Understanding APR or Annual Percentage Rate

Bill LewisInterest Rates, Mortgage Basics

apr

One of the most important terms you’ll come across when shopping for a mortgage is APR, or annual percentage rate. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, APR is a way of indicating the real cost of a mortgage, expressed as an interest rate. While the regular interest rate is the first thing most people look at when pricing … Read More

Understanding No-Cost Mortgages

Bill LewisMortgage Basics

mortgage points

Is it really possible to get a mortgage and pay no points or closing costs?  Yes and no . . . The reality is, you won’t pay any closing costs up front – but you will pay for them over time. In a no-cost mortgage, lenders charge a higher interest rate to compensate for the fact they’re not collecting any … Read More