A financial tool designed to estimate the costs and savings associated with lowering the interest rate on a mortgage. It projects the impact of a lump-sum payment made upfront to reduce the monthly interest rate for a specific period or for the entire loan term. For example, it can calculate how much a homeowner would save over five years by paying a certain amount at closing to reduce the interest rate by 1%.
This calculation provides valuable insight for potential homebuyers and current homeowners considering refinancing. It allows them to compare the immediate cost of the buydown against the long-term savings in interest payments. Understanding the financial implications facilitates informed decisions about mortgage options and improves affordability. The concept emerged as a strategic option for managing borrowing costs, particularly in fluctuating interest rate environments.