10/01/2026
Greetings,
Sharing a few tactics for those that will need a mortgage to finance their next purchase based on recent increases in the offered Interest Rate.
The following is applicable anywhere you purchase.
1. A short term Interest Rate Buydown may be necessary to reduce the monthly Principal and Interest (P&I) payment so you can afford the loan.
Affordability includes your ability to also repay the monthly Property Insurance and Taxes and an HOA (if applicable) in your Escrow payment.
In essence, through an Interest Rate Buydown, you are paying up front for the benefit of a lower monthly P&I payment; for one (1) to three (3) years depending on the Lenders' offering.
You can also negotiate a lower purchase price to offset the higher Interest Rate and maintain your Affordability (ability to repay).
2. Determining if the current mortgage of the Property for Sale is assumable such as an FHA or VA Loan Type.
This requires asking the Listing Agent the Loan Type if not accessible through the MLS (or 3rd party website) where the Listing is posted.
a. You must qualify to assume either Loan Type and there is usually a fee charged by the Lender for accomplishing that service.
b. In the case of a VA Loan Type; Veterans, active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and certain surviving spouses can qualify for a VA loan, provided they meet specific service and discharge requirements.
Additionally, they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm their eligibility.
c. In addition, if the Interest Rate of the loan to be assumed is say 1% lower or more than the prevailing Interest Rate for a new loan, the Seller may ask for a one-time payment for the privilege of you being qualified to transfer to a lower Interest Rate mortgage.
d. The benefit of assuming an existing Mortgage is usually the avoidance of Loan Origination and other fees that a Lender will charge for a new Mortgage. This cost avoidance is offset by the addition of a loan qualification and transfer fee.
If the assumed Interest Rate happens to be lower than the prevailing Interest Rate for a new loan, then there is an added cost avoidance every month.
Questions welcomed.
Tony