed. Often used when a home is appraised with minor repairs needed for funding.
Short for Non-Qualified Mortgage, this is a loan designed for borrowers who may not meet the standard documentation requirements—like self-employed individuals, business owners, or those with irregular income. Often used in higher-cost California markets.
A short-term loan used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new home and the sale of your current one. Especially helpful in competitive markets like Sacramento, where buying before selling may be necessary to secure a property.
Funds remaining in your bank account after closing. Lenders often require you to have at least two months of PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) on hand to ensure you can cover your mortgage if something unexpected occurs.
A licensed professional who works on your behalf to find and secure mortgage options from multiple lenders. At Pacific National Lending, our brokers help match borrowers with the best possible rate and loan structure for their needs.
Once you apply for a mortgage, your credit pull may cause other lenders to get notified—resulting in unsolicited offers. This is a marketing loophole. Let us know if you'd like guidance on how to reduce these inquiries.
The official loan application form used in the U.S. for all mortgage types. It collects personal, employment, income, asset, and property information to determine loan eligibility. You’ll fill this out with your Mortgage Loan Originator.
Common in competitive homebuying markets like Folsom or Elk Grove, this clause in a purchase offer allows a buyer to automatically outbid competing offers up to a certain limit.
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