Schedule a time with a Loan Officer
Apply Now

Mortgage Lenders in Raleigh NC

  • Buy A Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact
(919) 238-4934
CALL US TODAY! (919) 238-4934
  • Buy a Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact
  • Buy a Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact

2-1 Buydown: A Strategic Approach to Homeownership in the Current Mortgage Climate

July 10, 2023 by Kevin Martini

In today’s rapidly shifting and unique real estate landscape, potential homebuyers may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of mortgage choices. For instance, adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) present an alluring proposition with seemingly attractive rates. However, they may hold hidden drawbacks that may emerge over time. By contrast, the less-known strategy of ‘Buydowns’ offers an innovative pathway toward homeownership that could provide more tangible benefits, both immediate and long-term.

Martini Mortgage Podcast | Episode 183 | “Arm vs. Buydown”

What is a Buydown?

A ‘Buydown’ is a mortgage-financing technique where the property seller pays an upfront fee to reduce the interest rates for the initial years of the mortgage. This strategy aims to decrease the borrower’s monthly payments, increasing the home’s affordability.

Comparatively, ARMs may appear glamorous with their initial low-interest rates, but the reality is that these rates are variable and may rise significantly over time. The consequence is a potential increase in the mortgage payment that could strain the homeowner’s finances. Moreover, ARMs often necessitate refinancing, not out of choice, but out of necessity – an eventuality that could come with its own challenges.

On the other hand, a Buydown provides the flexibility to refinance when the timing aligns with the homeowner’s financial strategy. This flexibility can yield significant savings, one of the many unanticipated benefits a Buydown could offer.

Unmasking the ‘2-1 Buydown’ With Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini 

Diving deeper into the ‘2-1 Buydown concept.’ This approach entails the seller paying a fee at closing that substantially reduces the buyer’s mortgage interest rate. Specifically, the rate decreases by 2% in the first year and 1% in the second year of the loan term.

This innovative approach results in considerably lower monthly payments during the early years of homeownership, thereby improving home affordability. It helps potential homeowner attain their dream home earlier and build equity sooner. This strategy contrasts the scenario where individuals prolong their tenant residency while saving for a higher down payment or waiting for more favorable market conditions.

The Strategic Importance of a Buydown in the Current Market

In the current market, characterized by periodic price reductions and rising mortgage rates, the ‘2-1 Buydown’ could be a potent negotiation tool. Interestingly, more sellers are inclined to consider a Buydown rather than reducing the property’s asking price.

This stems from the fact that a well-structured ‘2-1 Buydown’ can have a greater impact on reducing a buyer’s monthly payments than a simple price cut. Such a significant reduction in monthly expenditure can greatly enhance the feasibility of homeownership for many buyers.

Preparing for Interest Rate Fluctuations with a Buydown

The journey of homeownership using a ‘2-1 Buydown’ continues after the first two years. As the third year begins, the interest rate reverts to its standard ‘note rate.’ This is where the strategic foresight behind a Buydown becomes evident. If market interest rates remain stable or increase, homeowners typically continue with the loan and regular payments.

However, suppose a forecasted recession leads to a decrease in mortgage rates. In that case, the Buydown strategy allows homeowners to refinance at these lower rates. It’s important to remember that interest rates are cyclical, rising in booming economic conditions and falling during a recession. Having a Buydown in place gives homeowners the adaptability to maneuver these economic cycles. In addition, any unused portion of the “2-1 Buydown’ is returned to the borrower.

Tax Benefits of a Buydown

A discussion about Buydowns would only be complete by touching on their potential tax benefits. The buyer can claim seller-paid Buydowns as tax-deductible if they itemize their tax deductions, even though the seller covers the cost. Similarly, sellers can deduct the Buydown payment made on behalf of the buyer against their capital gain upon selling the property, considered a “cost of sale.” For more details on these tax benefits, buyers and sellers can refer to IRS Publication 936. It’s always advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand fully how these benefits might apply to individual circumstances.

The Martini Mortgage Group Bottom Line

Choosing between an ARM and a Buydown is not a decision to be taken lightly. While sometimes an ARM might be the best choice, most often, a Buydown proves to be a more potent strategy in securing homeownership.

Filed Under: 1-0 Buydown, 2-1 Buydown, 2-1 Seller-Paid Buydown, 3-2-1 Seller Paid Buydown, Buy a Home, buydown, buydown mortgage, Buydowns, Home Loan, Home Loan Rates, Home Loans, Homebuying Strategies, Housing Market, Mortgage, Raleigh, Raleigh Mortgage, Real Estate, real estate market, Refinance, Seller Strategy Tagged With: 2-1 Buydown, Buydowns, Kevin Martini, North Carolina, Raleigh, Raleigh Mortgage Broker, Raleigh Mortgage Lender, Real Estate, Seller-Paid Buydown

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini Shares How Raleigh Homebuyers and Raleigh Sellers Benefit From a 2-1 Buydown | Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

October 16, 2022 by Kevin Martini

What is a Buydown?

A buydown (a.k.a. ‘Seller-Paid Buydown‘ or a ‘Temporary Buydown’)  is where the seller pays a fee at the closing to reduce the interest rate on the homebuyer’s mortgage temporarily. This results in temporarily lowering the buyer’s monthly payment and making the home more affordable for a homebuyer today.

What is a 2-1 Buydown?

A 2-1 Buydown is when a seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) reducing the interest rate on the buyer’s mortgage by 2% in year 1 and 1% in year 2.

How does a Temporary Buydown work?

At the time of closing, the seller will fund a custodial escrow account on behalf of the new homeowner. The borrower will have a reduced monthly payment, and the difference in interest rates comes out of the custodial escrow account.

If at the time of sale or refinance, there is a remaining balance in the custodial escrow account, the unused balance will be credited to the borrower.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Homebuyer

A buydown reduces the buyer’s mortgage interest rate and monthly payment during the first few year(s) of homeownership, making the home more affordable for homebuyers. Buydowns have a much greater impact on the homebuyer’s monthly payment than reducing the list price of the home.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Home Seller

A buydown could be a great negotiating tool because a greater percentage of homes listed for sale in today’s market are seeing price reductions. Not only does a buydown make a home more affordable to a wider range of buyers who may have otherwise been priced out of the market, it also tends to cost less than a price reduction.

A seller offering to pay for a buydown could provide a competitive advantage vs. other homes listed for sale in today’s changing market. This is because rising Raleigh interest rates could create significantly an affordability challenge for many potential buyers. 

As an added benefit, a buydown could also save a seller the aggravation and financial loss of having to significantly reduce your list price in order to compete with other homes that may be listed for a lower price.

In today’s market both seller and buyers need to evaluate the best approach.

Logan Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker & Certified Mortgage Advisor
real estate podcast on seller paid buydowns by raleigh mortgage lender kevin martini

A 2-1 Buydown Scenario

For illustration ONLY: if a homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at the list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 2-1 Buydown Program, the rate would be reduced by 2% for the first year (i.e. 5% in this example for illustration ONLY). The rate would be reduced by 1% for the second year. The homebuyer would save $4,932 of P&I during the first year and that is a savings of $411 a month to the homebuyer. In the second year, the homebuyer would save $2,520 a year and that is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer.

Is a 2-1 Buydown The ONLY Buydown Option?

No, the Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender, Buydown Program has three options (i.e. 1-0 Buydown, 2-1 Buydown & 3-2-1 Buydown). Let’s connect so you can get trusted advice from a local expert that some call the best mortgage guys in Raleigh, NC. The Martini Mortgage Group offers local home loan programs such as Conventional Loans, FHA Loans, Jumbo Loans, and USDA Loans to name a few.

To contact loan officer Logan Martini for a financial review simply call (919)238-4934 or stop by the office since the Martini Mortgage Group is local and is located in downtown Raleigh, NC at 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Filed Under: 2-1 Buydown, 2-1 Seller-Paid Buydown, Affordability, Agency Loan, buydown, Buydowns, Conforming Loan, Conventional Loan, Fannie Mae, FHA Home Loan, Freddie Mac, Home Loans, Logan Martini, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Raleigh, Real Estate, Refinance, VA Home Loan Tagged With: 2-1 Buydown, 2-1 Seller-Paid Buydown, Buydown, Buydowns, Buying a Home in North Carolina, Buying a Home in Raleigh, Logan Martini, Mortgage Tips, North Carolina, Raleigh, Raleigh Mortgage Broker, Raleigh Mortgage Lender, Real Estate, Seller-Paid Buydown

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini Shares How Raleigh Homebuyers and Raleigh Sellers Benefit From a 1-0 Buydown | Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

October 16, 2022 by Kevin Martini

What is a Buydown?

A buydown (a.k.a. ‘Seller-Paid Buydown‘ or a ‘Temporary Buydown’)  is where where the seller pays a fee at the closing to reduce the interest rate on the homebuyer’s mortgage temporarily. This results in temporarily lowering the buyer’s monthly payment and making the home more affordable for a homebuyer today.

What is a 1-0 Buydown?

A 1-0 Buydown is when a seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) to reduce the interest rate on the homebuyer’s mortgage by 1% in year 1.

How does a Temporary Buydown work?

At time of closing, the seller will fund a custodial escrow account on behalf of the new homeowner. The borrower will have a reduced monthly payment, and the difference in interest rates comes out of the custodial escrow account.

If at time of sale or refinance, if there is a remaining balance in the custodial escrow account, the unused balance will be credited to the borrower.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Homebuyer

A buydown reduces the buyer’s mortgage interest rate and monthly payment during the first few years(s) of homeownership, making the home more affordable for homebuyers. Buydowns have a much greater impact on the homebuyer’s monthly payment than reducing the list price of the home.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Home Seller

A buydown could be a great negotiating tool because a greater percentage of homes listed for sale in today’s market are seeing price reductions. Not only does a buydown makes a home more affordable to a wider range of buyers who may have otherwise been priced out of the market, it also tends to cost less than a price reduction.

A seller offering to pay for a buydown could give provide a competitive advantage vs. other homes listed for sale in today’s changing market. This is because rising Raleigh interest rates could create  significantly an affordability challenge for many potential buyers. 

As an added benefit, a buydown could also save a seller the aggravation and financial loss of having to significantly reduce your list price in order to compete with other homes that may be listed for a lower price.

In today’s market both seller and buyers need to evaluate the best approach.

Logan Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker & Certified Mortgage Advisor
real estate podcast on seller paid buydowns by raleigh mortgage lender kevin martini

A 1-0 Buydown Scenario

For illustration ONLY: if homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 1-0 Buydown Program, the rate would be reduced by 1% for the first year (i.e. 6% in this example for illustration ONLY). The homebuyer would save $2,520 of P&I during the first year and that is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer.

Is a 1-0 Buydown The ONLY Buydown Option?

No, the Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender, Buydown Program has three options (i.e. 1-0 Buydown, 2-1 Buydown & 3-2-1 Buydown). Let’s connect so you can get trusted advice from a local expert that some call the best mortgage guys in Raleigh, NC. The Martini Mortgage Group offers local home loan programs such as Conventional Loans, FHA Loans, Jumbo Loans and USDA Loans to name a few.

To contact loan officer Logan Martini for a financial review simply call (919)238-4934 or stop by the office since the Martini Mortgage Group is local and is located in downtown Raleigh, NC at 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Filed Under: 1-0 Buydown, 1-0 Seller Paid Buydown, Affordability, Agency Loan, buydown, Buydowns, Conforming Loan, Conventional Loan, Fannie Mae, FHA Home Loan, Freddie Mac, Home Loans, Logan Martini, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Raleigh, Real Estate, Refinance, VA Home Loan Tagged With: 1-0 Buydown, 1-0 Seller0Paid Buydown, Buydown, Buydowns, Buying a Home in North Carolina, Buying a Home in Raleigh, Logan Martini, Mortgage Tips, North Carolina, Raleigh, Raleigh Mortgage Broker, Raleigh Mortgage Lender, Real Estate, Seller-Paid Buydown

    Contact Form


    to Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | TCPA Consent * By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy, Online Policy, TCPA Disclosure & Consent for SMS/Texting. Msg/data rates may apply. This consent applies even if you are on a corporate, state or national Do Not Call list. By checking this box, you expressly consent that Martini Mortgage Group may call, text and email you about your inquiry. This may involve the use of automated means and prerecorded/artificial voices. This consent is not a condition to purchase any products or services. You are providing express written consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to be contacted by Martini Mortgage Group. You may revoke this consent at any time by replying 'STOP' to any text message you receive or by contacting us at +1(919) 238-4934.

    Quick Links
    • Buy A Home
    • Refinance
    • Learning Center
    • Contact
    • About
    • Blog
    • Apply Now
    Loan Options
    • Conventional
    • FHA
    • VA
    • Jumbo
    • Reverse Mortgages
    • Cash-out Refinance
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • Bank Statement Loans
    • USDA
    • DSCR
    Resources
    • Home Purchase Qualifier
    • Refinance Analysis
    • Search Homes For Sale
    • Home Value Estimate
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Mortgage Process
    • FAQs
    • Living in Raleigh
    • Podcast
    Contact
    • Martini Mortgage Group
      507 N Blount St
      Raleigh, NC 27604
    • Find us on Google

    • Phone: (919) 238-4934
    • NMLS# 143962
    Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group

    Copyright © Martini Mortgage Group | All Rights Reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

    FacebookTwitterLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
    Equal Housing Lender

    Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation | NMLS # 3446 | For licensing information go to: www.nmlsConsumerAccess.org and/or www.GoldStarFinancial.com Please review our Disclosures & Licensing information | Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group Corporation has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture or any other government agency. Equal Housing Lender. For further information about Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation, please visit our website at www.GoldStarFinancial.com. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Applicant subject to credit, acceptable appraisal, title, and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved. Other terms and conditions apply. Contact Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation for more information and up-to-date rates.

      Contact Form


      to Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | TCPA Consent * By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy, Online Policy, TCPA Disclosure & Consent for SMS/Texting. Msg/data rates may apply. This consent applies even if you are on a corporate, state or national Do Not Call list. By checking this box, you expressly consent that Martini Mortgage Group may call, text and email you about your inquiry. This may involve the use of automated means and prerecorded/artificial voices. This consent is not a condition to purchase any products or services. You are providing express written consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to be contacted by Martini Mortgage Group. You may revoke this consent at any time by replying 'STOP' to any text message you receive or by contacting us at +1(919) 238-4934.

      Copyright © 2025 · Martini Mortgage Group on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in