What is a Temporary Buydown?
A temporary buydown is where the interest is prepaid for a temporary reduction in the monthly payment. There are 2 primary types of temporary buydowns:
- Lender Paid, where the subsidy is built into the rate.
- Seller Paid, where the funds for the buydown are collected at closing.
Why is this Product Gaining Momentum?
An interest-rate buydown is a tool to help you qualify for a larger loan and purchase a higher-priced house than you could under normal circumstances. A buydown allows you to pay extra (tax-deductible) points up front in return for a lower interest rate for the first few years. Often, people relocating for employment obtain buydowns because employers sometimes pay the extra points as part of a relocation package. This option also brings value to sellers who are motivated to sell a property quickly, as funding a temporary buydown account can help buyers feel more comfortable with the housing payment in the short-term.
While the most common way of obtaining a buydown is by paying extra points up front, many mortgage companies now increase the note rate to cover the cost in later years.
The most common is the 2-1 buydown, which can cost 3 additional points above current market points. During the first year of the mortgage, the interest rate is reduced by 2 percent and 1 percent the second year. So, if you get a 7 percent interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, you’d pay 5 percent the first year, 6 percent the second year, and 7 percent for the remaining life of the loan.
Another option is the 3-2-1 buydown. This reduces the mortgage rate 3 percent the first year, 2 percent the second and 1 percent the third. Thereafter you pay the full rate.
Some programs are “flex-fixed” buydowns that increase interest at six-month intervals instead of annually.