Discount Points, Effective Yields and Mortgage Prepayments

John M. Harris, Jr. () and G. Stacy Sirmans
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John M. Harris, Jr.: Department of Finance Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina 29634-1323, http://business.clemson.edu/Finance/fin.htm
G. Stacy Sirmans: Department of Finance Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina 29634-1323, http://business.clemson.edu/Finance/fin.htm

Journal of Real Estate Research, 1987, vol. 2, issue 2, 97-104

Abstract: Lenders use discount points to vary effective yields from stated contract rates. In the past, this practice resulted from interest-rate regulation. In market, however, there seems to be an absence of economic rationale as to how points are applied in individual cases. This paper provides an economic rationale for the use of points. An option pricing model is used to derive some basic rules for determining the relationship between changes in the contract rate and the payment of points. This explains current practices by lenders in that the option value effect could justify a reduction in the contract rate of well over one-eighth of a percent and shows that lenders are justified in varying the size of the trade-off between points and contract rates based on risk of prepayment. Lenders must charge a premium for providing the prepayment option; however, the payment of points provides a means whereby this call provision can be retained but reduced in value to suit the preferences of individual borrowers.

JEL-codes: L85 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1987
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