A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Late Payment
A payment made later than agreed upon in a credit contract and on which additional charges may be imposed.

Lease
A means of acquiring the use of the vehicle for a specific period of time in exchange for regular payments without actually purchasing it. As part of leasing agreement, the company leasing the vehicle maintains ownership. During the lease, the lessee or the person leasing the auto is responsible for its reasonable maintanence. The auto is returned to the company when the lease expires unless the lessee decides to buy the car, assuming the lease contract allows for that option.

Lease Buy Out
In auto leasing, the option to buy a leased auto usually during the life of a lease or when the lease ends. You have an option to buy out the lease only if you have an open-end lease, which is better than a closed-end lease. Also called an option to buy.

Lease Fee
The cost of leasing the vehicle. It equals the monthly lease payment multiplied by the lease term. See also capitalized cost and residual value.

Lender
Company that performs the functions necessary to complete a mortgage transaction. Lenders include approved sellers, mortgage brokers, and third-party originators (TPOs).

Lender Fees
These are items payable in connection with the loan and contribute to the total amount of the loan's closing costs. These are the fees that lenders charge to process, approve and make the mortgage loan. See Closing Costs for more information.

Lessee
A person who signs a lease to get temporary use of property.

Lessor
A company that provides temporary use of property usually in return for periodic payment.
Liability on an Account Legal responsibility to repay debt.

Lien
A claim upon a piece of property for the payment or satisfaction of a debt or obligation.

Liquid Assets
Cash or assets that can be immediately converted to cash.

List Price
Another term for manufacturer's suggested retail price or sticker price. List price is the recommended selling price for a vehicle and each of its optional accessories as defined by the manufacturer.
Loan Amount The amount of debt not including interest.

Loan Program

Defines the scope of your mortgage, including the type of interest rate you have and the mortgage term. For example, your loan program may be for 30 years with a fixed rate or may be for 5 years with an adjustable rate.

Loan terms
Different requirements of a loan that determine the borrower's and lender's financial obligations. Common terms are Annual Percentage Rate (APR), principal, and length of loan. Usually, the better the borrower's credit history, the better the loan terms. A good combination of loan terms is simple interest, a low APR and no prepayment penalties.

Loan-To-Value Ratio

The relationship between the amount of the mortgage loan and the appraised value of the property expressed as a percentage.

Lock-In
A commitment you obtain from a lender assuring you a particular interest rate or feature for a definite time period. Provides protection should interest rates rise between the time you apply for a loan, acquire loan approval and close the loan and receive the funds you have borrowed.

Lock Period
A lock period refers to the amount of time prior to closing that you can secure an interest rate for your loan. Generally, lock periods range from 30 days to over 90 days. Generally, the longer the lock period, the more you pay in points or interest. If your loan is "lockable", your Lender will identify the available lock period.

Lockable
You can "lock in" the current interest rate for a set length of time, usually 30, 45 or 60 days. By "locking in" a rate the interest rate is locked and if interest rates increase, your "locked in" rate will not change. To lock an interest rate, you must enter into a written agreement with your Lender.

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