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Is the lowest mortgage rate the most important?

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IS THE BEST MORTGAGE RATE IMPORTANT?
Mortgage clients constantly tell me "I need the best mortgage rate. What rate do you offer?"
While the client is always right, and we always provide the best rate and terms, we do convey the need to look at the "extras" when selecting the best mortgage. Extras include:
•Low prepayment penalties
•Generous pre-payment privileges
•Cash back
•Cash back clawbacks
•Assume-ability
•Portability
•Refinance options
•Low lender fees (if applicable)
•Missed payment flexibility
•Payment frequency flexibility
•Lock in terms (for variable rate)
Clients are attracted by even a 0.1% savings in mortgage rates. But when you do the math, the relative importance of the "extras" become clear. 0.1% savings on the typical 5-year $250,000 mortgage equates to:
•A difference in monthly payment of only $14
•A savings of just $346 over five years on your mortgage balance
Just one of the extras above could offset this 10 times over.

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