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Business Glossary-Term List

Welcome to the MISMO Business Glossary - your online source of mortgage industry business terms and data point descriptions. Follow the links provided for Term Type; Focus Area; and Source descriptions; complete terms of authorized usage; and a more detailed description of the MISMO Business Glossary.  Search tip:  Use quotes for an exact search (e.g., "keyword or phrase"). 

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Basis Risk

Refers to the risk of the underlying mortgage loans and offered certificates tied to different indices. It is the possibility of the certificate accruing interest at higher interest rates than the underlying mortgage loans. When the aggregate amount of interest on the certificates is greater than the collateral, the amount is known as the basis-risk shortfall.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Basket Provision

A stipulation within the regulatory acts governing the investments of insurance companies, savings and loan associations and mutual savings banks, allowing for a small percentage of total assets to be placed in investments not otherwise permitted by the acts.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Other

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Bear Market

A market characterized by falling prices. A bear market in the mortgage industry may be triggered by rising interest rates.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Event

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Bedroom Community

A suburban residential area where most residents commute to neighboring metropolitan areas to work.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Other

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Before-Tax Income

Gross income minus all expenses, except income taxes.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Below-Market Interest Rate (BMIR)

Describes mortgage insurance programs where the interest rates on the mortgages are below that ordinarily charged for similar conventional financing; used to assist low- and moderate-income families to rent or buy dwelling units.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Beneficiary

A person who benefits from a life insurance policy, will, contract or deed of trust. In the latter case, the lender is the beneficiary.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Actor

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Beneficiary Statement

The lender�s statement under a deed of trust, detailing the remaining principal balance, monthly payment and interest rate on the loan. Also called a "bene statement," "offset statement" or "estoppel certificate."

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Bernard Rule

Method of appraising corner lots which takes into consideration the value of the lot portions facing each street. Also called the "Baltimore Rule."

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Process

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Betterment

An improvement, replacement or maintenance which results in a higher asset valuation.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Bid

1) The price at which a seller will sell particular securities. In the securities and commodities trade, the highest price offered for a security or commodity at a given time. Also called a quotation or quote. 2) Describes required home repairs or improvements and provides an estimation of cost to complete. AKA: Estimate to Complete Work, Repair Estimate, Alteration Improvement and Repairs.

Term Source: MBA Glossary, LDD Document

Term Type: Data, Document

Focus Area: #LDD, #MBAGlossary, #Origination, #Servicing

Bid-Ask Spread

The difference between the highest price offered for securities and the lowest price that will prompt a seller to sell.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Bill Of Sale

A document signed by a seller that certifies a transfer of ownership of personal property.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Binder

A preliminary agreement between a buyer and seller which includes the price and terms of the contract. In commercial real estate, a legal agreement issued by the insurer or its agent to provide evidence of coverage until such time as a full policy(ies) is/are issued.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Biweekly Mortgage

A mortgage with payments due every two weeks, totaling 26 payments a year.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Blanket

The coverage of more than one piece of property under one instrument, such as a blanket insurance policy, blanket deed of trust, blanket assignment or blanket survey.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Blanket Mortgage

A mortgage that covers more than one parcel of real estate owned by the mortgagor.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Blind Pool

A securities offering of interests in a property or group of properties that have yet to be acquired.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Document

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Block

A square or rectangular portion of a city or town enclosed by streets. Often used as part of a subdivision legal description.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Data

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

Blue-Sky Laws

State laws covering the registration and sale of new securities.

Term Source: MBA Glossary

Term Type: Other

Focus Area: #MBAGlossary

 

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