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

A woman sitting on the ground using her laptop.

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 26, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.26.2022 Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home. Build Your Credit…

A group of people sitting at a table with candles.

What Makes a House a Home?

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 22, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.22.2022 There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Home means something different to all of us. Whether it’s sharing memories with…

A view of an aerial photo of a city.

What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 21, 2022

The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it’s put the market into a reset position. As the Federal Reserve (the Fed) made moves this year to try to lower inflation, mortgage rates more than doubled â€“ something that’s never happened before in a calendar year. This…

A door with four panes and a bench in front of it.

Homeowners Still Have Positive Equity Gains over the Past 12 Months

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 20, 2022

If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rapidly rising home prices. Here’s how it happened and what it means for you, even as the market moderates. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Because there was…

A yellow calculator is sitting on the floor.

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 19, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.19.2022 Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of…

A woman laughing at the table with two other people.

Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move.

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 15, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.15.2022 If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your house and finding a home that more closely fits your needs. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are…

Three people standing in a kitchen talking to each other.

You May Have More Negotiation Power When You Buy a Home Today

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 14, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.14.2022 Did the frequency and intensity of bidding wars over the past two years make you put your home search on hold? If so, you should know the hyper competitive market has cooled this year as buyer demand has moderated and housing supply has grown. Those two factors combined mean you may see less competition from…

Two men sitting on a porch with coffee cups.

Ready To Sell? Today’s Housing Supply Gives You Two Opportunities.

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 13, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.13.2022 At first glance, the increase in housing supply compared to last year may not sound like good news for prospective sellers, but it actually gives you two key opportunities in today’s housing market. An article from Calculated Risk helps put the inventory gains the market has seen in 2022 into perspective by comparing it to recent years…

A row of houses on the side of a street.

What Every Seller Should Know About Home Prices

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 12, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.12.2022 If you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, recent headlines about home prices may be top of mind. And if those stories have you wondering what that means for your home’s value, here’s what you really need to know. What’s Really Happening with Home Prices? It’s possible you’ve…

A house sitting on top of coins.

Homeownership Is an Investment in Your Future

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 8, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 12.8.2022 There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: “The desire for homeownership is strong.…

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!