When it comes to a large purchase like a mortgage, a fraction of a percent in your rate can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Some lenders attempt to lure you with (what looks like) a great rate, and then charge high fees and discount points that can leave you paying much more.
Spotting a great rate: look at APR, too.
The good news is that there’s a helpful, and simple, trick when it comes to spotting a good deal. Rather than looking solely at the rate, also check the annual percentage rate, or APR for short. The annual percentage rate represents the actual yearly cost of the loan expressed as a percentage. It includes fees and points to give you the actual cost of the loan.
“If my APR is really high in relationship to my interest rate, that means I’m paying a lot of fees,” states Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union Mortgage Director Bryan Genovich. “If my rate is similar to my APR, then I’m paying a fair rate with low fees.”
Okay, so what about points?
Points, or discount points, are an option to pay a set price upfront to save more on your interest rate. “The decision to whether or not you pay for discount points should come down to two important factors,” says Genovich. “How long you plan to keep the mortgage past the break-even point, and the difference between the payment and cost of the discount points paid.” If that sounds like a lot of daunting math, that’s okay. Your mortgage consultant can help you figure out the break even and the cost differences to help you make the best decision for your situation.
Shop homes, rates, and lenders.
In addition to a great rate and APR, make sure to shop for the right lending partner. A mortgage is a long term commitment, so you want to make sure you’re working with a lender you trust. One that will be there when you have questions or need help along the way.
As a not-for-profit and full-service financial institution, MSGCU gives back to our members with market-leading rates and low fees. We’re driven to champion the financial goals of our members. Check out MSGCU’s rates and APR, then find a consultant to help you get a true preapproval.
Learn more about mortgages in this 5-minute lesson.
Category: Finance
« Return to "Blogs"
You May Also Like
First timers’ guide: The three stages of the homebuying process
The process of buying a first home can seem overwhelming. With a step-by-step approach, the experience becomes less daunting – and a lot more fun.
The Heart of Your Finances: Your Checking Account
Maybe you’re considering opening a checking account or aren’t even sure if you really need one. The experts at MSGCU say you do and here’s why.
Don’t go mad this March over gambling. Understand the risks of online sportsbooks.
Sportsbook apps seem like a fun and easy way to win money. Like any form of gambling, they run the risk of monetary losses that can seriously impact your finances.
Four Steps to Go From Renting to Buying
Tired of renting your home, but not sure you’re ready to buy? Here’s how to make the best decision and go from renter to buyer when you’re confident it’s time to purchase a home.
The Post-Holiday Budget Recovery Guide
The holidays are in the rearview, and if you’ve gone over budget with your spending, it’s time to deal with the aftermath. Here’s how you can get your budget back on track for the new year and avoid future budget-busting.
New Year Financial Resolutions
The New Year brings new financial goals, yet many of us feel overwhelmed when we start thinking about what we might tackle as a resolution. Here are 6 tips to get you started from the experts at MSGCU.
5 Ways to Increase Your Credit Score
Your credit score is vital to your financial health. An excellent credit score can open the door to large loans and better interest rates, as well as employment opportunities and more.
Discover the best ways to build and maintain an excellent credit score.
Payday Loans: A Serious Problem with A Smart Solution
Payday loans can seem like an easy way out of a financial jam, until you get caught in the spiral of fees. Fortunately, MSGCU has you covered when unexpected needs arise and you’re out of funds until the next pay day.
Are you ready for a disaster?
September marks National Preparedness Month. Whether you prepare now or at another time, MSGCU can help with these tips.
Mortgage options to help you unlock the door of your dream home.
Not all mortgages are the same. Rates, product offerings, and other benefits add up to your perfect mortgage package.
9 tips to follow on National Financial Awareness Day
MSGCU helps you get the most out of your money every day.
Is it time to choose a new bank?
Read on for 4 signs it’s time to leave a bank, and 4 questions to ask a new one.
Why CDs are a Great Investment for Younger Savers
For millennial and Gen-Z savers, Certificates of Deposit offer the best of both worlds: high returns & no risk.
A Blueprint for Managing Credit Card Debt
Paying down high-interest rate credit card debt can feel overwhelming sometimes. Check out these tips to help you effectively knock out your debt.
How To Make Certificates of Deposit Work for You and Your Savings Goals
Is building your savings account a priority in your financial goals? Learn more about your options and determine the right choice for you when it comes to savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
Beyond the piggy bank: 5 ideas for helping kids achieve more financial independence.
Teaching kids about money management can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Read on for five simple money truths to help prepare your kids for a successful financial future.
What to do before getting your first loan.
You’re considering a big purchase, and you’re going to need a loan to make it happen. Before you take the plunge, take these steps to make sure you’re ready for your first loan.
Turn renting into owning with our step-by-step guide
Tired of renting, and feel the homebuying process can be overwhelming? See why now is the perfect time to become a homeowner with our easy step-by-step homebuying guide.
Help your college kid make smarter, safer money choices, right from the start.
When your child is ready to head off to college, here are 7 tips from MSGCU you can use to help them build financial freedom and make smarter, safer money choices.
Going to college? Take MSGCU with you.
Learn all the convenient ways you can bank with us, no matter which campus you’re headed for.
Six smart financial moves to make when you get your first “real” job.
Your hard work has paid off and you’ve landed your first “real” job. Congratulations! As you embark on your brilliant career, you can make your future even brighter by making these smart financial moves.
5 steps to RV- and boat-buying for an unforgettable spring and summer.
Ready to spring into Michigan’s warm weather activities with a new or used boat, RV or ATV? Check out MSGCU’s 5 steps to RV, boat and powersports buying.
Applying for a new mortgage? We have tips to save you time.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or reentering the home buying or refinancing market, the application process might seem daunting. Before you start emptying your filing cabinet for documents, see how you can streamline the application process.
8 ways to get your teen ready for financial independence.
Let go, hang on, let go, hang on, let go … help with getting your teenager ready for more financial independence is here! Read on for wisdom from the financial champions at MSGCU.
5 ways to save money on a new or used car
With a few smart financial moves, you can save a lot of money on your current vehicle or a new car purchase.
Your credit score: What it is and how you can make it better.
What is a credit score, and how can you make sure yours will help, not hurt you? Read on to get answers to these questions and more. We’ll help you get off on the right foot with your credit history.
Spring clean your finances
Whether you are looking for ways to save or spend wisely this spring, the team at MSGCU has options and advice for you.
Two truths and a lie about homebuying success
As the winter turns to spring, many turn to shopping for a new home. An MSGCU mortgage expert describes two truths and a lie about being ready for the spring shopping season.
How to open a bank account at MSGCU
Ready to manage your own money? Read this blog to learn how to open an MSGCU bank account and make the most of your membership.
Your 2022 home goals: Tips for financing home improvements or a new home
A common 2022 goal is home improvement, either with renovations or a move. Here are some tips on financing your goals for the new year.
Start ahead, stay ahead: 7 must-haves for a better first bank account
Think you’re ready for your first bank account? Read on for 7 must-haves when looking for your financial partner.
Is it time to leave your bank?
Learn to recognize the signs that it is time to move on from your current bank and choose the next one. Plus, three key questions to ask when choosing a new bank.
8 questions to ask before taking out an auto loan
Whether you’re buying or refinancing, choosing an auto lender is a big decision. Take your time to find one who will work with you and your financial goals; in other words, do your homework. Read on for 8 key questions to ask lenders before you get (or refinance) an auto loan.
Check interest rates today, save tomorrow.
Could your interest rates be lower or are you paying too much in interest rates? Read on to find out more and what to look for.
10 tips to follow on National Financial Awareness Day.
Financial Awareness Day was August 14. Let MSGCU help you get the most from your money with these tips every day.
8 myths of modern mortgages every homebuyer should know.
Whether you’ve done this before or you’re a first-time homebuyer, getting current about best practices for finding and financing a new home is always a good idea.
5 financial habits to start today
Try these five tips, or start with just one, to bring your financial wellbeing to the next level.
How to win at debt
An important consideration when taking out a loan is whether it might be good debt or bad debt. Not all credit is bad, read on to learn the difference.
Starting your emergency savings fund
It’s never too late to start your emergency fund. Read on for easy tips you can do today to start saving.
Debit or credit: What’s the difference?
Swiping and signing to make a purchase is so easy these days, but do you grab your debit card or credit card? Does it matter? Read on for answers.
Smash your credit card debt
While not all debt is bad, too much can limit the amount of money you can put toward your life goals. Read on for three easy steps so you can use credit to your benefit versus being overwhelmed with payments you can’t afford.
Small savings = big rewards!
Saving money doesn’t have to be daunting. Read on for quick and fun ways to save from MSGCU’s experts.
Study, work, save: How to win at college.
Save money in college without having to give up everything you love with these tips from Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union.
MSGCU is on the front line of your finances
MSGCU has always been here for its members, even during COVID-19. Learn how we helped members financially impacted by COVID-19.
See you at the drive-thru!
Did you know you can complete the same actions through an MSGCU drive-thru that you can in a branch? The drive-thru is a safe and easy way to complete transactions, and a friendly MSGCU team member is always there to help.