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Mortgage Points When you close on a mortgage, you are given the option to buy "points". These points are a fee paid to the lender that lower the interest rate on the mortgage. One (1) point = 1% of the mortgage amount, and will typically lower your interest rate by 0.125% on a 30 year loan. How do I know if I should buy Points? Whether or not you buy points is a function of how long you will keep your mortgage. Generally it will make more sense to buy points if you plan to hold onto your mortgage for a long time, and you can calculate the breaken number of years for buying points to make economic sense. About.com offers the following advice on determining this breakeven point: * "1. Calculate the amount of your monthly payment at the interest rate you will be charged if you do not pay points. * "2. Calculate the amount of your monthly payment at the lower rate if you do pay points. * "3. Deduct the lower payment from the higher payment to find the amount saved each month. * "4. Divide the amount charged for points at closing by the monthly amount saved. The result is the number of months you must keep the loan to break-even on paying points." About.com continues with an example, showing the breakeven mortgage hold period for buying 1 point on a $100,000 30-year 7.5% loan is 117 months. If you hold the mortgage less than 117 months, it won't make economic sense to have purchased the points.

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Related Questions

Can you deduct points on a mortgage when filing your taxes?

Yes, you can deduct points paid on a mortgage when filing your taxes, as long as the points were used to obtain the mortgage on your primary residence.


Mortgage Points Calculator?

Mortgage Points Calculator Should you buy points? Buying points when you close your mortgage can reduce its interest rate, which in turn reduces your monthly payment. But each "point" will cost you 1% of your mortgage balance. This calculator helps you determine if you should pay for points, or use the money to increase your down payment. Click on the "View Report" button to review your information.


Where online can one find a free mortgage points calculator?

It's unclear what mortgage points refers to. If one is looking for a free mortgage calculator to determine how long it will take to pay off a mortgage, check out bank sites such as TD, which has a free calculator.


Are percentages that a bank makes for granting a mortgage?

Points


How do I determine if I have paid points on my mortgage?

To determine if you have paid points on your mortgage, review your loan documents or contact your lender to see if there is a section that specifies points paid at closing. Points are fees paid upfront to lower the interest rate on the loan.


Can I deduct points on a new mortgage from my taxes?

Yes, you can deduct points paid on a new mortgage from your taxes, as long as the loan is used to buy or improve your primary residence.


Do mortgage refinance calculators take points into consideration?

Yes they do. The good mortgage calculators take everything that may effect you mortgage into account. You have nothing to worry about.


Can you deduct points on a refinance?

No, you cannot deduct points on a refinance as they are considered a cost of obtaining a mortgage and are not tax-deductible.


Is the Massachusetts mortgage rate currently higher or lower than average?

The national mortgage rate is currently at 4.02%. The Massachusetts mortgage rate is currently lower than the national mortgage rate by 5 basis points.


Can someone get a mortgage on a new house if they have not sold their current home?

Yes, but the existing mortgage (and interest on bridge loan) will be a factor in the points and interest on the new mortgage, as the initial risk to the lender is higher.


Which commercial mortgage lenders charge the lowest mortgage points?

You will have to shop around in order to get the best rate on a mortgage. Different companies will offer you different rates based on several other factors.


How many points does your credit score increase after a mortgage refinance?

If the mortgage refinace was used to pay off other debt, it my increase your score. Not sure by how much.