I have 2 boys, one who is 3 years old, and one who is 2 years old. Reading them a bed time story is a highlight of my day, actually any time I have with the is precious. My older son Timmy is learning his letters so he likes to pick one of his many "ABC" books to read for his bed time story. My favorite of all of the "ABC" books he has is one called "Z" is for Zamboni. Reading it recently to him gave me the thought to write a posting of the ABC's of real estate. A perfect bedtime story for the future loan officer or Realtor in your house.

A is for Appraisal. An independent valuation of the property being purchased or refinanced.

B is for Buyer. The person or people buying the home you are selling.

C is for Co-borrower. An additional person who is obligated to a mortgage.

D is for Down Payment. A percentage of the purchase price which is not included in the mortgage.

E is for Earnest Money Deposit. Money you put in escrow with your offer to purchase a property to show your good faith in completing the purchase of the property.

F is for First Time Buyer. A buyer who is buying their first home. A joyous, exciting time.

G is for Good Faith Estimate. A best estimate of the closing costs a borrower will incur to purchase or refinance a property.

H is for Home Owners Insurance. An insurance policy package that covers an owner against financial loss from fire, theft, liability for property damage, personal liability and other common risks.

I is for Interest Rate. The amount of money paid each year expressed as a percentage rate to rent the money you are borrowing.

J is for Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship. A common method of ownership in a real property with another related person.

K is for Kids. Memories of them growing up are what makes a house a home.

L is for Loan Officer. The person who helps you get your mortgage loan.

M is for Mortgage Insurance. Insurance that protects the bank in the event that you are unable to make your payments.

N is for note. The written agreement that shows a borrower acknowledgment and promise to repay the money they have borrowed.

O is for Owner Occupied. Mortgage speak for a property which you call home.

P is for Pre-qualification. What you should do prior going to look at any homes

Q is for Qualifying Ratios. The maximum amount of your income in the form a percentage that you can spend on your debt or house.

R is for Realtor. The person who will help you to find the home of your dreams.

S is for Seller. The current owner of the property you are looking to purchase.

T is for Time is of the Essence. A condition that the performance of the contract by the buyer or seller will be done within the specified period of time or the contract is voidable.

U is for Underwriter. The person who evaluates a loan application to determine if it meets the guidelines of a lender.

V is for Vesting. The names, status and manner in which ownership in a property is held.

W is for Walk-Thru. A final inspection of a property prior to closing to confirm the conditions of the purchase contract have been met.

Y is for Yard. The spot of cook-outs, ball games, flower beds, and so much more.

Z is for Zamboni, after all it is a vehicle I dream of driving one day, and what gave me the idea for this posting.

Night, Night Timmy, Night, Night Jason.