09/02/2026
Before reducing your seller’s price by $15,000, compare the numbers.
When a listing has been sitting for 30+ days, the first reaction is often a price reduction.
But if the buyer’s biggest concern is the monthly payment, a seller-funded 2/1 temporary buydown may have a much greater short-term impact.
Here’s an example based on a $450,000 home, 5% down, a 30-year fixed loan, and a 6.25% note rate:
Option 1: Reduce the price by $15,000
New price: $435,000
Estimated monthly P&I savings: approximately $88
Option 2: Offer a seller-funded 2/1 temporary buydown
Estimated seller cost: approximately $9,608
Year 1 payment reduction: approximately $529 per month
Year 2 payment reduction: approximately $272 per month
Potential seller savings compared with the price reduction: approximately $5,392
In this example, the temporary buydown creates approximately six times more monthly payment relief during the first year while costing the seller less.
A price reduction can still make sense—especially when pricing, appraisal, or qualification is the concern. But when the buyer is focused on the initial monthly payment, it’s worth comparing both options before reducing the price.
Realtors: If you have a listing that isn’t moving, send me the price and estimated seller contribution. I’ll prepare a side-by-side payment comparison for you.