A mortgage is a method of using property (real or personal) as security for the payment of a debt. Mortgage fees have been rising of late as providers reduce their headline annual percentage rates to attract new business. In most jurisdictions mortgages are strongly associated with loans secured on real estate rather than other property (such as ships) and in some cases only land may be mortgaged. In many countries it is normal for home purchases to be funded by a mortgage.

Part of a successful home purchase includes finding the best possible home loan. On a home purchase, the process of transferring ownership from the seller to the buyer, the disbursement of funds from the buyer and the lender to the seller, and the execution of all the documents associated with the sale and the loan. The federal government has a number of programs available to help prospective buyers purchase homes. Even with good credit, most borrowers will have a hard time borrowing 100 percent of the purchase price today. Make sure you fully understand the mortgage process by checking out what to Know When Shopping for a Mortgage to Purchase a Home.

Typically, creditors are banks, insurers or other financial institutions that make loans available for the purpose of real estate purchase. In some jurisdictions, mortgage loans are non-recourse loans: if the funds recouped from sale of the mortgaged property are insufficient to cover the outstanding debt, the lender may not have recourse to the borrower after foreclosure. If the loan is sold, the originator replenishes its funds and can make more loans to other homebuyers. There is a network of sub-prime lenders, mortgage brokers, warehouse lenders and investment bankers who make possible the delivery of loans to sub-prime borrowers. With most loans you pay off the interest on the loan before you pay off the principal (or the actual amount you borrowed).

It is common for home mortgage transactions to include an escrow agreement where the borrower adds a specified amount for taxes and hazard insurance to the regular monthly mortgage payment. The money goes into an escrow account out of which the lender pays the taxes and insurance when they come due. You can also get insurance to protect your income or just your mortgage payments if you become ill or disabled, or lose your job.

Get familiar with the language and fundamental terminology you'll encounter when getting a mortgage loan. You can get free independent advice about mortgage difficulties from several organizations. And if you're a first time home buyer, you need to know the mortgage basics and what to expect with your first home loan. With today's real estate market, it's important to find a mortgage loan that's ideal for you, your finances, and your future home.