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

Changes made by a lessee to property during the term of the lease. In general, if the changes are permanent such as the addition of a building to lease land, the ownership of the building ...

An accessory building is an outdoor structure used by the occupants of the main building or house. They have different functions and can be detached or attached to the main building on the ...

Real estate bought and leased to tenants to obtain rental income. ...

Most people seem to be baffled by the fundamental terminology in real estate: brokers vs. agents vs. employing brokers vs. mortgage brokers, etc. Let us provide some clarity! The primary ...

Stiff pipe used to cover electrical wiring for safety purposes. ...

Legal obligation stemming from a civil wrong or injury for which a court remedy is justified. A tort liability arises because of a combination of a direct violation of a person's rights, ...

Among other things. Inter alia is an ancient method of referring to statutes without reciting all of their provisions. ...

In appraisal jargon, property currently being appraised. ...

The definition of the term right of way is an easement or the right of another person to pass over land owned by someone else to reach a particular destination. An individual is typically ...

Popular Real Estate Questions