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The practical guide collection

Interest rate and APR: see both.

Two useful measures for understanding a mortgage offer.

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The practical guide collection · IIMBC

The rate describes interest

The interest rate expresses the annual charge for borrowing before fees. APR adds certain loan charges to give a broader annualized cost measure.

Compare like with like

Read APR alongside the loan term, points, fees and payment structure. An adjustable-rate APR does not show the maximum future rate.

Make the comparison yours

Ask IIMBC to explain the tradeoff between upfront costs and the monthly payment for your expected ownership period. Keep both figures in view.

Research: CFPB, Mortgage interest rate and APR. Reviewed October 19, 2026.

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