
When should your client pay a point? Most recently, paying the point saved my deal. Earlier this week, I had a client who was reluctant in paying a point. They were adamant on receiving a "No Point/No Fee" deal with an exceptional LOW interest rate. It was almost futile trying to reason with them. I attempted to explain that with a "No Point/No Fee" loan interest rates are generally higher when you don't pay points. I also tried to explain the concept of recouping the cost if they planned on living at the property for the long term, which they had planned on doing so. They also acknowledged that they were well aware of the concept. However, my gut feeling told me otherwise. I believe his prior negative experience with his previous loan agent was a factor in his mind-set.
I realized that a visual explanation was key in communicating my point (no pun intended) across. A visual also benefits the client(s) because they are able to take this information with them for reference and review should they need additional time to do so.
Quickly I drafted a scenario of the simplest loan situation for my client. If your client borrows $300,000:
1. Basically 1 point is equivalent to 1 percent = $3,000
2. If you decide to pay a point of $3,000, it will save you $100 a month
3. This means it will take you 30 months (or 2.5 years) to recuperate the point paid
4. If you refinance or sell your property prior to the specified duration of 30 months, it does not make sense for you to pay the point.
5. 1st compensating factor when deciding when you should pay a point is the length of time you plan on keeping the property. Paying for a point will only benefit you if you intend on keeping the property long term.
6. It is important to be aware that interest rates run in cycles
7. When rates are at historical lows, it is also a good idea to pay points. Again, if you are keeping the property long-term, this will benefit you.
8. When rates are high there is a probability that they will also drop soon thereafter. This would not be a good time to pay points.
9. Tax deductibility is another is factor to consider
10. Overall, there are many factors to consider when choosing to pay points or not.
I realize this scenario should be a trivia to many of us - the basics of our profession. But what saved me in this deal was the fact that I went with my gut instinct and was adamant in showing the pros & cons of a point vs. no point loan. My client was confident they knew everything so I returned stubbornness with perseverance and educated them with the facts. During these challenging times, not only do we need to be on top of our game, we need to be able to listen and analyze the whole scenario. Assuming could lose us the deal.


