Mortgage Points, Origination Points, Discount Points are one type of fee paid at closing by you to your mortgage lender. There are two types of points: Origination Points and Discount Points. Each point equals 1% of your loan amount. For example, 1 point on a $100,000 loan would cost $1,000. What is the difference between Origination Points and Discount Points? Discount Points are used to "buy" your interest rate lower. This is known as a rate "buydown." A general rule of thumb is that one full Discount Point will lower your fixed interest rate .250% or your adjustable rate .375%. These points lower the interest rate for the entire term of the loan. There is usually some flexibility by the lending institution in determining the actual buydown formula, but less than with Origination Point(s). Is there an advantage to paying one type over the other? Why do some lenders charge points but others don't? Most lenders advertise their 0 point interest rates while others list their lowest possible rate with several points attached. When comparison shopping, make sure that you know all fees that are being charged. A lender offering 7.000% + 1 Discount point but 0 Origination Points may be a better deal than the lender offering the same rate with 0 Discount Points but 1.500 Origination Points. Both types of points are calculated using the same formula. Before making a final decision, look over all details of the offer, not just the interest rate. |
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