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Real Estate Dictionary

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

H

Hazard insurance

Insurance protection for specified losses due to natural causes, such as fire, floods, earthquake, tornadoes, and other "acts of God"

Heir

An individual who will potentially inherit an interest in land from someone who dies

Hiatus

A gap or space between two parcels of lands that is not included in the legal description of either parcel

Home equity line of credit, or Home equity loan

A mortgage loan (usually not the primary mortgage) or line of credit which gives the property owner the option to obtain cash advances from the loan proceeds, using his or her residence as collateral, but which is not to exceed a pre-arranged amount of the owner's total equity in the property

Homeowners' association

A nonprofit association of individual owners of units in a multi-unit structure (either a planned unit development, or a condominium) that manages the common areas of that structure. In a planned unit development (PUD) project, the association holds title to the common elements, whereas in a condominium project, it holds no title to the common elements

Homeowner's insurance

An insurance policy available to residential real estate owners that protects homeowners against financial loss from fire, theft, public liability, and other risks

Homestead

Real estate that is owned and utilized as the primary family residence, protected in some states as exempt from the claims of creditors

Homestead deed

A document filed in the land records asserting a homestead exemption, protecting a variable amount of his assets (depending on which state) against the claims of creditors

Housing ratio, or Debt-to-income ratio

The percentage that results from dividing a borrower's housing expenses by his/her gross monthly income, used by the lender to evaluate an applicant's qualification for a loan

HUD-1 statement

The document used in closing a real estate transaction (also known as a "closing statement" or a "settlement sheet") which itemizes the funds that are payable at closing, including broker commissions, loan costs, and escrow amounts, and which provides a summary of the seller's net proceeds and the buyer's net payment at closing. It is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) whenever federally-related mortgages are being made on residential properties

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z



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Real Estate Tips

Financing Your Home >If You Are Self Employed

There's no question that it could be more difficult for you to get a mortgage loan if you are a free lance viola player than if you are a government accountant. Traditionally, lenders have been more cautious when evaluating loan applications of buyers who are self-employed than people who work for a regular salary.

However, if you are self-employed, there is no reason for you to shy away from applying for a home mortgage loan, especially if your earnings have been in the same field for at least two years. It is a good idea to meet with one or more loan officers before you begin your search. They will probably want to analyze your tax returns for the past 2 or 3 years, keeping in mind that many self employed people can look impoverished on paper, since you can write off some expenses that salaried individuals can not. Try to get pre-approval from the lender, and ask for a letter stating that you have pre-qualified for a loan which your real estate agent can attach to any offer you submit on a home. This will make you more attractive to the sellers.

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Real Estate Trivia

Q 
Where can you find the world's largest residential palace?

A 
The Istana Nurul Iman, palace of the Sultan of Brunei, includes 2,152,782 square feet, 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and a 110-car garage.
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