07/31/2026
Mortgage points come up in almost every transaction β and most buyers nod along without fully understanding what they're agreeing to.
Here's the plain-English version:
One discount point = 1% of your loan amount paid upfront at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate. Typically, one point lowers your rate by about 0.25% β though that varies by lender and market conditions.
The question that actually matters: how long will it take to break even?
Example:
π° Loan: $400,000
π° Cost of one point: $4,000
π° Monthly savings from lower rate: ~$55
π° Break-even point: ~72 months (6 years)
If you plan to stay in the home longer than 6 years, buying points likely makes sense. If you might move or refinance sooner, that $4,000 could work harder elsewhere.
Points aren't good or bad β they're a tool. And like any tool, they only work when they match the job.
Have questions about whether buying down your rate makes sense for your situation? Drop them in the comments or send me a message.