Definition of "Usury"

CHRIS  SMITH real estate agent

Written by

CHRIS SMITHelite badge icon

CHRIS SMITH REALTY

An interest rate charged on a loan that exceeds the legal maximum interest rate within the state. It is illegal to do so. The maximum interest rate may depend on the type of lender and nature of the loan. Federal laws may also apply.

Comments for Usury

Cheryl Livesay Cheryl Livesay said:

My loan was sold. Now, when I pay additional principal it is held in a suspense account until it reaches one month's payment. That means they get to hold my money and earn interest while I continue to pay interest on the full mortgage amount until I reach the one payment threshold. Isn't this double dipping?

Oct 08, 2023  15:49:57

 
Real Estate Agent

Hello Cheryl! Thank you for reaching out to us!

A mortgage suspense account is a temporary holding account used by mortgage servicers to hold funds when there is a discrepancy or uncertainty about the proper allocation of payments made by borrowers. It can happen when you underpay or overpay. In such cases, your lender can't refund the surplus or accept partial payment.
A suspense account also exists when a borrower sends in a payment. However, there's an issue with the amount, account number, or other details. Instead of rejecting the payment outright, the mortgage servicer may place it in a suspense account.
Once the issue is resolved, the funds in the suspense account are released and applied to the appropriate part of the mortgage. This could be towards the principal, interest, escrow (if applicable), or any other relevant aspect.
Using a suspense account helps prevent delays in processing payments and ensures that payments are correctly allocated. It's a way for servicers to manage payments that don't align with the usual processing procedures.
If you have queries concerning a suspected foul play on behalf of your bank's policies, address the issue to your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

Oct 12, 2023  06:09:23
 
Derah Gordon Derah Gordon said:

I entered into a contract with a real estate managing broker and I just learned that the interest rate far exceeds the Usury Law. Shouldn't he have known that?

May 11, 2018  08:14:29

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Derah

We'd need to know more about the case and the state you are in to give a fair opinion. It's best you find a real estate lawyer to help sort this usury problem out! Good luck!

May 18, 2018  10:45:57
 
 
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

A correlation defines how two variables relate to one another. We can confirm a correlation if an alteration in one variable can change the other’s behavior. Using quantifiable data ...

To understand what a principal broker is, we have to go back up the family tree of real estate.You do understand all brokers can be real estate agents, but not every real estate agent can ...

To pass property by will to an heir. Strictly speaking, real estate cannot be bequeathed to an heir, it must be devised. However, if it becomes clear the purpose of the testator was to ...

A clearly stated notice that an owner or operator will not assume responsibility for an inherent risk. For example, at a parking garage, a large notice of nonresponsability clearly states ...

Refers to state statues protecting the public against securities frauds of real estate companies. ...

Net return on a real estate investment. It equals the income less the expenses associated with the property. ...

A hard white finishing cement with a fast setting time and a high polish capability. Consisting of anhydrous gypsum plaster and an accelerant, alum, Keene's cement is normally applied over ...

Restraining a person or business from denying an appropriate conveyance of property evidenced by a deed has given. ...

Contractual agreement between a commercial or industrial rental property owner and an individual or firm who agrees to maintain the property. Management agreements specify the nature of ...

Popular Real Estate Questions