01
3-2-1 buydown
The rate is reduced by 3% in year one, 2% in year two, and 1% in year three before returning to the note rate. A seller, builder, or buyer typically funds the upfront cost.
BUYING IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
A rate matters. So do the home, the timing of your life, the price you negotiate, and the options you build into the offer.
THE LONG VIEW
Mortgage rates move—and they have moved dramatically before. This chart uses annual averages of Freddie Mac’s 30-year fixed-rate survey. Gray bands mark U.S. recessions; the gold line is a 4% reference point, not a forecast or historical average.
Sources: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey via FRED; NBER recession dates. Annual averages through October 15, 2026. Historical data are not a rate forecast or quote.
“The first time I became a millionaire, it wasn’t from movies—it was from real estate investments.”— Arnold Schwarzenegger
THE DECISION BEHIND THE RATE
If rates fall, more buyers may re-enter the market. That can mean more competition, fewer seller concessions, and upward pressure on prices—possibly offsetting some of the payment relief from a lower rate. No one can know exactly when or how much those changes will happen.
For a buyer whose finances, job outlook, and home plans are ready, today can be an opportunity to negotiate thoughtfully, choose a payment that works now, and retain the flexibility to explore a refinance later if it makes sense.
“You’re never buying at the top of the market. You’re just buying at the top of the moment.”— Jason Abrams, Keller Williams
This is not a reason to stretch beyond a comfortable budget. Local values can decline or remain flat in the short term. Start with your real-life goal, then review options with a licensed lender.
OPTIONS WORTH DISCUSSING
Every program has eligibility rules, costs, and tradeoffs. A lender can help compare actual loan estimates for your situation.
01
The rate is reduced by 3% in year one, 2% in year two, and 1% in year three before returning to the note rate. A seller, builder, or buyer typically funds the upfront cost.
02
The rate is reduced by 2% in year one and 1% in year two, then returns to the note rate. It is temporary assistance—not a permanent rate change.
03
Depending on program and offer terms, a seller concession may help cover eligible closing costs or a temporary buydown. Some scenarios allow discount points for a permanent rate reduction. Limits and lender approval apply.
04
Secure a home that works at today’s payment, then revisit refinancing if rates, equity, credit, and loan terms make it worthwhile. Refinancing is never guaranteed and has costs.
PREFERRED LENDING RELATIONSHIPS
At Team Becker Realtors, our commitment to you goes far beyond finding the perfect home. We’ve built strong relationships with some of the area’s most trusted and experienced mortgage lenders—professionals who bring decades of industry expertise and a genuine commitment to our clients.
By connecting you with multiple lending options and a wide variety of loan programs, we help ensure you have access to competitive financing solutions tailored to your unique needs, goals, and financial situation.
Because when it comes to one of life’s biggest investments, you deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Your financing decision is always yours. A lender can explain program eligibility, pricing, costs, and the loan terms that apply to your situation.
COMPARE THE TRADEOFF
Estimate principal and interest only. Taxes, insurance, HOA fees, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and lender fees are not included.
BUY NOW—
monthly principal + interest
WAIT AND BUY LATER—
monthly principal + interest
Planning tool only; not a loan estimate, rate quote, lending advice, or prediction. Speak with a licensed lender before making a financing decision.
SELLER-CONCESSION PLANNING TOOL
Enter a lender-approved scenario. This estimates the upfront dollars that could fund a temporary buydown; program limits, eligible uses, and qualifying rules vary by loan type and lender.
ESTIMATED 2-1 BUYDOWN COST—
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ESTIMATED 3-2-1 BUYDOWN COST—
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Planning estimate only, not a lender quote. A temporary buydown does not change the note rate; borrowers should qualify for and be comfortable with the full payment after it ends. A lender must confirm concession limits, eligibility, actual cost, and any permitted use of remaining funds.
CENTRAL PA MARKET PULSE
Mortgage rates are national. Your decision is local. This quarterly module is reserved for verified Central Pennsylvania inventory, days-on-market, and price data.
Next verified quarterly update
Replace figures only after confirming reporting area, date range, and source.
“Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.”Commonly attributed to Will Rogers; versions are also attributed to Mark Twain, and attribution is disputed.
ACTIVE INVENTORY—Defined reporting area
MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET—Same area and period
MEDIAN SALE PRICE—Same area and period
Quarterly refresh: define the geography, use one verified local source, record the period, and state whether figures are active, pending, or closed sales. Market statistics describe past activity and are not a prediction.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
“The best investment on earth is earth.”Commonly attributed to Louis Glickman, real estate investor and philanthropist.
“All things considered, the third best investment I ever made was the purchase of my home…”— Warren Buffett
“It’s tangible, it’s solid, it’s beautiful. It’s artistic, from my standpoint, and I just love real estate.”— Donald Trump
We cannot make yesterday available again. We can help you make today’s decision with a clear view of the market, the property, and your choices.