In the context of real estate, what does a point typically represent?

In the context of real estate, a point represents a fee charge of one percent of the total loan amount. This fee is often associated with mortgage loans and is typically paid at closing. Borrowers may pay points to reduce the interest rate on their loans, which is a common strategy known as "buying down the rate." For example, if a borrower takes out a loan of $200,000 and decides to pay one point, they would be charged $2,000 at closing. This concept is crucial for understanding mortgage financing and how it impacts the overall cost of borrowing.

While points can indirectly relate to interest rates, their primary definition pertains to the fee incurred rather than being a direct reflection of the interest rate itself. Thus, it is important to distinguish between a point as a financial cost and other terms that might reflect interest rate agreements or property valuations.