General Contractor

A general contractor is someone whom you may work closely with during your home improvement project. The general contractor is the person who oversees the construction project and handles various aspects such as scheduling workers and ordering supplies.

If you are borrowing mortgage funds to renovate a home, your lender may need to review whether your contractor meets all federal, state, and local registration, licensing and certification standards.

Good Faith Estimate

The good-faith estimate is a report from your lender that outlines the costs you will incur to get your mortgage. It is based on the lender's typical loan origination costs for the area where your home is located. The estimate usually changes between application and closing, so you'll want to review your settlement form before the closing meeting.

The settlement form will list the actual amount of money you'll need to bring to closing. You'll need to pay your closing costs in the form of a certified or cashier's check because personal checks usually are not accepted.

Government Mortgage

A mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Rural Housing Service (RHS). Contrast with conventional mortage.

Grantor

The person conveying an interest in real property.

Growing-Equity Mortgage (GEM)

A fixed-rate mortgage that provides scheduled payment increases over an established period of time, with the increased amount of the monthly payment applied directly toward reducing the remaining balance of the mortgage.

Guarantee Mortgage

A mortgage that is guaranteed by a third party.

Guaranteed Loan

Also known as a government mortgage.