Fair Credit Reporting Act
A consumer protection law that regulates the disclosure of consumer
credit reports by consumer/credit reporting agencies and establishes
procedures for correcting mistakes on one's credit record.
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA)
Provides financing to farmers and other qualified borrowers who are unable to obtain loans elsewhere.
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Freddie Mac
Is a quasi-governmental agency that purchases conventional
mortgage from insured depository institutions and HUD-approved mortgage
bankers.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
A division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Its main activity is the insuring of residential mortgage loans made by
private lenders. FHA also sets standards for underwriting mortgages.
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Fannie Mae
A tax-paying corporation created by Congress that purchases and
sells conventional residential mortgages as well as those insured by
FHA or guaranteed by VA. This institution, which provides funds for one
in seven mortgages, makes mortgage money more available and more
affordable.
FHA Loan
A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration open to all
qualified home purchasers. While there are limits to the size of FHA
loans ($155,250 as of 1/1/96), they are generous enough to handle
moderately-priced homes almost anywhere in the country.
FHA mortgage insurance
Requires a fee (up to 2.25 percent of the loan amount) paid at
closing to insure the loan with FHA. In addition, FHA mortgage
insurance requires an annual fee of up to 0.5 percent of the current
loan amount, paid in monthly installments. The lower the down payment,
the more years the fee must be paid.
FHLMC
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation provides a secondary
market for savings and loans by purchasing their conventional loans.
Also known as Freddie Mac.
FICO score
A FICO score is a credit score developed by Fair Isaac & Co.
Credit scoring is a method of determining the likelihood that credit
users will pay their bills. Scoring has become widely accepted by
lenders as a reliable means of credit evaluation. A credit score
attempts to condense a borrowers credit history into a single number.
First Mortgage
A mortgage which is in first lien position, taking priority over all other liens (which are financial encumbrances).
Fixed Rate Mortgage
An interest rate which is fixed for the term of the loan. Payments as well are fixed at one amount.
Flood Insurance
Insurance that compensates for physical property damage
resulting from flooding. It is required for properties located in
federally designated flood areas.
FNMA
The Federal National Mortgage Association is a secondary
mortgage institution which is the largest single holder of home
mortgages in the United States. FNMA buys VA, FHA, and conventional
mortgages from primary lenders. Also known as Fannie Mae.
Foreclosure
A legal process by which the lender or the seller forces a sale
of a mortgaged property because the borrower has not met the terms of
the mortgage. Also known as a repossession of property.
Foreclosures Sites
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