Saturday Strategy

Mortgage FAQ's, did you knows and much more...

Is it better to reduce the price or apply money to a Temporary Seller Buydown option?

With rates and home prices at all time highs, I wanted to provide you with a clear understanding of the 2-1 Temporary Seller Buydown option, which can be a beneficial arrangement for both buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction.

In a 2-1 Temporary Seller Buydown, the seller agrees to contribute a certain amount of money upfront to reduce the interest rate on the buyer's mortgage loan for the first two years of the loan term. This results in lower monthly mortgage payments for the buyer during the initial years of homeownership.

Here's how it works:

  1. Seller Contribution: The seller allocates funds to the buyer's mortgage lender. This money is used to cover the interest rate reduction for the first two years.
  2. Interest Rate Reduction: The buyer's interest rate is temporarily "bought down" for the initial two years. This means the buyer pays a lower interest rate than the standard market rate during this period.
  3. Monthly Savings: As a result of the reduced interest rate, the buyer enjoys lower monthly mortgage payments during the first two years. This can make homeownership more affordable and manageable, especially during the early stages.
  4. Long-Term Benefits: While the seller buydown helps the buyer save money initially, it's important to note that the interest rate will gradually increase to the original market rate after the initial two-year period.

This arrangement can make a property more attractive to potential buyers, as it provides immediate financial relief during the crucial initial years of homeownership. For sellers, it can help expedite the sale of the property by offering a more competitive financing option.

P.S. Can I count on you to call us when any friends, family or coworkers are looking to buy, sell or refinance a home?  We'd love to help! You can just text/call me at 480.553.8770. * Did you know we can finance in 45 states?

 

Here is an example of clear mortgage plan for a 2-1 Temporary Seller Buydown option

The New “Location, Location, Location”: Borrow Smart, Repay Smart™

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 11, 2025

For decades, real estate success was defined by one phrase — location, location, location.But today, the smartest homeowners and advisors know the game has changed.The new mantra is Borrow Smart, Repay Smart™. True financial success isn’t about where you buy — it’s about how you borrow, manage, and repay. The old “location” used to refer…

The VA Home Loan Advantage: What Every Veteran Should Know Right Now

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 11, 2025

If you’ve served in the military (or if your spouse has), you have access to one of the most powerful homebuying tools out there. The chance to buy a home without having a down payment. Unfortunately, 70% of Veterans (that’s 7 out of every 10) don’t know about this benefit, according to Veterans United. And that’s a big…

Affordability Is Improving—And Buyers Are Taking Notice

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 10, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of November 10, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.”—Saul Bellow, Canadian-American writer   NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist noted that in the current market, on a median-priced home, a homebuyer could “save thousands annually compared to earlier this year,…

Inside Lending headline with a portrait photo.

Rates Down, Inventory Up—Buyers Regain Leverage

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 3, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of November 3, 2025  QUOTE OF THE WEEK   “Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their work done.”—Peter Drucker, Austrian American management consultant   NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE September’s Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes was unchanged for the month, and…

Emotional home versus financial home comparison.

🏡 The Emotional Home vs. The Financial House

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 1, 2025

Most people buy a home with their hearts—but it’s the house that impacts their financial future.Borrow Smart University teaches that understanding the difference between these two perspectives is one of the first steps to becoming a truly informed homeowner. The Emotional Home Your home is where you live your life. It’s where your family grows,…

Yellow paper plane diverging from white planes.

Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 31, 2025

If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is…

Historic two-story house with surrounding trees.

Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 30, 2025

Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The Magic Number According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage…

Homeowner financial concepts presentation with speaker.

The 7 Financial Concepts Every Homeowner Should Master

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 29, 2025

When it comes to building wealth through real estate, most homeowners focus on their interest rate — but that’s only one small piece of the financial puzzle. The most successful homeowners think like investors. They understand the seven core financial concepts that turn a mortgage from a simple loan into a wealth-building tool. 1. Safety…

Street view of white and blue houses.

Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 28, 2025

A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing:…

Inside Lending cover, buyer demand increases.

Buyer Demand Surges as Affordability Improves

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 27, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of October 27, 2025 “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”—George Carlin, American stand-up comedian, actor, and author NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Existing Home Sales grew 1.5% in September as the median price declined and affordability improved.…

P.S. Can I count on you to contact me if you hear that a friend, family or coworker is looking to buy, sell or refinance? Call/Text 480.553.8770 - We'd be honored to help them too!