Which statement best defines APR?

The best definition of APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is that it measures the borrower's costs over the loan term expressed as a rate. APR includes not only the interest rate on the loan but also any additional fees and costs associated with obtaining the mortgage. This comprehensive view allows borrowers to better understand the total cost of borrowing over the full term of the loan, giving them a clearer picture when comparing different mortgage products.

While other choices may refer to aspects of a mortgage, they don't encapsulate what APR represents. For instance, the total mortgage payments made would not account for additional fees, and the penalty for late payment refers to specific costs associated with payment timing rather than the overall borrowing cost. The initial loan amount before interest simply states the principal and doesn’t reflect the total cost of borrowing.