If Mary needs to bring $29,300 to closing, what was her total closing cost including points?

To determine Mary’s total closing cost including points, it's important to understand that the amount she needs to bring to closing—$29,300—does not include the additional costs associated with points and other fees that are a part of the closing process.

When calculating total closing costs, the figure typically includes the price the buyer needs to pay for the loan, which may encompass various fees like origination points, processing fees, and other closing costs. In this scenario, if Mary needs to bring $29,300 to closing, this represents only part of the total cost. The total may be higher when accounting for points, which are often calculated as a percentage of the loan amount and are paid upfront to reduce the interest rate.

Given this understanding, a total closing cost of $31,800 enables Mary to cover the $29,300 in cash she needs to bring, along with any additional points and other fees that may apply. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the total closing cost after incorporating these extra expenses, aligning with the realities of financial transactions in real estate closings.