Utah DPA Programs
Explore down payment and homebuyer assistance programs in the state of Utah.
At the beginning of 2023, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages were well above the record low of 2.65% just two years prior, according to Freddie Mac. In response to this spike in interest rates and other inflationary pressures, many potential homebuyers postponed or abandoned their home searches.
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates went up from about 3 percent to around 7 percent this year, according to economists, as the Federal Reserve upped interest rates in a bid to slow inflation. While that has contributed to falling home prices, it has also made it tougher for people to buy homes — especially as families also deal with rising costs for food, gas and other necessities.
The Hill
There is a direct correlation between interest rates and mortgage activity. Mortgage activity increases when rates are low, and decreases when rates are high. Lenders understand this correlation and offer a range of alternative financing solutions for buyers. One such solution is called a buydown. The term “buydown” refers to a mortgage financing technique that allows the buyer to obtain a lower interest rate.
In order to secure the discounted rate, the borrower pays a fee known as mortgage or discount points. Depending on the lender, points may be paid at closing or financed into the loan. A buydown can be funded by several parties, including gift funds, the seller, the builder, and even the lender. It is not uncommon for buyers to negotiate a buydown with sellers.
Types of Buydowns
Buydowns are either permanent or temporary in nature. A permanent buydown lowers the rate for the life of the loan, while temporary buydowns lower the rate for the first few years of the loan. In the case of a temporary buydown, a 1-0, 2-1 or a 3-2-1 ratio can be used.
How it Works
Permanent Buydown Fee
One point reduces the interest rate by 0.25% (+/- depending on the lender) and will cost 1% of the loan amount.
To calculate the fee:
Temporary Buydown Fee
The temporary buydown fee is based on the savings the borrower will receive during the discount period.
To calculate the fee:
Let’s take a look at a few examples.
Permanent Buydown
Before Buydown
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: $250,000
Term: 30 years
Interest Rate: 6%
Principal & Interest: $1,498.88
After Buydown
Interest Rate: 5%
Principal & Interest: $1,342.05
Buydown Fee
$10,000 paid at closing
1-0 Temporary Buydown
Before Buydown
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: $250,000
Term: 30 years
Interest Rate: 6%
Principal & Interest: $1,498.88
Monthly Principal & Interest Payment
Buydown Period
Y1 @ 5% = $1,342.05
After Buydown Expires
Y2+ @ 6% = $1,498.88
Buydown Fee
Y1: $1,498.88 – $1,342.06 = $156.82 x 12 = $1,881.84
Paid at closing: $1,881.84
2-1 Temporary Buydown
Before Buydown
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: $250,000
Term: 30 years
Interest Rate: 6%
Principal & Interest: $1,498.88
Monthly Principal & Interest Payment
Buydown Period
Y1 @ 4% = $1,193.54
Y2 @ 5% = $1,342.05
After Buydown Expires
Y3+ @ 6% = $1,498.88
Buydown Fee
Y1: $1,498.88 – $1,193.54 = $305.34 × 12 = $3,664.08
Y2: $1,498.88 – $1,342.06 = $156.82 × 12 = $1,881.84
Paid at closing: $3,664.08 + $1,881.84 = $5,545.92
3-2-1 Temporary Buydown
Before Buydown
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: $250,000
Term: 30 years
Interest Rate: 6%
Principal & Interest: $1,498.88
Monthly Principal & Interest Payment
Buydown Period
Y1 @ 3% = $1,054.01
Y2 @ 4% = $1,193.54
Y3 @ 5% = $1,342.05
After Buydown Expires
Y4+ @ 6% = $1,498.88
Buydown Fee
Y1: $1,498.88 – $1,054.01 = $444.87 × 12 = $5,338.44
Y2: $1,498.88 – $1,193.54 = $305.34 × 12 = $3,664.08
Y3: $1,498.88 – $1,342.05 = $156.83 × 12 = $1,881.96
Paid at closing: $3,664.08 + $1,881.84 + $1,881.84 = $10,884.48
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Buydowns can be an effective strategy for some borrowers. However, it is wise to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. The following are a few things to keep in mind.
PROs
CONs
More Considerations
In closing, remember to shop around and compare loan estimates from multiple lenders so that you get the best mortgage deal.
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Source 1: Wikipedia: Reusing Wikipedia Content. This work is released under CC BY-SA. Source 2: Farlex Financial Dictionary
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