What Are Mortgage Points?
Mortgage points are used to offset the costs of mortgage and you can use them in two different ways. Origination points are mortgage points used to pay the lender for the creation of the loan itself, whereas discount points are mortgage points used to buy down the interest rate of the mortgage. Learn more about what mortgage points are and how they work.
Key Takeaways
- There are two kinds of mortgage points: origination points and discount points.
- Buyers pay origination points to the lender as a type of fee for processing the loan.
- Discount points are a way for buyers to lower the interest rate on the loan by paying up front.
- Mortgage points are typically 1% of the loan amount.
- You can use the annual percentage rate (APR) to compare the cost of loans with different points and interest rates.
How Mortgage Points Work
Mortgage points come in two types: origination points and discount points. In both cases, each point is typically equal to 1% of the total amount mortgaged. On a $300,000 home loan, for example, one point is equal to $3,000.
Both types of points are included under closing costs in the official loan estimate and closing disclosure that come from the lender.
Origination Points
Origination points compensate loan officers. Not all mortgage providers require the payment of origination points, and those that do are often willing to negotiate the fee. Origination points are not tax deductible and many lenders have shifted away from origination points, with several offering flat-fee or no-fee mortgages.
Discount Points
Discount points are prepaid interest. The purchase of each point generally lowers the interest rate on your mortgage by up to 0.25%. Most lenders provide the opportunity to purchase anywhere from a fraction of a point to three discount points.
Prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017, which applies to tax years 2018 to 2025, origination points were not tax deductible, but discount points could be deducted on Schedule A.
Going forward, discount points are deductible but limited to the first $750,000 of a loan. In addition, there is a higher standard deduction, so it's advisable to check with a tax accountant to find out if you could receive tax benefits from purchasing points.
Keep in mind that when lenders advertise rates, they may show a rate that is based on the purchase of points.
Calculating Mortgage Discount Points
There are two primary factors to weigh when considering whether or not to pay for discount points.
The first factor involves the length of time that you expect to live in the house. In general, the longer you plan to stay, the bigger your savings if you purchase discount points.
The second factor to consider is whether or not you have enough money to pay for the cost of mortgage points. Many people are barely able to afford the down payment and closing costs on their home purchases, and there simply isn't enough money left to purchase points.
For instance, on a $100,000 home, three discount points are relatively affordable at $3,000, but on a $500,000 home, three points will cost $15,000. On top of the traditional 20% down payment of $100,000 for that $500,000 home, another $15,000 may be more than the buyer can afford.
A mortgage calculator is a good resource to help you budget these costs.
Example of Paying Discount Points
Consider the following example for a 30-year loan:
- On a $100,000 mortgage with an interest rate of 3%, your monthly payment for principal and interest would be $421 per month.
- If you purchase three discount points, your interest rate might be 2.25%, which puts your monthly payment at $382 per month.
Purchasing the three discount points would cost you $3,000 in exchange for a savings of $39 per month. You would need to keep the house for 72 months, or six years, to break even on the point purchase. Because a 30-year loan lasts 360 months, purchasing points would be a wise move in this instance if you plan to live in your new home for a long time.
If, on the other hand, you plan to stay for only a few years, you may wish to purchase fewer points or none at all. There are numerous calculators available that can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of discount points to purchase based on the length of time you plan to own the home.
Using APR to Compare Loans
Comparing different loans with varying interest rates, lender fees, origination fees, discount points, and origination points can be very difficult. The annual percentage rate (APR) figure on each loan estimate helps make it easier for borrowers to compare loans, which is why mortgage lenders are required by law to include it on all loans.
The APR on each loan adjusts the advertised interest rate on the loan to include all discount points, fees, origination points, and any other closing costs for the loan. This metric exists to make comparison easier between loans with wildly different discount points, interest rates, and origination fees.
Are Mortgage Points Worth It?
Though money paid on discount points could be invested in the stock market to generate a higher return than the amount saved by paying for the points, the average homeowner's fear of getting into a mortgage they can't afford can outweigh the potential benefit they may accrue if they managed to select the right investment. In many cases, paying off the mortgage is more important.
Also, keep in mind the motivation behind purchasing a home. Though most people hope to see their residence increase in value, few people purchase their home strictly as an investment. From an investment perspective, if your home triples in value, you may be unlikely to sell it for the simple reason that you then would need to find somewhere else to live.
If your home gains in value, it is likely that most of the other homes in your area will increase in value as well. If that is the case, selling your home will give you only enough money to purchase another home for nearly the same price. Also, if you take the full 30 years to pay off your mortgage, you will likely have paid nearly triple the home's original selling price in principal and interest costs and, therefore, you won't make much in the way of real profit if you sell at the higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should You Pay for Discount Points?
Purchasing a home is a major financial decision, and choosing whether to buy points will depend on your finances as well as your future plans.
Before you start shopping, decide on the monthly payment amount that you can afford, and determine exactly how you will get to that payment—whether it's by making a large down payment, purchasing discount points, or buying a less expensive home.
Shop around to find the best deal, and don't settle for the first mortgage package that you stumble across. There are plenty of banks to choose from and numerous resources—including real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and the internet—to help you find the best deal for your situation.
What Do Discount Points Cost?
Discount points cost roughly 1% of the loan amount per point. So if you had a mortgage of $350,000, one discount point would be $3,500. In return, the lender reduces the interest rate, usually by 0.25% although the amount varies.
The Bottom Line
Origination points are usually avoidable and negotiable so don't spend too much on them. Discount points, on the other hand, can save you money over the life of the loan, but only if you can afford to buy them without lowering your down payment below 20% and having to get private mortgage insurance (PMI).
