Make sure you compare interest rates using a constant number of points. An 8 percent rate tied to 2 points is a lot more expensive than an 8 percent rate tied to 0 points.
When faced with the need to compare different rate/point combinations among lenders, consumers should first convert each quoted rate to one based on a constant number of points and then find the lender with the lowest rate. In making this conversion, consumers should use a traditional rule of thumb that equates each point to a 1/4 of 1 percent change in the interest rate. This would make an 8 percent loan with 0 points equivalent to a 7.75 percent loan with 1 point.
Posted by
Marshal
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)