Who is referred to in mortgage lending as the one who provides gifts of money for home purchases without expecting reimbursement?

In mortgage lending, the term used to describe an individual or entity that provides monetary gifts for home purchases without expecting repayment is "donor." A donor typically contributes financial assistance for down payments or closing costs to a homebuyer, often a relative or friend, and this aid can significantly help buyers who are struggling to meet the financial requirements for purchasing a home.

The role of a donor is essential as it can strengthen the buyer's mortgage application by showing that they have additional support. This can be particularly beneficial in scenarios where the buyer's resources are limited, allowing them to secure financing more easily.

While the other roles mentioned in mortgage lending have their respective functions, they do not align with the concept of providing non-repayable financial gifts. An investor usually seeks a return on their investment, a guarantor provides a guarantee for a loan in exchange for a risk assessment, and a lender offers funds that must be repaid with interest. Therefore, the definition and purpose of a donor in this context is clear and specific, making it the correct choice.