Definition of "Margin of security"

Cale Childers Broker real estate agent

Written by

Cale Childers Brokerelite badge icon

Century21

Buffer amount between the value of the collateral and the principal balance of the obligation. For example, if the mortgage has a principal balance of $200,000 and the appraised value of the property is $250,000, the bank has a margin of security of $50,000 in the event of default. The greater the collateral value, the more protection the bank has. In troubled real estate markets because of adverse economic conditions, the market value of the property may fall substantially below the balance of the mortgage. Many homeowners in such a case have defaulted on the loan because of the decline in market values. For example, if the appraised value of a home has fallen to $60,000 while the mortgage balance is $100,000, it might be more financially prudent for the debtor to default on the mortgage.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Percentage of rentals estimated not to be made because of actual and anticipated vacancies. ...

When a debtor defaults on a loan for which a deed of trust is given, the trustee is required to have a sale of the real estate security for the benefit of the lender. A deed of trust is ...

Lease payments based on factors other than the passage of time. ...

The definition of a testator in real estate is an individual who makes or leaves a valid will detailing how their possessions are to be divided or distributed among their heirs. The ...

A certification of a property title issued by an attorney after examining the abstract of title. The attorney's opinion of title is essential to obtaining title insurance, a mortgage or the ...

Method of revenue recognition based on delivery instead of sale. ...

Yearly tax return filed by an individual or couple. It is due to the federal taxing authority on April 15 for the preceding calendar year. The taxpayer reports gross income, adjustments to ...

The smallest lot area required for building under the municipal zoning code. For example, a municipal zoning code requires all building lots to have a minimum lot area of 1/4 of an acre in ...

The use of borrower funds by people or business to increase the return on an investment. Examples are a mortgage to purchase real estate and buying real estate stock on margin. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions