How a 2-1 Buydown Can Save You $6,000+ in Year One
- Michael Belfor
- Jul 22
- 1 min read

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.
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