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

Two men are holding bags of food on a counter.

How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 18, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.18.2022 If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you’re probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely…

A white picket fence with trees in the background.

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 17, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.17.2022 If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re either…

A woman smiling while standing next to another person.

If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 16, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.16.2022 In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things: To be the winning bid on their dream home To buy before mortgage…

Two people sitting on a porch with one of them talking.

What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 12, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.12.2022 While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis. When the forbearance program…

TWO WAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE IMPACTS MORTGAGE RATES

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 11, 2022

TWO WAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE IMPACTS MORTGAGE RATES – 5.10.2022 1- THE FED IMPACTS FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES BY BUYING AND SELLING MORTGAGE BONDS. Interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages change whenever the Fed buys or sells mortgage bonds, and whenever the Fed makes statements about buying and selling mortgage bonds. Since the pandemic hit the economy in…

A house with flowers in the yard

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 11, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.11.2022 According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may have noticed this yourself. But there is…

A woman in yellow shirt holding a cell phone.

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say.

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 10, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.10.2022 Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals. What’s Happening with Home Prices?  Home prices have seen 121 consecutive months of…

Three arrows are shown in a row on the wall.

How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 9, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.9.2022 If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when…

A woman is hugging a man with keys in her arms.

Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 5, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.5.2022 Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what’s happening in the housing market today, how much you need…

A brick house with flowers in the front yard.

Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 4, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 5.4.2022 One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that…

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!