When considering the myriad choices for home financing, homebuyers might wonder, “Are mortgage points worth it?” By paying special fees to the lender, you can sometimes get a lower interest rate. However, the points are no small expense. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding.
Mortgage points, also called discount points, are fees paid by borrowers to reduce loan interest rates. Terms and conditions of different points vary from one lender to the next, but the pricing is typically standard across lenders. Each individual point costs 1% of your loan amount.
Mortgage points have the potential to significantly lower your monthly mortgage payments and help you save money in the long term. As interest rates rise, using points can be a worthwhile strategy for making your mortgage more affordable.
Lower monthly payments and a lower interest rate are excellent advantages of mortgage discount points, but what are the downsides? One major disadvantage is, to truly save money, you must stay in the home for a long enough time to reach a “break even point,” or the amount of time it will take for your savings to be greater than the amount you pay out.
If you have plans to refinance or sell your home in the near future, you may lose money on discount points by not taking full advantage of the prepaid interest.
Buying points from your mortgage lender might be worth it in some cases, but every financial situation is different. If you plan to stay in your home for the entirety of the loan term, you’ll eventually benefit from the upfront cost of points and save a large amount of money.
However, homebuying already comes with significant upfront costs, and you may not want to add another to the list. Instead, some financial experts suggest putting extra money toward a larger down payment instead, as this can also affect your interest rate in some cases.
Are mortgage points right for you? Ultimately, only you can decide. Keep these factors in mind when considering your options for home financing.
Lori David Boone is a highly skilled Associate Broker with advanced real estate designations, including GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), MRP (Military Relocation Professional), SRS (Seller Representative Specialist), and RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert). Lori leverages her extensive legal background and market knowledge to provide high-quality representation for clients buying or selling real estate in the River Region. Her approach is built on strong negotiation skills, marketing expertise, and a commitment to smooth transactions. Currently affiliated with eXp Realty, Lori specializes in the River Region real estate market (Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville and Wetumpka) , providing comprehensive services from initial consultation to closing.
Lori’s real estate career is distinguished by her dedication to market research and staying updated on the latest industry trends and best practices. Her expertise extends beyond traditional real estate roles, as she is skilled in property listing, market analysis, and creating effective promotional strategies that drive results. She takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients, listening closely to their needs, and delivering personalized solutions that make the buying or selling process as stress-free as possible.
In addition to her real estate credentials, Lori holds a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Communication, which further strengthens her communication and negotiation skills. These qualities, combined with her commitment to excellent service, make her a trusted advisor for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors.
With a passion for helping her clients achieve their real estate goals, Lori continues to be a top choice in the River Region for anyone seeking professional, reliable, and results-driven real estate services.
Reach out to Lori for personalized real estate services backed by a comprehensive understanding of the market and the highest professional standards.