---
title: What is a mortgage?
description: A home loan secured by residential property. It is a legal agreement between a mortgage bank or lender and borrower, secured by the home and/or property.
---

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# What is a mortgage?

## A loan secured by residential property.

Colloquially, a mortgage is a loan [secured](https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-secured-loan/) by residential property. Mortgages are also commonly referred to as "**home loans**." 

Technically speaking, a mortgage is a legal document (see [Deed of Trust](https://www.jvmlending.com/glossary/#deedoftrustdot)) between a mortgagor (e.g., a bank) and a mortgagee (e.g., a borrower) that **establishes a home and/or property as security for a home loan**.  

- [FAQs](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Closing](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#closing)
    - [Getting Pre-Approved](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#getting-pre-approved)
    - [Post-Close](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#post-close)
    - [Making Offers](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#making-offers)
    - [Loan Products](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#loan-products)
    - [Mortgage Interest Rates](https://info.jvmlending.com/knowledge/faqs?hsLang=en#mortgage-interest-rates)

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