Many people dream of purchasing homes upfront, but the steep prices leave most homebuyers with loan options as the next best option. Shopping around for the best interest rates can be tricky since every shopper is unique, but there are ways to reduce your rate and ease your monthly mortgage payments.
One of the best ways to do so is to buy mortgage points, which are a form of discount that you pay a lender to lower your interest rate. It seems counterintuitive to spend money to cut your total fees, but it can be worth taking for those who need to pay off high mortgage rates for years to come.
How Do Mortgage Points Work?
These points serve as a percentage of your loan amount, reaching one percent for every point. This means every $100,000 will take away $1,000 per point, though the cost will only be worth it if you are able to pay off a mortgage point beyond one percent. When mortgage points are right for you, it can result in the following benefits:
Benefit #1: Reduce Total Cost. Mortgage points can lower your interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars throughout the course of your loan. This makes it significantly easier to pay off your monthly mortgage for many years.
Benefit #2: Leverage Tax Benefits. Getting mortgage points primarily focuses on easing your loan payments, but it can also improve your tax situation by using it as a deductible to your home mortgage interest. This means you can deduct the points you pay on a mortgage, allowing you to pay less for the points and save more money in the long run.
When is it Right to Pay for Mortgage Points?
Even if the mortgage points can significantly lower your mortgage rate, keep in mind that not all have the lump-sum payment to cover the cost of a discount. One percent off can already reach thousands of dollars, so it’s not a wise choice for people who cannot afford it and only have a few years off to pay for the loan.
The longer the loan, the better choice a mortgage point becomes since it builds its value through time. It’s also the right choice for those who have collected enough home equity to cover the higher costs, allowing you to leverage mortgage points without paying out of pocket.
The Bottom Line: The Impact of Mortgage Points on Your Interest Costs and Other Fees
Seeing as you need to spend upfront fees to slash your interest costs, it’s worth considering whether you will benefit from mortgage points. It’s not a money-saving choice for everyone, but it is an economical approach for homeowners who are paying off loans for the next 15 to 30 years.
Why Choose Mortgage City?
We’re a licensed mortgage originator in Detroit, Michigan, that strives to help people turn their dream homes into reality. With our client-centric and tailored loan services, we can help you reach your financial goals and boost your mortgage points. Call us today at (248) 930-8709!