How much is one discount point equal to in percentage of the loan?

One discount point is equal to 1% of the total loan amount. This means that if a borrower takes out a loan for $100,000, one discount point would equate to a cost of $1,000. Discount points are typically used to lower the interest rate on a mortgage, allowing borrowers to pay a certain percentage of the loan amount upfront in exchange for a reduced rate.

Understanding discount points is essential in mortgage financing because they can significantly affect the overall cost of a loan. Borrowers may choose to pay points upfront to reduce monthly payments or to save on interest over the life of the loan, making it a pivotal concept for mortgage loan officers to communicate to their clients.