What are LLPAs?

Loan level price adjustments (LLPAs) are a form of risk-based pricing that mortgage lenders use to determine the interest rate and terms of a loan. The adjustments are based on factors such as the borrower’s credit score & down payment amount.

These adjustments can result in higher or lower interest rates, depending on the borrower’s risk profile.

For potential homebuyers, LLPAs can have a significant impact on the affordability of a mortgage. If a borrower has a lower credit score or a smaller down payment, they may be subject to higher LLPAs, which can increase their interest rate and therefore their monthly mortgage payment. Conversely, borrowers with higher credit scores & larger down payments may be able to qualify for lower LLPAs, which can result in a lower interest rate and monthly mortgage payment.

In addition to affecting the monthly mortgage payment, LLPAs can also impact the overall cost of the loan. A borrower who is subject to higher LLPAs may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan, while a borrower with lower LLPAs may be able to save money in interest payments.

LLPAs were introduced in 2008 and have changed periodically since.

If you’ve been following industry news, you’ll know that new LLPAs were recently introduced. There’s a lot of misconceptions in our industry about what the changes actually mean, so we encourage you to take a few minutes and watch a short video. Loan Officer and Branch Manager Rob Garrison breaks down the confusion and explains the changes here.

Overall, LLPAs are an important factor for potential homebuyers to consider when applying for a mortgage. Borrowers should be aware of the factors that can impact their LLPAs and work to improve their credit score & save for a larger down payment to potentially qualify for lower LLPAs.