Definition: In mortgage banking, a low interest rate on the home mortgage loan allows borrowers with little to no equity or financial resources to get approved for a lower monthly payment than they would have had to pay if they had an outstanding balance on their home. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where financing is essential and there are significant financial challenges that need to be overcome before closing the loan. The word "mortgage zero down" refers to a situation where borrowers with little or no equity or financial resources do not have adequate income or assets to cover the initial purchase of the home they're considering. The goal is to make it less expensive for these people to finance their dream property by offering them an offer on the home that is lower than what would be required if they had more equity or assets, usually through a low down payment loan. In practice, this means that borrowers can take out a mortgage with a higher interest rate and still get financing. This helps in situations where the borrower has financial constraints and cannot afford to pay off their existing debt fully, but still wants to purchase a home. The word "zero" is often used as an adverb or modifier in English language when describing something that is not available for personal use, typically meaning there is no cost involved. However, it can also be used as a noun, indicating something that exists without having any costs or expenses associated with it, like a free coffee or service. In mortgage banking, the term "zero down" refers to something that is not available for purchase but still exists on a home loan. For example, in the context of a low interest rate mortgage, if a borrower has no equity and can't afford their existing debt, they may still be able to get financing by taking out a lower monthly payment or a personal line of credit. This type of loan is known as a "mortgage zero down" and allows them to access a home loan despite having significant financial challenges.