What is a Good TIP (Total Interest Percentage) on a Home Mortgage?

A good TIP (Total Interest Percentage) on a home mortgage is generally considered to be around 75% or lower for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the interest rate, loan amount, and loan term.

So, let’s drive in and find out the details.

Total Interest Percentage (TIP) – Definition and Calculation

TIP is the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of your mortgage. Now, it is estimated by multiplying the interest rate by the loan amount and then multiplying that number by the loan term. 

For example, if you take out a $300,000 mortgage at a 4% interest rate for 30 years, your TIP would be roughly $292,000.

Importance of Knowing Your TIP

It is important to know your TIP because it can help you understand the true cost of your mortgage. Moreover, the interest rate is often the most advertised feature of a mortgage, but it is not the only cost you will pay. There are other costs as well, such as origination fees and ending costs, which can also count toward the overall cost of your mortgage.

What is the Average TIP Range?

The average TIP on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the United States is around 75%. However, this number can deviate depending on the elements mentioned above. 

For example, a larger loan amount or a longer loan term will typically result in a higher TIP.

Factors that Can Affect TIP

Here is a list of factors that can affect the TIP range:

• Interest rate: The interest rate is the biggest aspect that affects TIP. Moreover, a lower interest rate will result in a lower TIP.
• Loan amount: The loan amount is another essential factor that impacts TIP. Also, a larger loan amount will generally result in a higher TIP.
• Loan term: The loan term is denoted as the length of time you have to repay your mortgage. Also, a longer loan term will normally result in a higher TIP.
• Credit score: Your credit score is a measure of your creditworthiness. So, a higher credit score will generally qualify you for a lower interest rate, which can lead to a lower TIP.

Tips for Reducing TIP on Your Mortgage

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the TIP on your mortgage, such as:

• Make extra payments: Making extra payments on your mortgage can help you pay down the principal balance faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan.
• Refinancing options: If interest rates have dropped since you took out your mortgage, you may be able to refinance your loan at a lower interest rate. Now, this can help you decrease your monthly payments and save money on interest over the life of the loan.
• Negotiate lower interest rates: You may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your lender. This is particularly likely if you have a sound credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips for decreasing your TIP, such as:

• Shop around for multiple mortgage lenders. Now, this will assist you in comparing interest rates and fees from different lenders.
• Consider a shorter loan term because a shorter loan term will generally result in a lower TIP, but it will also mean higher monthly payments.
• Try to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is an insurance policy that shields the lender in case you default on your loan. However, it can also add to the cost of your mortgage. PMI is typically needed for loans with a down payment of less than 20%.

Conclusion

A good TIP number can change depending on a number of factors. But, at the same time, there are several things you can do to downsize the TIP on your mortgage. So, go through this guide and make an informed decision.