Mortgage Dictionary

Select a term from the dropdown text box. The online mortgage dictionary will display a definition, plus links to other related web pages.

Select term:       

Collateral

Collateral refers to assets pledged by a borrower to secure a loan. In the event of a default, these assets are subject to seizure.

For example, when a home owner refinances his/her home, the home owner often uses the home itself as collateral. If the home owner should default on the refinanced loan, the lender could repossess the property.

See also:   Should I Refinance?