02 / What actually moves your number
The same loan, different costs.
Compare the available options using the same loan details. I look at cash on hand, how long you expect to keep the loan and what your file supports. Nothing on this page is a Loan Estimate, approval, commitment to lend, or rate lock.
01
Rate, APR, points, lender credit
Note rate is the headline. APR includes lender costs. Points lower the rate for upfront cash. Lender credit raises the rate to offset money needed at closing. The cleanest comparison is all four side by side on the same file.
02
Florida costs shape the payment
Property tax and insurance escrow are part of the monthly payment. Florida insurance pricing has moved fast — and qualifying payment math has to use realistic numbers, not optimistic ones.
03
When a lower rate is worth paying for
Paying points buys a lower rate. The math works when you'll hold the loan long enough to recoup the upfront cost from the lower payment. Break-even depends on how long you'll keep the loan.
04
When lender credit makes sense
Cash tight? Need closing-cost help? A slightly higher rate with lender credit can be cleaner than draining reserves. Works best when you're not planning to keep the loan long enough for the rate delta to matter.