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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Balloon mortgage

A balloon mortgage requires a substantial final payment because the periodic payment schedule does not reduce the principal to zero by the loan's maturity date.

Exam area: Financing

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What does “balloon mortgage” mean in real estate?

A balloon mortgage requires a substantial final payment because the periodic payment schedule does not reduce the principal to zero by the loan's maturity date.

How is “balloon mortgage” different from the closest wrong answer?

A fully amortizing loan reaches a zero balance at term. A balloon loan matures before the amortization schedule would fully repay the debt.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia's use of a security deed does not change the repayment concept. The note controls the balloon maturity and payment obligation.

Worked exam example

Scenario

Payments are calculated on a 30-year amortization schedule, but the note matures in seven years, leaving the remaining principal due then.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

A large final payment does not necessarily mean the borrower missed payments. It may be built into the original loan structure.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

A buyer's loan payments are set on a 30-year schedule, but the note says all remaining principal is due at the end of year 7. The buyer has never missed a payment. What happens at year 7?

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Continue with Financing complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.