When interest rates were at historic lows, a typical fixed rate mortgage loan was all most people needed. Now, rates have risen. They’re still below long-term averages, yet appreciably higher than before. And of course, higher interest rates lead to higher monthly payments.
Here at Emerald Home Loans we recognize the rising rate environment and how homeownership may feel out of reach for some. That’s why we now offer a 2-1 Buydown Program to help counteract the trend towards higher rates.
It’s what everyone’s talking about these days, a 2-1 Buydown. We’re sure you’ve probably heard of it, but you may not know exactly what it means. That’s where we come in.
With a 2/1 Buydown, borrowers get a 30-year fixed rate loan with an interest rate that’s temporarily discounted 2% during the first year and 1% the second year by paying an upfront fee at closing. By the third year of the mortgage term, the interest rate reaches the original interest rate on the loan.
Borrowers can ease their way into a home with lower payments that simply step up at the end of the first and second year then remain fixed for the remainder of the loan. Here are the details:
Say you lock in a 5% interest rate, the 2-1 Buydown Program allows you to make monthly payments at a 3% interest rate for the entire first year of your mortgage.
Then, in year two, your payments would be based on a 4% interest rate.
Finally, once you hit year three and for the remaining life of your loan, your payments would reflect your originally-agreed-upon 5% interest rate.
2-1 Buydowns are available on conforming fixed products.
*High Balance available Conventional, HomeReady, HomePossible
In an environment where interest rates are rising, the 2-1 buydown benefits home buyers by helping them ease into the full monthly payment. It’s especially appealing for first-time homebuyers who are having a hard time purchasing a home in a housing market like we’re seeing today.
If you’re currently house hunting in this turbulent housing market and need to find solutions to lower your monthly payments, this is a program is worth exploring. The market is shifting, but while it’s influenced by high interest rates and high home prices, borrowers may benefit from a 2-1 buydown.
So, are you interested in purchasing a new home and like the idea of easing into your mortgage payments? Contact the team at Emerald Home Loans to get started.