Buying a home is exciting – thinking about new furniture, a big backyard for weekend barbecues, and the space you’ll finally have. But before you start planning all that, you need to understand how much borrowing for that house will cost you. One term you've probably heard frequently is "APR"; it often pops up when looking for a mortgage.
But what does it mean? And more importantly, how is mortgage APR calculated?
Let’s break it down in a simple way that’s easy to follow and without all the complicated financial terms that make your head spin.
Get A Free Mortgage QuoteWhat is APR, and Why Does It Matter?
Let’s start with the basics. APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the total cost of borrowing money over a year. While it may sound like your mortgage's interest rate, it’s more than that. The APR includes the interest and any extra fees the lender might charge, like origination fees or closing costs.
When comparing loans, you might notice that the APR is higher than the interest rate. That’s because it paints a more accurate picture of what you’re paying in the long run. Knowing how is mortgage APR calculated can save you from a financial surprise later on.
Step 1: Start with the Interest Rate
The foundation of your APR calculation is the interest rate itself. Think of the interest rate as the cost you pay to borrow the money - essentially, what the bank charges you for giving you a loan. If your interest rate is low, you're already off to a good start. But remember, that's just one part of the picture. To calculate APR mortgage rates accurately, we need to factor in some additional costs.
Step 2: Factor in Loan Fees
Next on the list is any extra costs that come with borrowing. These include things like:
● Origination fees: This is what the lender charges to process your loan.
● Discount points: If you paid extra upfront to lower your interest rate, that’s included, too.
● Closing costs: These can cover everything from title searches to appraisals and attorney fees.
While these fees don’t seem like much on their own, they increase your loan’s overall cost. And guess what? APR includes all of them.
Step 3: The Formula
Alright, here’s where things get a bit math-y, but don’t worry, we’ll take it slow. The formula for calculating APR goes something like this:
Now, let’s break that down:
● Interest charges: This is the amount you’ll pay in interest over the life of the loan.
● Fees: The total of all extra costs.
● Principal: The amount of money you’re borrowing.
● n: The number of days in the loan term.
So, you add up your interest and fees, divide by the loan amount (principal), divide again by the number of days in the loan term, multiply by 365 (because there are 365 days in a year), and finally by 100 to get your percentage.
Step 4: Putting It into Practice
Let’s look at an example to make things clearer. Say you’re borrowing $200,000 to buy a house. The interest on your loan is $6,000, and the fees are $1,500. You’re taking out this loan for 30 years (which is 10,950 days—yes, we did the math for you).
Plug those numbers into the formula:
● Add interest and fees: $6,000 + $1,500 = $7,500
● Divide by the principal: $7,500 ÷ $200,000 = 0.0375
● Divide by the number of days: 0.0375 ÷ 10,950 = 0.000003425
● Multiply by 365: 0.000003425 ✕ 365 = 0.00125
● Multiply by 100 to convert it into a percentage: 0.00125 ✕ 100 = 1.25%
So, your APR is 1.25%. Simple, right?
How Credit Score Affects Your APR
Now, let’s talk about what can change your APR. One big factor is your credit score. Lenders use your score to decide how risky it is to lend you money. If your credit score is high, lenders feel more comfortable, offering a lower interest rate - and, by extension, a lower APR.
But if your score is lower, the lender may offer a higher interest rate to offset their risk, which bumps your APR. This is why it pays to check your credit score before you apply for a mortgage. If it’s not where you want it to be, taking time to improve it can make a big difference.
Fixed vs. Variable APR: Which One’s for You?
When talking about mortgages, you’ll come across two main types of APR - fixed and variable. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know the difference when figuring out how mortgage APR is calculated.
● Fixed APR: This stays the same throughout the loan's life. That means you’ll know exactly what your monthly payments will be, making budgeting a little easier.
● Variable APR: This type can change based on the market. When interest rates go up, so does your APR (and your payments). Variable rates often start lower than fixed rates, but they come with some risk since they can increase over time.
Why APR Matters for Your Mortgage Choice
When shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to look at the interest rate and think, “Great, that’s the one I want!” But remember, the interest rate doesn’t show you the whole picture. APR tells you the cost of borrowing over time to compare different loan offers.
For example, let’s say you’re comparing two loans:
● Loan 1 has a 3.5% interest rate and an APR of 4.1%.
● Loan 2 has a 3.75% interest rate but an APR of 3.95%.
Even though Loan 2 has a slightly higher interest rate, it’s the cheaper option overall because of the lower APR. This is why it’s important to look beyond the interest rate and calculate APR mortgage rates to make an informed decision.
Get A Free Mortgage QuoteOther Factors to Consider
While APR gives you a solid understanding of what you’ll be paying over the life of your loan, it’s not the only thing to think about when choosing a mortgage. Some lenders may offer lower APRs but have stricter terms or charge prepayment penalties if you pay off your loan early. Be sure to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
Here’s what else you need to keep an eye on:
Loan Terms
The loan length affects your payments and the total interest you’ll pay. Common options are 15, 20, or 30 years. Opting for a shorter loan term typically leads to higher monthly payments but less total interest over the life of the loan. On the other hand, longer terms result in smaller monthly payments, but you pay more in interest overall. Choose a term that matches your budget and plans.
Prepayment Penalties
Some mortgages are penalized if you decide to pay off your loan early. Think of it like a fine for speeding up your loan payoff. These penalties can vary, so checking your mortgage has one is worth checking. If you plan to pay off your loan early or refinance down the line, you’ll want to know about these potential fees.
Closing Costs
Don’t forget about closing costs. These are the fees you pay when you finalize the purchase of your home and can include things like appraisal fees and title insurance. Even if a lender offers a lower APR, high closing costs can offset that benefit. Make sure you factor these into your overall cost.
Lender’s Reputation and Service
Finally, consider the lender’s reputation and customer service. A low APR is great, but if the lender doesn’t provide good support or has a bad reputation, it could cause problems. Look at reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you’re working with a reliable lender.
Conclusion: Understanding APR for Smarter Mortgage Decisions
Getting a mortgage is a big decision, and understanding how is mortgage APR calculated can help you make a smarter choice. By considering the interest rate, fees, and other costs, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you’re paying.
And remember, a little effort to improve your credit score or compare loan offers can lead to significant savings over the life of your mortgage. Happy house hunting!