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Temporary Mortgage Buydown

Lower your initial mortgage payments and ease into homeownership

What is a Temporary Buydown?

A temporary mortgage buydown is a financing technique where you pay extra points upfront to reduce your interest rate for the initial years of your mortgage. This creates lower monthly payments during the early years of homeownership when many buyers need it most.

Lower Initial Payments

Reduce your monthly payments in the early years

Seller Contributions

Sellers can pay for the buydown to help close the deal

Future Protection

Known payment schedule with fixed-rate security

Popular Buydown Options

2-1 Buydown

Year 1
-2%
Year 2
-1%
Year 3+
Note Rate

3-2-1 Buydown

Year 1
-3%
Year 2
-2%
Year 3
-1%
Year 4+
Note Rate
2-3%
Rate Reduction
Initial year savings
1-3
Years
Buydown period
3%+
Down Payment
Typical minimum
620+
Credit Score
Minimum required

Buydown Payment Calculator

Compare different buydown options and see your potential savings

Buydown Calculator

Buydown Cost

$0
Total savings over buydown period

Understanding Mortgage Buydowns

A mortgage buydown is a financing technique where you pay extra points upfront to reduce your interest rate for the initial years of your mortgage. This can help make your monthly payments more affordable during the early years of homeownership.

Types of Buydowns

2-1 Buydown

Interest rate is reduced by 2% in year 1 and 1% in year 2, then returns to the note rate.

Year 1
-2%
Year 2
-1%
Year 3+
Note Rate

3-2-1 Buydown

Rate reduces by 3% first year, 2% second year, and 1% third year.

Year 1
-3%
Year 2
-2%
Year 3
-1%
Year 4+
Note Rate

Benefits & Considerations

Benefits

  • Lower initial monthly payments
  • Easier qualification for homebuyers
  • Time to adjust to homeownership costs
  • Potential for future rate decreases
  • Can be paid by seller or builder

Considerations

  • Upfront cost of buying down the rate
  • Payment increases after buydown period
  • May not be best if planning to move soon
  • Consider future income expectations

Common Questions

Who pays for the buydown?

The buydown can be paid by the seller, builder, buyer, or any combination. It's often used as a seller concession to help close the deal.

What happens after the buydown period?

Your interest rate and monthly payment will increase to the full note rate according to the buydown schedule. This is a temporary reduction only.

Can I refinance during the buydown period?

Yes, you can refinance during the buydown period, but you'll lose any remaining benefits of the reduced payment schedule.

Are buydowns available on all loan types?

Buydowns are typically available on conventional, FHA, and VA loans, but specific terms and availability may vary by lender and program.

Ready to Learn More?

Our mortgage experts can help you understand if a temporary buydown is right for your situation.

Call Us

(855) 699-1424