Free Buydown! Get tomorrow's rate, today

Free Buydown! Get tomorrow's rate, today

May 20, 20263 min read

Get Tomorrow's Rate Today! Free Buydown!

Your Clients Save Thousands in Their First Year'

In today’s market, affordability matters more than ever. Higher interest rates can stretch monthly budgets, but programs like our Free 1-0 Lender Paid Temporary Rate Buydown are creating opportunities for homebuyers to ease into homeownership with lower initial payments.

Here’s what you need to know about this limited-time financing option and how it can benefit borrowers purchasing a home in 2026.

## What Is a 1-0 Temporary Rate Buydown?

A 1-0 buydown temporarily reduces the borrower’s interest rate by 1% during the first year of the loan. That means a lower monthly payment for the first 12 months before the loan returns to the full note rate in year two.
The advantage? Borrowers gain more flexibility during the first year of homeownership when expenses are often the highest after moving, furnishing a home, or adjusting to new financial responsibilities.

Even better, we can help offset the cost with a lender-paid credit.
## Key Highlights of the Program
* We add a free lender credit to help cover the cost of the 1-0 buydown
* Available on purchase loans only
* Eligible on Conforming, FHA & VA loans
* Available for both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages
*
New locks eligible from May 6 through June 30, 2026
## Why Borrowers Like Temporary Buydowns

A temporary buydown can be a smart strategy for buyers who want immediate payment relief without committing to a permanent higher-cost financing structure.
Potential benefits include:
### Lower Initial Monthly Payments
Reducing the payment during the first year can improve monthly cash flow and reduce financial pressure after closing.
### Easier Transition Into Homeownership
Many buyers face upfront expenses like moving costs, furniture purchases, renovations, or emergency savings replenishment. A lower payment can provide breathing room during that transition.
### Increased Flexibility

Borrowers may choose to use monthly savings toward:

Building reserves
* Paying down other debt
* Home improvements
* Investments or savings goals
## Who May Benefit Most?


Because guidelines and eligibility can vary based on the borrower scenario, it’s important to review the details carefully before locking.


Rates have remained unpredictable, and many buyers have been waiting on the sidelines hoping for improvements. While the market has had its ups and downs, there are still opportunities available for buyers who are ready to move forward — especially with the right strategy.

To help make homeownership more affordable in today’s market, we’re offering a complimentary 1-0 temporary rate buydown on eligible mortgage applications submitted and locked between now and the end of June.

Here’s how it works:

If the market rate is 6%, the buyer’s interest rate would be reduced to 5% for the first 12 months. On a $700,000 FHA loan, that could mean approximately $440 in monthly savings during the first year.

This program is available for:

  • Conventional loans

  • FHA loans

  • VA loans

  • High-balance financing

And no — buyers do not need to be first-time homebuyers to qualify.

This can be a great strategy for buyers looking to:

  • Lower their initial monthly payment

  • Negotiate seller concessions

  • Restructure existing debt

  • Enter the market now and potentially refinance later if rates improve

In a market where affordability matters more than ever, creative financing solutions like this can help buyers move forward with confidence instead of continuing to wait on the sidelines.

If you have questions or would like to explore options, feel free to reach out anytime.

Kurt Kessler

Kurt Kessler

Danville, CA Mortgage Broker NMLS #365130

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