Learn About Closing Costs

Learn About Your LOAN COSTS

Choosing a loan isn’t just about the interest rate or your monthly mortgage payment. There are also costs associated with getting a mortgage loan.

Take the time upfront to learn about mortgage loan costs and your choices for paying for them. That way, you’ll be better prepared to make the right decision when getting a mortgage loan in Utah.
 


Costs Associated with Getting a Mortgage Loan

Mortgages are complex, and getting a better deal on one part of the mortgage often means paying more on another part. For example, one mortgage may have a lower interest rate, but higher closing costs than another offer.
 

Consider Your Choices for Paying the Loan Costs

All mortgage loans include closing costs that you pay upfront, at the time of closing, or are included in your loan, and you pay over time, in your monthly mortgage payment. You can choose how you pay for these loan costs, depending on your situation.
 

Lower Your Interest Rate by Paying Points

Points, also known as discount points, is money or prepaid interest you pay upfront to your mortgage lender in exchange for a lower mortgage rate. Points will increase your closing costs.
 

Reduce Your Closing Costs by Receiving a Lender Credit

Lender credits are money you receive from the mortgage broker or mortgage lender to offset your closing costs. You agree to pay a higher interest rate in exchange for a credit that is applied to your closing costs.

Points and lender credits let you make tradeoffs between paying more upfront or paying more in your monthly payments and interest rate. What’s right for you depends on your situation, how long you expect to be in the home, how much cash do you have available for closing, and the current mortgage rates.
 

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Helps You Compare Loans

The APR is a tool for comparing loan options with different interest rates and fees. It takes into account both the interest rate and the fees, so you can see which loan is less expensive over the full loan term.
 

"No Closing Cost Loans"

In most cases, you still pay for the closing costs with a “no closing cost loan". Typically, you pay in one of two ways, both of these options may be worth considering depending on your individual situation.

Seller Paid Closing Costs

Sometimes, the seller may pay some or all of your closing costs. In order to do this, you and your real estate agent need to negotiate directly with the seller. Depending on the particular market conditions, sellers may be more or less likely to pay for your closing costs. Typically, sellers might agree to pay closing costs if: