Interest Rate vs. APR: What's the Difference?
When shopping for a home loan, you will see two numbers displayed by banks: the Interest Rate and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Many home buyers mistakenly believe these figures are identical:
- Interest Rate: The annual cost to borrow the principal balance. This rate determines your monthly Principal & Interest (P&I) payment.
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The true annual cost of borrowing when including upfront fees. APR incorporates your base interest rate plus discount points, broker fees, and lender origination fees.
By law, APR provides a standardized metric to compare lender offers. A lender offering a 6.25% interest rate with high upfront fees may have a higher APR than a lender offering a 6.50% interest rate with zero upfront fees.
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