The term mortgage (from Law French, lit. dead pledge) refers to the legal device used for this purpose, but it is also commonly used to refer to the debt secured by the mortgage, the mortgage loan.

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. Arranging a mortgage is seen as the standard method by which individuals and businesses can purchase residential and commercial real estate without the need to pay the full value immediately. See mortgage loan for residential mortgage lending, and commercial mortgage for lending against commercial property.

Buying a Home
The key to a great mortgage: Finding the right loan officer. It's all about credibility, dependability, and longevity.


Home Equity
The basics: Figure out how much equity you have in your home by taking today's market value and subtracting the amount you still owe on your mortgage.


Consolidate Debt
Use your equity to consolidate debt: Pay off high-interest credit card debt with a lower-interest home equity loan. Breathe easy.