How to Get a Buydown Mortgage

What it is

A buydown mortgage comes in two forms — a temporary buydown mortgage and a permanent buydown mortgage. In any buydown mortgage, the borrower can lower the interest rate by paying a large sum of cash to the lender. The decrease is always measured in points. One point is one percent of the principal amount of the mortgage. For instance, one point on $100,000 is $1,000.

In a temporary buydown, a borrower can expect to have a significant increase in income over the coming years. It lowers the interest rate and the monthly payments for the first few years of the loan. The most common type of temporary buydown is the 3-2-1 buydown. For instance, an eight percent loan with a 3-2-1 buydown would have a five percent interest rate the first year, a six percent interest rate the second year, a seven percent interest rate the third year, and an eight percent interest rate beginning the fourth year through the life of the loan. This type of buydown will generally cost three to four points, or $3,000 to $4,000 on a $100,000 loan. A permanent buydown lowers the interest rate for the life of the loan. This type of buydown will generally cost six to eight points and will reduce the interest rate by one percent for the life of the loan.

Who it's for

Buydown mortgages are for people do not want to make high monthly payments every year. The buydown mortgage lowers monthly payments and makes a house more affordable in the short term. This type of mortgage is for people who expect to have more income in the future.

What you need to do to apply

In order to obtain a buydown mortgage, interested borrowers should contact a lending institution and inquire about this specific type of mortgage. Banks will need confidence of repayment, a credit report, and other personal and financial information.

Apply for a Buydown Mortgage

Popular Credit Cards

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Apply for Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months and 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-19.99% based upon your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate*
  • Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more
  • Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
  • Secure, free online account management
  • No annual fee*
  • Read our review or apply online now at Citibank's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
0% Intro APR* 11.99% - 19.99%* (Variable) Very Good $0*

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

  • Earn up to 25,000 Starpoints (R) - enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel
  • Use Starpoints(R) for free nights and upgrades at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries including Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin and more with no blackout dates
  • No annual fee for the first year and $45 thereafter
  • Transfer Starpoints(R) - almost always on a 1:1 basis - to the frequent flyer programs of over 30 major airlines
  • Earn one Starpoint(R) for every dollar you spend and double Starpoints(R) at participating Starwood properties and retail partners
  • Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds
  • Smarter Travel Editor's Choice Award for Best Travel Awards Card for Domestic Use
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
2.90% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 6 months 15.24% variable Very Good $45**

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

Apply for IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

  • No Annual Membership Fee
  • Low variable rate of 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25% (Prime + 4.00%, Prime + 7.00%, or Prime + 10.00%) as of 4/1/10 based on the creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. (If there is an interest charge, the charge will be no less than $1.00).
  • Low Introductory APR on balance transfers of 1.99% for your first 6 billing cycles, this rate will not change during the introductory period. Applies to balance transfers processed within three months of your account open date. After that, your APR will be the same as your assigned purchase rate, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Online Access to Credit Card Account Information
  • Apply online now at the card issuer's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
1.99% APR for 6 Months 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25%* None $0

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Apply for American Express® Gold Card

  • Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards(R) bonus points when you spend $500 in 3 months - redeemable for a $100 gift card!
  • The Membership Rewards program - Turn your everyday purchases into Membership Rewards points, and then redeem them for an amazing collection of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Gold Card Events - exclusive access to tickets for select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more in cities nationwide.
  • Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
No Introductory Rate Available No APR Good $125