A Beginner's Guide to PA Mortgages

The state of Pennsylvania is home to some of thepre-designated timeframe before "adjusting". A "1 year
most historic happenings in the entire country, so it's notARM" would mean that your mortgage interest rate is
a surprise that so many families are relocating to orthe same for one year, then it will "adjust" or rise (as
buying their first home is this celebrated state.laymen refer to it). A 2 Year ARM would fall into the
But no matter where you are, purchasing your firstsame category, adjusting after two years. And so on.
home can be a scary topic. Besides all of the legalitiesMortgage professionals also like to say things like "A
involved in transferring property, the mere thought of a2-28 ARM". When you add 2 + 28, you get 30. 30 is
mortgage (and its involved process) can be one of thethe number of years of your mortgage: two years are
most intimidating subject matters of one's hectic life.a fixed rate, and the remaining 28 are not.
The options you have can keep you from sleeping forEscrow Account- You may elect this convenience for
weeks - never mind the terminology used by thosemoney paid each month, in addition to your principal
within the lending industry! Lucky for you that you'veand interest payment, to cover your property taxes
stumbled upon all of the information you could possiblyand hazard insurance. (It's much easier to put $250
need about terminology used for securing a mortgageaside each month than come up with $3,000 come tax
in Pennsylvania:time.)
Amortization Schedule- For however many yearsFixed Rate- The interest rate is the same for the
you're repaying your loan (let's say 30), you will receiveentire loan.
a schedule of your monthly payment for each year ofLoan Life- How long the loan is (usually 15 to 30 years).
the note, showing exactly how much money goes onPMI- Private Mortgage Insurance- This is extra money
the loan's principal and how much to the interest.that you may be required to pay each month. It's not
ARM- Adjustable Rate Mortgage- You will hear thishazard insurance, its mortgage insurance- put in place
as "arm", not the letters spelled out. This simply meansby the lender to insure your mortgage against possible
that your mortgage interest rate will be the same for adefault on your part.