Discount Points โ Buy Down Your Rate
Pay points upfront to lower your rate. Calculate break-even to see if it pays off.
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1 pt = 1% of loan ~0.25% per point 5 yr typical break-even Points may be deductible
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Points reduce rate but cost upfront. Break-even tells you if you will stay long enough to benefit.
How: 1 point = 1% of loan. Break-even = points cost รท monthly savings. Stay past break-even to save.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Sample Scenarios
Loan Information
Points Information
Monthly Payment Comparison
Total Loan Cost Breakdown
Break-Even Analysis
Net Savings Analysis
Calculation Breakdown
Loan Details
No Points
With Points
Analysis
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1. Key Takeaways
- โข Points = bet on staying long enough
- โข Calculate break-even first
- โข Points may be tax deductible
- โข Longer stay = more savings
2. What Are Discount Points?
Fees paid at closing for lower rate. 1 point = 1% of loan, typically -0.25% rate.
Buy When
- โข Staying 5+ years
- โข Have cash
- โข Past break-even
Skip When
- โข Moving in 3-4 years
- โข Cash tight
- โข May refi soon
3. How It Works
1 pt = 1% of loan. Each pt โ -0.25% rate. Break-even = points cost รท monthly savings.
4. Expert Tips
Estimate stay
How long in home?
Break-even
Use this calculator
Negotiate
Points and rates
Tax advisor
Deductibility varies
5. Points Impact $400K @ 7%
| Points | Cost | New Rate | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $0 | 7.00% | - |
| 1 | $4,000 | 6.75% | ~5 yr |
| 2 | $8,000 | 6.50% | ~5 yr |
| 3 | $12,000 | 6.25% | ~5 yr |
6. FAQ
7. Quick Stats
1%
= 1 point
0.25%
typical/point
5 yr
typical break-even
IRS
tax rules
8. Sources
IRS Publication 936 (mortgage interest); CFPB; lender rate sheets.
9. Disclaimer
Estimates only. Actual terms vary by lender. Consult tax advisor.
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
๐ก Money Facts
= 1 point
โ Cost
per point
โ Rate
break-even
โ Typical
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