2-1 Buydown Calculator

2-1 Buydown Payment Formula:

\[ Payment = P \times \frac{r(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

with adjusted interest rates for years 1 and 2

Loan Amount (P):

USD

Loan Term:

years

Final Interest Rate:

Year 1 Rate Reduction:

Year 2 Rate Reduction:

Year 1 Payment:

Year 2 Payment:

Year 3+ Payment:

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1. What is a 2-1 Buydown?

A 2-1 buydown is a mortgage financing technique where the borrower pays a lower interest rate in the first two years of the loan before settling at the final rate. The first year's rate is typically 2% below the final rate, and the second year's rate is 1% below.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard mortgage payment formula with adjusted rates:

\[ Payment = P \times \frac{r(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

Where:

\( P \) — Loan principal (USD)
\( r \) — Monthly interest rate (annual rate / 12)
\( n \) — Total number of payments (term in years × 12)

Explanation: The calculator applies temporary rate reductions for years 1 and 2 while keeping the loan term constant.

3. Benefits of a 2-1 Buydown

Details: This structure helps borrowers qualify for larger loans (using lower initial payments) and eases the transition into homeownership with gradually increasing payments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter loan amount in USD, loan term in years, final interest rate, and the temporary rate reductions for years 1 and 2.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who typically pays for the buydown?
A: The seller, builder, or lender often pays as an incentive, though sometimes the buyer pays upfront points.

Q2: Are buydown payments tax-deductible?
A: The additional interest paid to fund the buydown may be deductible as mortgage interest if itemizing.

Q3: What happens if I refinance during the buydown period?
A: You may lose the remaining buydown benefits unless the new lender offers comparable terms.

Q4: Can I get a buydown on any loan type?
A: Most common with conventional loans, but some FHA and VA loans offer similar options.

Q5: How does this compare to an ARM?
A: Unlike an ARM, the rate changes are predetermined and only decrease the payment temporarily.