top of page
Typing

Home Loan News..

How a 2-1 Buydown Can Save You $6,000+ in Year One

  • Writer: Michael Belfor
    Michael Belfor
  • Jul 22
  • 1 min read

ree

With rates still bouncing around, a lot of buyers feel stuck.They want to move but can’t justify the monthly payment jump.


Enter the 2-1 buydown — a tool savvy buyers (and agents) are using to bridge the gap.


What Is a 2-1 Buydown?

It’s a temporary rate reduction funded by the seller or builder.

  • Year 1: Your interest rate is reduced by 2%

  • Year 2: It’s reduced by 1%

  • Year 3 onward: You pay the full rate


The discount is paid upfront, often as a seller credit — meaning it doesn’t come out of your pocket.


Real Example (OC Buyer This Month):

  • $750,000 purchase

  • $600,000 loan

  • Standard rate: 6.75%

  • 2-1 buydown used


Year 1 rate: 4.75% = $626/month in savings

Year 2 rate: 5.75% = $321/month in savings

Total savings over two years: $11,364


That’s nearly a full year of free mortgage payments.


And when rates drop?They’ll refinance, possibly before Year 3 even kicks in.


Why It Works for Agents:


Your buyers get a lower payment up front+Your sellers move inventory with less price drop pressure


Everyone wins.


Pro Tips:

  • Pair the 2-1 buydown with homes offering seller credits

  • Use it with FHA, VA, and conventional loans

  • Stack it with first-time buyer programs for even lower entry cost

  • Still eligible for refinance at any time — no penalty


Bottom Line:

If you’ve been waiting for lower rates, the 2-1 buydown might be the smarter way to win now and refinance later.


You don’t need to wait to save. You just need the right structure.


Let’s apply and see if a buydown works for you.


Comments


The Belfor Team

Mortgage Banker

Branch Manager

NMLS 264700

CA DRE 01878769 
SF.415.233.4235

OC. 949.577.6449

  • X
equal housing lender.png

​ NMLS CONSUMER ACCESS LINK: NMLS #1850

Privacy Policy APM Privacy Policy 

APM Disclosure Policy
 

Belfor Team/American Pacific Mortgage - 30011 Ivy Glenn Dr. Ste 221 – Laguna Niguel – CA 92677. NMLS 398359.

© 2020 American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. For informational purposes only. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. Programs shown may not include all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions may apply. Licensed by the Dept of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA. Licensed in CA. CA DRE #01215943. NMLS 1850. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SMS Disclosure:

By providing a telephone number and submitting the form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message (our message frequency may vary). Message & data rates apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from further messaging. Reply HELP for more information. See our Privacy Policy.

Privacy Policy for Communication Phone/Email/SMS:

We do not share data with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes.

By submitting your phone number to The Belfor Team at American Pacific Mortgage, you are authorizing a representative of our company to send you text messages and notifications. Message frequency may vary. Message/data rates apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe to a message sent from us, and HELP to receive help.

bottom of page