Mobirise

Betsy Gordon | 904.422.5541

Buydowns: A Strategy for Lowering Interest Rates

    Temporary Buydown

    1. Upfront Payment: Another party pays an upfront payment at closing.

    2. Interest Rate Reduction: In exchange for the upfront payment, Watson Mortgage will lower the interest rate on the mortgage for a specified period. We do 3-2-1 buydowns, 2-1 buydowns, and 1-0 buydowns.

    A common buydown might be a 2-1 buydown, where the interest rate is reduced by 2% in the first year and by 1% in the second year before reverting to the original rate from the third year onward. The lowering of the rate is temporary.

    3. Temporary Benefit: The reduced interest rate provides the you with lower monthly mortgage payments during the initial years of the loan. This can make homeownership more affordable in the short term.

    Connect with a Watson Mortgage Loan Originator to learn more! 

    Temporary Buydown

    1. Upfront Payment: You or another party pays an upfront payment at closing, expressed as discount points.

    2.  Interest Rate Reduction: In exchange for the upfront payment, your interest rate will permanently lower the payment for the life of the loan.

    3. Long-Term Costs: While a Permanent Buydown provides immediate benefits in terms of lower initial payments, it's essential to recognize that the upfront cost will be paid at the outset. You should evaluate whether the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expense.

    Connect with a Watson Mortgage Loan Originator to learn more! 

    THE FLORIDA HOMEOWNERSHIP LOAN PROGRAM
    (FL HLP) Second Mortgage

    Borrowers purchasing in the county selected may also be eligible to receive down payment assistance (DPA) through the FL HLP Second Mortgage Program. The FL HLP offers the following:

    · Up to $10,000 
    · 3% fully-amortizing, second mortgage
    · 15-year term

    The FL HLP Second Mortgage carries a monthly payment. The remaining unpaid principal balance (UPB) is deferred, except in the event of the sale, transfer of deed, satisfaction of the first mortgage, refinancing of the property or until such a time the mortgagor(s) ceases to occupy the property as his/her primary residence at which time, the FL HLP Second Mortgage will become payable, in full.

    Since the FL HLP Second Mortgage carries a monthly payment, this payment may need to be considered in a borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio when credit underwriting.

    3%, 4% and 5% HFA Preferred Plus

    Borrowers utilizing these down payments and closing cost programs receive 3%. 4% or 5% of the total loan amount, not the purchase price. Zero percent, five years deferred forgiven at 20% per year.

    HOMETOWN HEROES LOAN PROGRAM

    Program Details: 
    This program can provide down payment and closing cost assistance for frontline workers who are considered first-time homebuyers which is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years (Veterans are exempt from this requirement).

    Frontline workers may receive lower than market rates including:
    • FHA, VA, USDA
    • Conventional
    • Reduced upfront fees
    • No origination points or discount points
    • Down payment and closing cost assistance

    You can use our down payment assistance with any of our first mortgage loans: VA, FHA, USDA, or Conventional. Borrowers can receive 5% of the loan amount in down payment assistance (maximum limit of $25k).

    Eligibility Requirements: 
    Eligible occupations – click here    

    Primary Residence – The property you purchase must be your new primary residence.
    • You have not owned a home in the past three years as your
      primary residence.
    • As a veteran, you are exempt from this requirement!
      (Active duty is not exempt).
    • You can own a mobile home, but it must be on a rented lot or
      land and still qualify as a first-time homebuyer.

    Limits-income/loan amount - You must not exceed the income and loan amount for the county you plan on buying in (connect with a Watson Mortgage Loan Originator for more information).

    Credit Qualifications: 
    • You must meet the credit requirements for the loan type you have chosen (VA, FHA, USDA, and Conventional)

    • Home Buyer Education is required. Your loan originator will assist you on how to complete this requirement. 


    Connect with a Watson Mortgage Loan Originator to learn more! 

  • Bankruptcy: FHA/VA 2 years since discharge; CONV/USDA 4 years since discharge
  • Short Sale: VA 2 years; FHA/USDA 3 years; CONV 4 years
  • Foreclosure: VA 2 years; FHA/USDA 3 years; CONV 7 years

Prequalify Today

Mobirise
Address

4685 Sunbeam Rd., Ste. 1
Jacksonville, FL 32257

Contacts

Office: 904.645.7111
Toll Free: 800.645.7104

Licensing

NMLS ID #140780
FL Mortgage Lender License #MLD716
GA Mortgage Lender License #20737

© 2024 Watson Mortgage Corp. All Rights Reserved.  -  Consumer Privacy Policy  -  Terms of Use

Mortgage Programs

Quick Reference Guide

  • Loan Amounts up to $726,200 (effective January 1, 2023)
  • Minimum credit score: 620
  • Many amortization schedules available (15, 20, 30)
  • First Time Home Buyers: as low as a 3% Down Payment (Primary residence). Maximum income limitations apply
  • Primary Residence: 5% minimum Down Payment
  • Second Home: 10% minimum Down Payment
  • Investment: 15% minimum Down Payment
  • Gifts from acceptable sources are allowed, except for Investment transactions
  • Seller Concessions 3%-9% (based on LTV)
  • Mortgage Insurance Required on all Loans with Less than 20% Down
  • No MI programs available with Lender Paid MI or Single Payment MI
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed
  • Down Payment Assistance allowed
  • Future employment allowed (starting a new job within 60 days of signing the note)
  • Subordinate financing allowed
  • Seasoning period Chapter 13: 2 years from discharge/4 years from dismissal
  • Seasoning period Chapter 7: 4 years from discharge/dismissal
  • Seasoning period Short Sale: 4 years
  • Seasoning period after Foreclosure and Deed In Lieu: 7 years
  • Appraisal: Good for 120 days
  • Septic Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal
  • Well Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal
  • Survey: Good for 10 years if no changes were made to the property
  • Roof: The roof must be considered to be water tight. Life expectance is 3-5 years
  • Termite: Not required unless noted on appraisal – Good for 90 days
  • Refinance: CONV 80% LTV maximum cash out allowed; CONV 75% LTV maximum cash out allowed on investment; CONV 70% LTV maximum cash out allowed on 2
  • 4 units on investment
  • This product is available for a Temporary Buydown

  • Jumbo loans allowed up to 1.5 million dollars with a small down payment. Down payment is calculated by subtracting the designated loan limit from the cost of the home. Veterans then pay a quarter of the difference.
  • Minimum credit score: 620
  • 100% Financing with VA Eligibility
  • Primary Residence only
  • An eligible VA borrower may have multiple VA loans depending on their remaining eligibility
  • One-time VA Funding Fee varies depending on your Down Payment, type of veteran and prior usage
  • Gifts from acceptable sources are allowed
  • Spouses of deceased military members may be eligible
  • No Mortgage Insurance
  • 4% maximum Seller Concessions towards the buyer’s Closing Costs and Pre-Paids
  • Seasoning period after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: 2 years.
  • Chapter 13: 1-year satisfactory repayment period
  • Seasoning after a Short Sale, Foreclosure, Deed in Lieu: 2 years
  • Jumbo VA loans allowed
  • Appraisal: Good for 180 days and stays with property for six 180 days
  • Septic Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal. If the local municipality requires hook up, it must be connected regardless of the cost.
  • Well Inspection: A water test is required. We can accept a letter from the county Health Department stating the water meets the requirements for that local health authority. If the local health department has no requirements, we must default to EPA Guidelines and we will always need bacteriological and 5 metal testing. (Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ecoli and Coliform)
  • Survey: Good for 10 years if no changes were made to the property
  • Roof: Remaining life expectance must be 5 years
  • Termite: Clear WDO (good for 60 days)
  • Refinance: VA 100% maximum cash out allowed with a 640 credit score
  • This product is available for a Temporary Buydown

  • Maximum Loan Amounts vary by county
  • 3.5% Down Payment with minimum credit score of 580
  • 3.5% Down Payment Assistance available - See No Down Payment Required Program.
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers allowed (some restrictions apply)
  • Primary residence only
  • Gift funds allowed for Down Payment and Closing Costs
  • 6% Maximum Seller Concessions towards the buyer’s Closing Costs and Pre-Paids
  • Upfront Mortgage Insurance Required
  • “Life of the Loan” Mortgage Insurance with 3.5% Down
  • A borrower may only have 1 FHA loan, except in certain circumstances
  • Seasoning period after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: 2 years from discharge.
  • Chapter 13: 2 years from discharge
  • Seasoning after a Short Sale and Foreclosure: 3 years
  • Appraisal: Good for 120 days and stays with property for 120 days. A 2nd appraisal may be required and must be paid for by the seller, if the seller has been on title less than 180 days, the seller must have been on title at least 90 days.
  • Septic Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal. If public water or sewage is available, it must be connected (if feasible) at a cost of 3% or less of value.
  • Well Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal, in which case a water test is required. If the local health department has no requirements, we must default to EPA Guidelines and we will always need bacteriological and 5 metal testing.
  • Survey: Good for 10 years if no changes were made to the property. Must show the following: Septic to be 50 feet away from well. Drain-field to be 100 feet away from well. Well to be 10 feet away from the property line.
  • Roof: Remaining life expectance must be 2 years
  • Termite: Not required unless noted on appraisal – Good for 90 days
  • Refinance: FHA 85% maximum cash out allowed
  • This product is available for a Temporary Buydown

  • Maximum Loan Amounts vary by county
  • Up to 100% Financing depending on Property Eligibility
  • Maximum Seller Contribution: 6%
  • Income restrictions based on cumulative household income
  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • Cannot own another home except in rare circumstances
  • Guarantee Fee Required
  • Required Annual Fee of .35% (paid monthly for the life of loan)
  • Household Income Limits Apply
  • Maximum Debt to Income ratio: 29/41%
  • Seasoning period after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: 3 years. Chapter 13: 1 year with satisfactory payments
  • Seasoning after a Short Sale, Foreclosure, Deed in Lieu: 3 years
  • Appraisal: Good for 120 days, unless new construction, then 1 year (expiration date and conditions will be on “Statement of Appraised Value”).
  • Septic Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal. If public water or sewage is available, it must be connected (if feasible) at a cost of 3% or less of value.
  • Well Inspection: Required if the appraiser notes it on the appraisal, in which case a water test is required. If the local health department has no requirements, we must default to EPA Guidelines and we will always need bacteriological and 5 metal testing.
  • Survey: Good for 10 years if no changes were made to the property. Must show the following: Septic to be 50 feet away from well. Drain-field to be 100 feet away from well. Well to be 10 feet away from the property line.
  • Roof: Life expectancy must be 2 years
  • Termite: Not required unless noted on appraisal – Good for 90 days
  • This product is available for a Temporary Buydown

  • Loan Amounts up to $3,000,000 at 70% loan to value, $2,000,000 at 75% loan to value, $1,500,000 at 80% loan to value, $900,000 at 90% loan to value
  • 3% Seller Concession
  • Fixed and adjustable mortgage rates available
  • Max Debt to Income 43%

  • Piggyback and Stand-Alone Home Equity Lines of Credit
  • Piggyback Loan - Maximum Line size is $750k at 80% CLTV and $500k at 89.99% LTV
  • Piggyback Loan - Minimum FICO is 680
  • Stand-Alone HELOCs - Maximum Line size is $500k with 89.99% maximum CLTV
  • Stand-Alone HELOCs - Minimum FICO is 700
  • Multiple Finance Properties are allowed (Maximum is 10 properties)
  • Maximum $3MM CLTV
  • Gift funds are allowed, and there are no asset or reserve requirements
  • Non-occupant co-borrowers are allowed
  • Post-Closing Piggyback allowed after closing the first mortgage