 TITLE: How to Buy Points on a VA Loan CONTENT: How to Buy VA Mortgage Points\n-----------------------------\nYou can typically purchase VA mortgage points from your loan provider. Limits can vary based on what the lender offers, as well as limits in place by the VA. As you go through the mortgage process, speak with your loan officer or broker about purchasing discount points, and ask them to provide you with the cost and savings, so you can calculate the break-even point.\nIf you're on the fence about buying VA loan points, here are some alternatives that could help reduce your interest costs:\n*   Talk to your lender about making semi-monthly payments to limit the impact of compounding interest.\n*   Make extra payments each month toward your principal loan amount (though take note of prepayment penalties if the lender charges them).\n*   Apply for a loan with a shorter term—a 20-year or 15-year loan will give you a higher monthly payment, but if you can afford it, it'll result in less total interest.\nAgain, take your time to research each option and speak with your lender to get as much information as possible to make a decision. END