What Is APR (Annual Percentage Rate)?
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) reflects the total yearly cost of a mortgage, including the interest rate plus lender fees, points, and other charges. It's always equal to or higher than the interest rate and gives you a more complete picture of what the loan actually costs.
Key Facts
- APR is the best way to compare loans from different lenders apples-to-apples.
- A loan with a lower interest rate but high fees may have a higher APR than one with a slightly higher rate and low fees.
- Lenders are required by law to disclose the APR.
- APR doesn't account for how long you plan to keep the loan.
Real-World Example
Lender A offers 6.75% with $8,000 in fees (APR: 6.95%). Lender B offers 6.875% with $3,000 in fees (APR: 6.93%). Despite the higher rate, Lender B is actually cheaper overall — and APR tells you that.
Why It Matters
Looking at interest rate alone can be misleading. APR rolls in hidden costs so you can compare the true price of different loan offers. Always check APR when shopping for a mortgage.
En Español
La APR (Tasa de Porcentaje Anual) refleja el costo total anual de una hipoteca, incluyendo la tasa de interés más comisiones del prestamista, puntos y otros cargos. Siempre es igual o mayor que la tasa de interés y te da una imagen más completa de lo que realmente cuesta el préstamo.