Subprime Mortgage

Search Dictionary

Definition of 'Subprime Mortgage'

A subprime mortgage is a type of loan that is made to borrowers with poor credit histories and low credit scores. These loans are often characterized by high interest rates and fees, and they can be very risky for borrowers.

There are a number of reasons why someone might get a subprime mortgage. For example, they may have recently lost their job or experienced a sudden financial setback. They may also have a low credit score due to a history of missed payments or other financial problems.

Subprime mortgages are often used to purchase homes that are more expensive than the borrower can afford. This can lead to a situation where the borrower is "house poor," meaning that they spend a large portion of their income on their mortgage payments.

If the borrower is unable to make their mortgage payments, they may face foreclosure. Foreclosure is the process by which a lender takes possession of a property and sells it to recoup the outstanding debt.

Subprime mortgages have been a major factor in the recent financial crisis. In 2007, the subprime mortgage market collapsed, which led to a wave of foreclosures and financial losses for investors. The crisis also led to the passage of new regulations designed to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.

Despite the new regulations, subprime mortgages are still a problem. In 2016, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that subprime mortgages were still being made to borrowers who could not afford them. The CFPB also found that subprime mortgages were often marketed using deceptive and misleading practices.

If you are considering getting a mortgage, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with subprime mortgages. You should also make sure that you are working with a reputable lender who will not take advantage of you.

Do you have a trading or investing definition for our dictionary? Click the Create Definition link to add your own definition. You will earn 150 bonus reputation points for each definition that is accepted.

Is this definition wrong? Let us know by posting to the forum and we will correct it.