- Been looking at the 2-1 buydown myself, but honestly, I keep coming back to the math.
- If you know you’ll be tight those first couple years (like juggling two mortgages or big moving expenses), it can be a lifesaver.
- My worry is that year three payment jump—if rates don’t drop, you’re stuck with a higher bill.
- Personally, I’d rather push for a price cut or bigger seller credit up front, but if the seller’s only offering a buydown, it’s not the worst deal.
- Just gotta be sure you’re not stretching too thin when that reset hits... learned that the hard way in my last move.
That’s a fair point about the payment jump in year three. The 2-1 buydown can definitely help with cash flow early on—especially if you’re dealing with double housing costs or just want to ease into higher payments. But yeah, if you’re not planning to refi or rates don’t drop, that reset can sting. Seen folks get caught off guard by that before. Still, if the seller’s only budging on the buydown, it’s not a bad way to get some relief up front... just gotta run the numbers and make sure you’re comfortable with where things land long term.
I’ve always wondered if folks are actually budgeting for that third-year jump, or just hoping rates will drop in time to refi. Seems risky if your credit isn’t perfect or the market shifts. Anyone here run into issues qualifying for a refinance when the buydown ended?
Title: Frisco folks: 2-1 Buydown loans actually helping buyers right now?
Seems risky if your credit isn’t perfect or the market shifts.
- Totally agree, it’s a gamble banking on rates dropping.
- I’ve seen buyers get stuck when the buydown ends—payment shock is real if you’re not ready.
- If your DTI creeps up or home values dip, refi can be tough.
- Lenders are stricter now than a couple years ago, too.
- Personally, I always run numbers for worst-case scenario—if you can’t swing the higher payment, it’s not worth the risk.
- Hoping for a refi isn’t a plan... it’s just wishful thinking.
Personally, I always run numbers for worst-case scenario—if you can’t swing the higher payment, it’s not worth the risk.
Couldn't agree more on that point. In my experience, a 2-1 buydown can help buyers get in the door, but only if they're brutally honest about what they can afford when the "real" payment kicks in. Seen folks cross their fingers hoping for rates to drop... sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If you’re solid on the higher payment and just want breathing room up front, it can make sense. But yeah, don’t count on a refi saving you—plan for the worst, hope for better.
