Debt Consolidation Glossary of Terms

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Glossary - H

hazard insurance
Insurance coverage that compensates for physical damage to a property from natural disasters such as fire or other hazards. Depending where a piece of property is located, lenders may also require flood insurance or policies covering windstorms (hurricanes) or earthquakes.

home equity line of credit
A home equity line of credit is an open-ended loan, paid as revolving debt, that is backed by the portion of the home's value that the borrower owns outright. Interest paid on a home equity line of credit is usually deductible.

housing expense ratio
The percentage of monthly before-tax income that goes toward a house payment. The rule of thumb is that it shouldn't exceed 28. Also known as the front ratio.

HUD-1 statement
A document with an itemized listing of closing costs payable at the closing or settlement meeting when buying property. The closing costs can include a commission, loan fees and points, and sums set aside for escrow payments, taxes and insurance. It is signed by both the buyer and the seller, who may be paying some of the closing costs. The statement form is published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).