Loan Dictionary Articles & Guides

Loan Glossary: Key Terms Every Borrower Should Know
From APR to escrow to amortization, this glossary defines the loan and mortgage terms US borrowers encounter most often.
Understanding Your Loan Estimate Document
The Loan Estimate is a standardized form lenders must provide. Learn how to read it and what to check for accuracy.
Understanding Your Closing Disclosure Form
The Closing Disclosure details your final loan terms and costs. Learn what to review carefully before closing on a mortgage.
Common Loan Application Terms Explained Simply
Loan applications are full of unfamiliar terms. Learn plain-English definitions for the terms you'll encounter most often.
Understanding APR: What It Really Measures
APR combines interest rate and certain fees into one figure. Learn how it's calculated and why it differs from the interest rate.
Understanding Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio
LTV ratio compares your loan amount to an asset's value and affects pricing and mortgage insurance. Learn how it's calculated.
Common Abbreviations in Mortgage and Loan Documents
Loan paperwork is full of acronyms like DTI, LTV, and PMI. Learn what the most common abbreviations actually stand for.