As mortgage interest rates creep up, the question of paying points on a mortgage is popping up again. You might already notice mortgage rate advertisements saying something like, “30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage, 4.35% with 1 point!” Ok, great, but what the heck is a point, and do you really have to pay it?
Points are pre-paid interest. They are not required. Points are an optional way to buy a lower mortgage rate.
A “point” is equal to 1% of the amount borrowed. On a $200,000 mortgage, one point would cost $2,000. Points may also be purchased in fractional amounts. In this example, points of 0.500 and 0.250 would equal $1,000 and $500, respectively.
Does paying points make sense in the long run? You really have to do the math to get the answer, and everyone’s situation is different. Much depends on how long you intend to stay in the home.
We’re going to use an example from Bankrate on the math. Say you’re getting a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for $165,000, at 6% interest. The monthly principal and interest, or P&I payment, would be $989.
The same lender might offer you a 5.5% rate if you pay 2 points. This would translate into an up-front interest cost of $3,300, based on a $165,000 loan. In return, your new P&I payment at 5.5% interest would be $937.00. This saves you $52 a month.
Doesn’t sound like much of a return, does it? Let’s do more math! $3,300 divided by $52 = 63 months. This means you’d break even on those points in about 5 and 1/2 years. The longer you stay in the home, the more you’ll thank yourself for paying those points in the beginning.
Befuddled by mortgage-speak? Fear not! StartingPoint Realty can refer you to trustworthy, local mortgage lenders who will take the time to explain your mortgage options. Contact us for a personal referral! There’s no obligation.
StartingPoint Realty – your home buying experts!
StartingPoint Realty provides complete education and guidance to first-time home buyers throughout Chicago and the Northwest suburbs. Get an introduction to the home buying process at our free home buying seminar!
We offer the most comprehensive home buying information in Chicagoland! If you’d like an in-depth look at homes, neighborhoods, public transportation and local amenities, book an appointment for our Chicago Resource Center!
Always feel welcome to contact us for help with your Chicago home buying questions!
Ryan Gable Broker/CEO Starting Point Realty
Phone: 847.348.1154
Email: RyanGable@startingpointrealty.com
https://startingpointrealty.com/
Become a StartingPoint Realty Facebook Fan
Follow StartingPoint Realty on Twitter