Bargain for Points

Homebuyers, confronted with a bewilderingarray of options, may choose tohaggle only over the interest rate andaccept whatever points and closing coststhe lender offers. That strategy can costyou, especially if closing costs come inmuch higher than the lender's estimate.To get the best deal, figure that everythingis open to negotiation. Shop around,locally and online, paying close attentionto points and fees. Once you have abunch of loan offers together, start shoppingin earnest. You may find that lendersare more willing to shave a fraction of apoint off their loan package or lower closingcosts to get your business.