Finance & Mortgages

    Amortization

    The gradual repayment of a loan through regular payments that cover both interest and principal until the balance reaches zero.

    Amortization is the process of paying off a loan through scheduled payments over time. Each payment covers the interest due plus a portion of the principal. Early in a fully amortized loan, most of each payment goes to interest, and later most goes to principal.

    A fully amortized loan reaches a zero balance at the end of its term. A partially amortized loan leaves a balloon payment due at the end.

    On the exam

    A fully amortized loan ends at a zero balance. A partially amortized loan leaves a balloon.

    Exam trap

    With a partially amortized or interest-only loan, the regular payments do not retire the full debt. A lump sum still comes due.

    Tested in

    Residential Mortgages (9% of the exam)

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    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.