Comparing
Loan Costs. Comparing APRs may be an effective way to shop for a
loan. However, you must compare similar loan products for the same loan amount.
For example, compare two 30-year fixed rate loans for $100,000. Loan A with an
APR of 8.35% is less costly than Loan B with an APR of 8.65% over the loan term.
However, before you decide on a loan, you should consider the up-front cash you
will be required to pay for each of the two loans as well.
Another
effective shopping technique is to compare identical loans with different
up-front points and other fees. For example, if you are offered two 30-year
fixed rate loans for $100,000 and at 8%, the monthly payments are the same, but
the up-front costs are different:
Loan A -
2 points ($2,000) and lender required costs of $1800 = $3800 in costs.
Loan B -
2 1/4 points ($2250) and lender required costs of $1200 = $3450 in costs.
A
comparison of the up-front costs shows Loan B requires $350 less in up-front
cash than Loan A. However, your individual situation (how long you plan to stay
in your house) and your tax situation (points can usually be deducted for the
tax year that you purchase a house) may affect your choice of loans.