As a prospective homebuyer in the city of Chicago, understanding the intricacies of mortgage financing is crucial before embarking on your homeownership journey. One aspect that often comes up in mortgage discussions is "mortgage points." Let's dive into a quick overview on this topic and get some information that will help you navigate the complexities of mortgage points – potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.

What are Mortgage Points?

When discussing mortgage loans, "points" refer to a one-time fee paid at closing to the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate on the loan. Each point typically costs 1% of the loan amount, and they can either be paid upfront or rolled into the mortgage. By paying points, you can reduce the interest rate over the life of the loan, resulting in lower monthly payments. It's important to evaluate whether paying points aligns with your financial goals, as the upfront cost of points can significantly impact your closing costs.

Two Kinds of Mortgage Points

There are two kinds of mortgage points. One is referred to as "discount points," and the other is called "origination points." Discount points will let you "buy down" your interest rate, whereas origination points are fees charged by the lender for originating the loan. Discount points directly affect your interest rate, while origination points cover the lender's administrative costs. It's essential to carefully review the loan estimate and understand which points are being offered to determine their impact on your overall loan terms.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Deciding whether or not to pay mortgage points depends on various factors, including how long you plan to stay in your home and your financial situation. If you plan to live in the home for an extended period, paying points could be beneficial as you'll have more time to recoup the upfront cost through lower monthly payments. However, if you anticipate selling the property within a few years, it may not be cost-effective to pay points. Of course, your current financial situation also factors into this decision; if you have limited upfront funds, paying points might not be feasible.

Calculating the Break-Even Point

To determine whether paying mortgage points makes financial sense for you, it's crucial to calculate the break-even point. This is the point at which the monthly savings from the lower interest rate surpass the upfront cost of the points. You can divide the cost of the mortgage points by the monthly savings to find out how many months it will take to recoup the upfront expense. If you plan to stay in the home beyond the break-even point, paying points can be financially advantageous.

When searching for the right mortgage in Chicago, it's important to educate yourself about mortgage points so that you can make informed decisions. By understanding the different types of points, weighing the pros and cons, and calculating the break-even point, you can navigate the mortgage landscape more confidently. Of course, every homebuyer's situation is unique, so be sure to consult with a qualified mortgage professional to evaluate your options thoroughly and help you choose the mortgage that best fits your needs and ensures a successful homeownership journey!


If you’d like to talk more about mortgage points, or if there’s anything else we can be of assistance with, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.