What Is a 2/1 Buydown? - Explained in this article.
A “2/1 buydown” is a type of mortgage financing arrangement where the borrower receives a temporary reduction in their interest rate for the first two years of the loan, followed by a slightly higher rate for the remaining term. This is achieved by paying an upfront fee to the lender, which effectively “buys down” the interest rate for the initial years.
Here’s how it typically works:
- First Year: The interest rate is reduced by a certain percentage (usually 2%) for the first year. This lower interest rate results in lower monthly mortgage payments during this initial period.
- Second Year: The interest rate remains reduced, but it is slightly higher than the first year’s rate. Again, this leads to slightly higher monthly payments compared to the first year but still lower than what the regular interest rate would have been.
- Subsequent Years: From the third year onward, the interest rate returns to its original, higher rate, and the monthly payments will be based on this higher rate for the remaining term of the loan.
Buydowns are often used by borrowers who want to lower their initial monthly mortgage payments, making it more affordable during the early years of homeownership when other expenses related to moving in and settling might be higher. This can be particularly useful if the borrower expects their income to increase over time, allowing them to handle higher payments later on.
It’s important to carefully consider whether a buydown is the right option for you, as it involves an upfront cost, and you’ll need to evaluate how long you plan to stay in the home to determine if the temporary reduction in payments justifies the initial expense.
