What aspect do points paid at closing directly affect?

Points paid at closing directly affect the interest rate of the loan. Points are essentially upfront fees paid to the lender, where one point equals one percent of the loan amount. When a borrower pays points upfront, they are effectively reducing the interest rate charged on the loan. This reduction can lead to lower monthly payments over the life of the loan and can also indicate a strategic decision by the borrower to minimize their overall borrowing costs.

In contrast, other options like potential resale value, mortgage term, and type of mortgage chosen do not have a direct relationship with points paid at closing. Resale value is influenced by market conditions, property location, and other external factors, while the length of the mortgage term and type of mortgage are typically predetermined based on the borrower’s choice and lender’s offerings, not directly impacted by the payment of points.