Here are some home loan terms it helps knowing

CREDIT APPRAISAL

This is a process by which a lender evaluates the creditworthiness of the loan applicant. It involves assessing the borrower's past repayment history, establishing the sustainability of his current income and evaluating his capacity to repay. The applicant will be sanctioned a loan only after taking into account his savings, income, age, qualifications, period of employment and other outstanding debts.


EMI

EMI (equated monthly installment) is an unequal combination of two components - principal and interest. This is the amount of money the borrower owes the lender every month, through the tenure of the loan.


MARGIN MONEY

Also called down payment, margin money is typically around 10-15 percent of your loan amount. The bank does not disburse the entire cost of the property when you seek a home loan. It lends only around 85-90 percent of the project cost. The borrower is expected to bring in the remaining money. This is referred to as down payment or margin money.


HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN

Some people may need money to repair, renovate, remodel or extend their home. Banks offer home improvement loans that you can use for making structural improvements, external and internal repairs, flooring, painting, improving plumbing, electrical work etc.


JOINT LOAN

A loan applicant can apply jointly for a loan with his spouse or parents. This way he can club the incomes. This increases his loan eligibility.


HOUSEHOLDER’S INSURANCE

This policy offers insurance for household belongings against fire, malicious damage, burglary and natural disasters like flood and earthquake. The householder's insurance policy is a comprehensive package that protects the house and its various contents against a variety of risks. It is a single policy that takes care of a number of contingencies.