A tool designed to estimate the long-term cost savings associated with paying discount points upfront to secure a lower mortgage interest rate. For example, it projects the total interest paid over the life of the loan with and without points, revealing potential savings. This calculation helps borrowers assess the financial viability of reducing their interest rate at the loan’s inception.
The significance lies in its ability to illustrate the tangible financial advantages of strategically lowering borrowing costs. Historically, borrowers have used this technique to reduce monthly payments and overall interest expense, especially beneficial in periods of high interest rates or when long-term homeownership is anticipated. This insight allows for informed decisions about optimizing mortgage financing strategies.