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 small house with a red bow on it

Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season?

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 20, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.20.2023 This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays. Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year. But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the…

A man and woman sitting on the floor next to boxes.

People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 16, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.16.2023 If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down how the current affordability situation stacks up to recent…

A view of an aerial photo of a city.

The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 15, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.15.2023 The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what’s ahead for the housing market. Spoiler…

A stack of papers with the title of debt-consolidated refinance : use your equity to pay off debts and save money.

Debt-Consolidation Refinance: Use Your Home Equity to Pay Off Debt and Save Money

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 14, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.14.2023 Even if you have a low rate on your mortgage, do you know how much you’re paying in interest each month for your credit cards, vehicles, and other personal debts? Managing debts with high-interest rates can feel like an uphill battle. Monthly debt payments take over a large chunk of your…

A model house sitting on top of money.

These Top Cities Show Home Prices Are Still Climbing

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 14, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.14.2023 If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know. There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows…

A blue and white graphic with houses on it

No, A ‘Housing Recession’ Does Not Mean Falling Home Prices

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 13, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.13.2023 Last week, an article was posted to fortune.com with this headline: The housing market is headed back to a 1980s-style recession, Wells Fargo says—and it’s all because of ‘higher for longer’ mortgage rates On first read, this clearly sounds like a warning that home prices are going to fall because of…

A man and woman feeding a child something

Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 13, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.13.2023 Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all…

A soldier sitting on the lap of his daughter.

How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 9, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.9.2023 For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages. Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy…

Two men sitting at a table looking at a laptop.

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 8, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.8.2023 Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk…

A blue piggy bank with a small house on top of it.

Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 7, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.7.2023 If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth…

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!