Buydown Calculator

Explore savings on mortgage payments with our Buydown Calculator. It shows cash needed for reduced payments in WA, CA, OR, ID, and CO. Easy to use, it offers clear insights for homebuyers. Simply input your numbers and choose options to understand potential savings and upfront costs.

Buydown
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Payment breakdown
Amortization schedule
Payment breakdown

The total buydown fee for this loan is

See your lower monthly payment for the first years of the loan.

Select year:
/for year 1
Monthly Payment
Interest Rate
Monthly Savings
Principal and Interest
Taxes
HOA
Buydown Contribution
Insurance
Amortization schedule

Over years you'll pay and this is based on an estimated monthly payment of .

Your total principal payment is and your total interest payment is .

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Common Buydown Calculator Terms

A buydown calculator helps estimate how a reduced interest rate—either temporary or permanent—can lower your monthly mortgage payment. The terms below explain the key inputs used to calculate buydown savings and payment changes over time.

Buydown Type

Defines whether the interest rate reduction is temporary (such as a 2-1 or 1-0 buydown) or permanent. Temporary buydowns reduce payments for a limited period, while permanent buydowns lower the rate for the full loan term.

Buydown Period

The length of time the reduced interest rate applies. For temporary buydowns, this is usually one to three years before the loan adjusts to the standard rate.

Initial Interest Rate

The lowered interest rate applied at the start of the loan during the buydown period. This rate directly impacts the reduced monthly payment shown in the calculator.

Standard Interest Rate

The regular interest rate the loan will return to after the buydown period ends. This rate is used to calculate future monthly payments once the buydown expires.

Buydown Cost

The upfront amount paid at closing to fund the buydown. This cost may be paid by the borrower, seller, builder, or lender, depending on the loan structure.

Monthly Payment Adjustment

The difference between the reduced payment during the buydown period and the standard mortgage payment. The calculator uses this to show how payments change over time.

Total Buydown Savings

The estimated amount saved during the buydown period compared to making standard payments from day one.
Rate Quote Expected

Rate quote isn’t what you expected?

If your instant rate quote isn’t what you expected, we can provide counsel on how to potentially transform your quote into something more acceptable. Sammamish Mortgage is a family-owned mortgage company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. We proudly serve customers in the Pacific Northwest region. We serve WA, ID, OR, CO and CA. If you’re looking to buy a home in one of these states, we can help!

Our Reviews

Andrea W
February 17, 2026
Shout out to Jessica and Shelly for helping us naughty pie first home purchase. We got a little anxious in the middle of the process and I never once felt like I was being annoying or will with my questions.
Carissa Bowman
January 30, 2026
I found Sammamish Mortgage on Reddit and am so glad I did. Sandra started working on my loan application immediately. She was easy to contact and took time out of her day to explain things to me. I was pre approved faster than I expected! Shelly helped with the underwriting process and was so kind! Like Sandra, she was easy to speak with over the phone. The entire process was very organized and efficient. My APR and closing costs were lower than anywhere else! 10/10 recommendation for Sammamish Mortgage- especially Sandra and Shelly!!
Pandian Palanimuthu
January 27, 2026
Sammamish Mortgage made my refinance process smooth and comfortable. There was no pressure or aggressive negotiation, and the options were explained clearly. Jessica and Tonya were very supportive, responsive, and patient throughout the process. They helped me get a decent deal with comparatively moderate fees when compared to other vendors I checked. Overall, it was a pleasant and trustworthy experience. Thank you!
Cormac Assink
January 27, 2026
Sammamish Mortgage was a great company to work with on buying our first home. The whole process went super smooth. Jessica and Tonya had great communication, they were always fast to respond, and made the whole thing really easy for us. And we got a great rate!
Adriel Supnet
January 14, 2026
Great team. Responsive, quick, and smooth. Will work with again!
Alex Muirhead
January 12, 2026
I received a mortgage on a Condo from Sammamish Mortgage, and I was very impressed with them. They were very helpful and responsive throughout the entire process, making a stressful process very easy for me. I will definitely be recommending them to my friends & family. 5 Stars.
Eric Newman
January 10, 2026
This place helped us with a refinance. Sandra Brown over there has amazing customer service and helped us through the process with amazing support and communication. I have nothing but great things to say about this place from my experience.

FAQs

What does “mortgage buydown” mean?

A mortgage buydown is a way to lower your interest rate by using upfront funds to reduce your monthly payment. The reduced rate can apply for a limited time at the start of the loan or for the entire loan term, depending on how the buydown is structured.

What does the buydown calculator actually calculate?

This calculator estimates how a reduced interest rate affects your monthly mortgage payment during a buydown period. It compares payments at the lowered rate with payments at the standard rate, helping you see how your payment changes over time.

Which buydown options can be estimated with this tool?

The calculator supports common temporary buydown structures, such as 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2-1 buydowns, where the interest rate gradually increases each year. It can also be used to estimate permanent buydowns when the interest rate remains reduced for the full loan term.

Why do buyers use a buydown instead of a lower-priced home?

Some buyers prefer a buydown because it reduces early monthly payments without changing the home price. This can be helpful when adjusting to new housing costs, planning for future income growth, or using seller or builder incentives strategically.

Does it matter who pays for the buydown?

Not for the calculation itself. The buydown cost may be paid by the buyer, seller, or builder, depending on the purchase agreement. The calculator focuses on how the reduced interest rate affects monthly payments, regardless of who covers the upfront cost.

Are taxes, insurance, and PMI included in the buydown results?

No. The buydown calculator is designed to show changes in principal and interest payments only. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance are not included and may vary based on location and loan type.

Can I rely on these numbers when making a financing decision?

The results are estimates meant for planning and comparison purposes. Actual loan terms, interest rates, and buydown costs can vary based on market conditions and borrower qualifications. A loan officer can provide precise figures and official loan disclosures.

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