EstatePass
Mortgage Knowledgeeasy23% of exam

A borrower asks about the difference between discount points and origination fees. What is the most accurate explanation?

Correct Answer

B) Discount points buy down the interest rate; origination fees compensate the lender for loan processing

Discount points are optional payments made to reduce the interest rate (each point typically reduces the rate by 0.25%), while origination fees are charges for the lender's services in processing and underwriting the loan. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper disclosure and borrower counseling.

Answer Options
A
Both serve the same purpose and are interchangeable terms
B
Discount points buy down the interest rate; origination fees compensate the lender for loan processing
C
Origination fees buy down the rate; discount points cover processing costs
D
Both are tax-deductible in the same manner

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Discount points are optional payments made to reduce the interest rate (each point typically reduces the rate by 0.25%), while origination fees are charges for the lender's services in processing and underwriting the loan. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper disclosure and borrower counseling.

More Mortgage Knowledge Questions

People Also Study

Practice More MLO Questions

Access all practice questions with progress tracking and adaptive difficulty to pass your SAFE MLO exam.

Start Practicing