Conceptual Review

What is the difference between a "conforming" and "nonconforming" loan? Why does it matter?

What is the difference between the loan insurance and guarantees offered on private loans, VA loans and FHA loans?

What are the three key ratios lenders look at when underwriting a loan, and what is considered "normal" for a private conforming loan?

What is RESPA, and what does it regulate?

What are your rights under RESPA?

What is the Uniform Settlement Statement?

What are the major differences between Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, and Freddie Mac?

What are the major differences between a mortgage backed bonds, and a mortgage pass$-$through security?

What are the key factors that determine the risk of these secondary market securities$?$

As a lender, what are my options when I want to convert my existing loans into new cash available for lending?

When creating pools of mortgages to back secondary market security offerings, why do originators try to make the pools as homogenous as possible? And what characteristics do they consider when creating these pools?

Why does prepayment by borrowers affect the value of a pass$-$through security more than a mortgage backed bond?

What are the two main indices used to measure real estate returns. What are the key differences between the two?

What is a REIT, and what are the three types of REITs?

What is the main advantages of having real estate in your investment portfolio?