Mortgage and Loan Glossary (D)

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damages
The amount recoverable by a person who has been injured in any manner through the act or default of another.

debenture
An unsecured bond or note.

debit
In a closing statement or settlement, an item that is charged to a buyer or seller. Compare with credit.

debit card (EFT card)
A plastic card, looks similar to a credit card, that consumers may use to make purchases, withdrawals, or other types of electronic fund transfers.

debt
An obligation to pay another.

debt-to-income ratio
A figure, expressed as a ratio, that compares the amount of recurring debt payments a borrower is obligated to make, to the amount of their income.

deed
A legal document that conveys title to real property.

deed-in-lieu (of foreclosure)
A deed to real property given by the borrower to the lender to satisfy a debt and avoid foreclosure. Sometimes called a voluntary conveyance.

deed of trust
The legal document used in some states instead of a mortgage. Legally, a deed of trust conveys title to a trustee to secure repayment of the loan by the borrower. This document helps to establish both your interest and the lender's interest in the property, and to define each party's obligations.

default
The failure of the borrower to make loan payments on a timely manner, or to comply with other requirements of a loan contract.

delinquency
The failure of the borrower to make agreed upon loan payments when they are due.

deposit
Money paid in good faith to assure the performance of a contract. Often given to bind the sale of real property.

depreciation
A decline in the value of real or personal property. The opposite of appreciation.

devise
A gift of real property by will or last testament

discount points
Fees that a borrower pays when the lender makes the loan, to get a lower interest rate. Lenders offer various rate/point combinations, and borrowers pay points to adjust the interest rate to the market rate. One point equals one percent of the loan amount.

discount rate
Interest rate that the Federal Reserve charges member banks for loans, using government securities or eligible paper as collateral. This provides a floor on interest rates, since banks set their loan rates a notch above the discount rate.

disclosures
Information that must be given to consumers about their financial dealings.

dower
The rights of a widow in the property of her husband upon his death.

down payment
The part of the purchase price of a property that the buyer pays in cash and does not finance with a loan.

DTI
See debt-to-income ratio.

due-on-sale clause
A provision in a mortgage that allows the lender to demand repayment in full if the borrower sells the property that serves as security for the loan.

Durable Goods Orders
Economic indicator that measures new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for immediate and future delivery of factory hardgoods. Monthly percent changes reflect the rate of change of such orders. Levels of, and changes in, Durable Goods Orders are widely followed as an indicator of factory sector momentum. Frequency: monthly. Source: Commerce Department.

Mortgage Guide

  1. Get Organized
  2. Get Pre-Qualified
  3. Shop for a Loan
  4. Apply for a Loan
  5. Close the Loan