Answer:
Mary can deduct $1,300 in year 1 for her points paid.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) Data and Calculations:
April 1, Amount borrowed by Mary to refinance the original mortgage on her principal residence = $130,000
Payment of 1 points to reduce Mary's interest rate from 7% to 6% amounts to 1% of $130,000 = $1,300.
b) Mary paying 1 points is beneficial to her since her interest cost is reduced from 7% to 6%. This implies that her total finance cost at the end of the 30-year period will be reduced.