Shop for the best mortgage rate

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 80 views

Introduction

When purchasing a condominium, one of the most significant expenses is the down payment and the mortgage costs. In this article, we will analyze the price of a condominium, which is $120,000, and the bank's requirements for a down payment and one point at the time of closing. We will also consider the cost of financing the condominium with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7%.

The Down Payment

The bank requires a 5% down payment on the condominium. To calculate the down payment, we can multiply the price of the condominium by the down payment percentage.

Down Payment Calculation

Price of the condominium: $120,000
Down payment percentage: 5%
Down payment: $120,000 x 0.05 = $6,000

So, the down payment required by the bank is $6,000.

The Mortgage

The condominium is financed with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7%. To calculate the monthly mortgage payment, we can use the formula for a fixed-rate mortgage:

Mortgage Payment Formula

Principal (P): $120,000
Interest Rate (r): 7% = 0.07
Number of Payments (n): 30 years x 12 months/year = 360 months
Monthly Mortgage Payment (M): P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]

where i = r / (12 * n)

Mortgage Payment Calculation

i = 0.07 / (12 * 360) = 0.001944
M = $120,000 [ 0.001944(1 + 0.001944)^360 ] / [ (1 + 0.001944)^360 – 1 ]
M ≈ $843.41

So, the monthly mortgage payment is approximately $843.41.

The Cost of One Point

The bank also requires one point at the time of closing. One point is equal to 1% of the loan amount. To calculate the cost of one point, we can multiply the loan amount by the point percentage.

Point Calculation

Loan Amount: $120,000
Point Percentage: 1%
Cost of One Point: $120,000 x 0.01 = $1,200

So, the cost of one point is $1,200.

Total Costs

To calculate the total costs of purchasing the condominium, we can add the down payment, the mortgage payment, and the cost of one point.

Total Costs Calculation

Down Payment: $6,000
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $843.41
Cost of One Point: $1,200
Total Costs: $6,000 + $843.41 + $1,200 = $7,043.41

So, the total costs of purchasing the condominium are $7,043.41.

Conclusion

In this article, we analyzed the price of a condominium, which is $120,000, and the bank's requirements for a down payment and one point at the time of closing. We also considered the cost of financing the condominium with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7%. The results show that the down payment required by the bank is $6,000, the monthly mortgage payment is approximately $843.41, and the cost of one point is $1,200. The total costs of purchasing the condominium are $7,043.41.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, we recommend that buyers consider the following:

Save for the down payment: The down payment required by the bank is $6,000. Buyers should save for this amount to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Shop for the best mortgage rate: The mortgage rate used in this analysis is 7%. Buyers should shop for the best mortgage rate to save on interest payments.
Consider the cost of one point: The cost of one point is $1,200. Buyers should consider this cost when deciding whether to pay one point or not.

By considering these recommendations, buyers can make informed decisions when purchasing a condominium and avoid unexpected costs.

Future Research

Future research could focus on the following:

Comparing mortgage rates: A comparison of different mortgage rates and their impact on the total costs of purchasing a condominium.
Analyzing the impact of credit score: An analysis of how credit score affects the mortgage rate and the total costs of purchasing a condominium.
Examining the cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI): An examination of the cost of PMI and its impact on the total costs of purchasing a condominium.

By conducting this research, buyers can gain a better understanding of the costs associated with purchasing a condominium and make more informed decisions.

Introduction

In our previous article, we analyzed the price of a condominium, which is $120,000, and the bank's requirements for a down payment and one point at the time of closing. We also considered the cost of financing the condominium with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7%. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about down payment and mortgage costs.

Q&A

Q: What is the minimum down payment required by the bank?

A: The minimum down payment required by the bank is 5% of the price of the condominium, which is $6,000 in this case.

Q: How much will my monthly mortgage payment be?

A: Your monthly mortgage payment will be approximately $843.41, based on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 7%.

Q: What is the cost of one point?

A: The cost of one point is $1,200, which is 1% of the loan amount.

Q: Can I avoid paying one point?

A: Yes, you can avoid paying one point by paying a higher interest rate or by paying a higher down payment.

Q: How does my credit score affect my mortgage rate?

A: Your credit score can affect your mortgage rate. A higher credit score can result in a lower mortgage rate, while a lower credit score can result in a higher mortgage rate.

Q: What is private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

A: Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that protects the lender in case you default on your mortgage. PMI can be avoided by paying a higher down payment.

Q: How can I save for the down payment?

A: You can save for the down payment by setting aside a portion of your income each month. You can also consider using a first-time homebuyer program or a down payment assistance program.

Q: What are some tips for shopping for the best mortgage rate?

A: Some tips for shopping for the best mortgage rate include:

Comparing rates from different lenders
Considering a longer loan term to lower your monthly payments
Looking for lenders that offer low or no closing costs
Considering a mortgage broker to help you shop for rates

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a condominium?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a condominium include:

Not saving enough for the down payment
Not considering the cost of one point
Not shopping for the best mortgage rate
Not reading the fine print on the loan agreement

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some of the most frequently asked questions about down payment and mortgage costs. We hope that this information has been helpful in your decision to purchase a condominium. Remember to save for the down payment, shop for the best mortgage rate, and consider the cost of one point to avoid unexpected costs.