Real Estate Glossary I

Click on the beginning letter of the real estate term to find the definition.

A B C D E F G H J L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

Income Stream: A future payment or series of payments, or a debt that one party owes to another party. Also known as a debt instrument or cash flow instrument.

Installment Note: A promissory note calling for periodic payments.

Installments: Parts of the same debt, payable at successive periods as agreed.

Institutional lenders: Savings and loan associations, local and regional banks, mortgage companies, finance companies, and commercial lenders.

Instrument: A writing executed as the expression of some contract, act or proceeding; for example a deed.

Insurable Interest: An interest in property such that damage to the property would cause the owner of the interest a financial loss; for example the interest of a tenant or the holder of a trust deed.

Interest: Percentage charged by the lender.

Interest-Only Loan or Note: A loan or note for which the installment payments are 100% interest; thus the payments do not reduce the principal balance of the loan or note.

Interest Rate: The charge made for a loan of money or use of credit, expressed as a percentage of the principle.

Investment to value ratio: A measure of how secure a creditor's position is and how likely the creditor is to recoup all of his or her money in the event of a foreclosure.

Involuntary Lien: A lien imposed on property without the consent of the owner; for example real property taxes and judgment liens.