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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
What You Need To Know About Concessions
What Is a Seller Concession? A concession is something a seller offers to make their home more appealing to potential buyers. Common examples include: These incentives can help bridge the gap between buyer expectations and your selling goals. More Inventory = More Competition for Sellers With more homes on the market, buyers have more options.…
Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High
Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again. Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems. Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove It One of the clearest ways to measure what…
Affordability Improves, Buyer Activity Stays Strong
Inside Lending For the week of AUGUST 11, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Never make predictions, especially about the future.”—Casey Stengel, American professional baseball player and manager NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The median monthly payment of purchase mortgage applicants fell in June, showing affordability is improving. This has spurred buyers, as applications for purchase mortgages are…
A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan
Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday? According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income. And that’s where real estate comes…
Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think
Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth. Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one. That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling…
Still think you need 20% down to buy a home?
Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in. “I’ll never save enough.” “I need a small fortune just to get started.” “I guess I’ll just rent forever.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck. Here’s the thing: a lot…
Home Prices Cool, Inventory Rises—More Balance for Buyers and Sellers
Inside Lender For the week of AUGUST 4, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Every exit is an entrance somewhere else.”—Tom Stoppard, English dramatist NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes dipped slightly in June, but the National Association of Realtors is unconcerned, as mortgage applications have been rising,…
3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High
Thursday July 31st, 2025 When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp. The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else…
What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?
Wednesday July 30th, 2025 According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is…
Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets
Depending on where you live, the housing market could feel red-hot or strangely quiet right now. The truth is, local markets are starting to move in different directions. In some places, buyers are calling the shots. In others, sellers still hold the power. It’s a tale of two markets. What’s a Buyer’s Market vs. a…
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!