[quote author="freedomCM" date=1211593189]Is there some online resource that lets you run these scenarios?</blockquote>
There are a lot of resources for calculating individual components (future value, amortization schedules, npv, etc) but I couldn't find any for comparing the cost/benefits of paying points. Try investopedia.com. A lot of universities are putting their coursework online too. I think Wharton does, and they're top notch.
This morning I was trying to solve for the break-even point with a hand calculator, and I took an iterative approach--take a guess, calculate component values using the guess, compare #s, guess again, recalculate, etc. There are better ways. I finally had some time tonight to make a spreadsheet. Was anyone here an accountant before spreadsheets were invented?
Just curious.
I borrowed some forms I found in Excel, then created a sheet to compare 2 loan scenarios. I also added return on investment to the mix to account for what you might earn on the difference between mortgage payments. Hope the images aren't too big.
Screenshot of Loan 1, no points:
<img src="http://www.ozop.net/loan1.jpg" alt="" />
Screenshot of Loan 2, with points:
http://www.ozop.net/loan2.jpg
Screenshot of Comparison of the 2 loans:
http://www.ozop.net/loan3.jpg
Since they're only for comparing 2 loans, I ignored any changes in property values to compute the equity. Loan2 equity is -$20k right off the bat. Breakeven for this scenario is 73 months. I used 5% as the return for money saved on mortgage payments. If you were to sell the house after 4 years you would have to cough up over $7k more for doing so with loan2 vs loan1.
I still didn't account for how taxes will affect the real numbers.