What is amortization?

Amortization refers to the process of repaying a loan through a series of regular, scheduled payments that cover both the principal and interest over a specified term. This systematic approach allows borrowers to reduce their outstanding loan balance gradually while also covering the cost of borrowing through interest payments.

With amortization, each payment contributes to paying down the total principal balance while ensuring that interest accrues on the remaining loan amount. As more payments are made, a larger portion goes toward reducing the principal, and this balance decreases over time.

Understanding amortization is critical in real estate and loan signing, as it affects how much a borrower pays monthly and the total interest paid over the life of the loan. It contrasts sharply with other repayment structures, such as paying only interest or lump sum payments, which do not provide the same gradual reduction of the principal balance.