Amerisave Logo
Amerisave Logo

Glossary of Mortgage Terms

Explore commonly used mortgage terms that are frequently used by AmeriSave Mortgage.
Uniform Residential Loan Application

The Uniform Residential Loan Application, or the 1003 form, is the standard document that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require lenders to use to collect your financial and personal information when you apply for a mortgage.

Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP)

The upfront mortgage insurance premium, or UFMIP, is a one-time fee of 1.75% of your base loan amount that all FHA borrowers pay at closing to protect the lender if you default on your mortgage.

USDA Construction Loan

A USDA construction loan is a government-backed mortgage that lets qualified borrowers buy land and build a new main home in a rural area that meets certain requirements. There is no down payment and only one closing.

USDA Loan

A USDA loan is a government-backed mortgage from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps people who live in rural and suburban areas buy a home with no money down.

USDA Refinance

A USDA refinance replaces an old USDA-backed mortgage with a new USDA loan. This is usually done to get a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, or change the loan term for homeowners in eligible rural and suburban areas.

Utility Easement

A utility easement is a legal right that lets a utility company use a specific part of your private property to install, maintain, or repair infrastructure like power lines, water pipes, or sewer systems.

Recent Articles

Bridge Loan vs. HELOC: How to Choose the Right Way to Fund Your Next Move in 2026

Bridge Loan vs. HELOC: How to Choose the Right Way to Fund Your Next Move in 2026

Why This Choice Trips Up Even Careful Home Buyers The worst advice home buyers get when they are trying to buy and sell at the same time is that a bridge loan...

Closing Costs in California: Your 2026 Home Buyer's Guide to Fees, Taxes, and What You Actually Pay

Closing Costs in California: Your 2026 Home Buyer's Guide to Fees, Taxes, and What You Actually Pay

What Closing Costs Really Mean for a California Home Buyer Buying a home in California is exciting right up until someone hands you a stack of numbers and asks...

California Jumbo Loan Limits for 2026: What Makes a Loan Jumbo, How to Qualify, and How to Decide

California Jumbo Loan Limits for 2026: What Makes a Loan Jumbo, How to Qualify, and How to Decide

What makes a mortgage jumbo in California The most common misunderstanding I've run into about jumbo loans is that they're only for mansions and luxury buyers....