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Nina Park is comparing two otherwise similar 30-year fixed loans. One has a 6.50% rate with no points, and the other has a 6.25% rate with 2 points. Nina is fairly sure she will sell the home in about 18 months. Which choice is generally more sensible?

Correct Answer

D) Taking the no-point loan, because she may not keep the loan long enough to recover the upfront points

Discount points increase upfront closing costs in exchange for a lower interest rate. If Nina expects to keep the loan for only a short time, she may sell or refinance before the monthly savings repay the upfront points, so the no-point option is generally more sensible.

Answer Options
A
Paying the 2 points, because points always save money no matter how long the loan is kept
B
Paying the 2 points, because APR can never be lower when points are charged
C
Taking the lower-rate loan, because discount points reduce the required down payment at closing
D
Taking the no-point loan, because she may not keep the loan long enough to recover the upfront points

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

discount_pointsbreak_evenloan_comparisonclosing_cost_strategy

Related Concepts

Usury is the practice of charging an interest rate that exceeds the maximum rate permitted by state law. Usury laws protect borrowers from excessive interest charges on loans.

A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. It offers no down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirements.

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that changes periodically based on market conditions, typically after an initial fixed-rate period. The rate adjustment is tied to a financial index plus a margin.

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