Buying a home in today’s market may feel overwhelming — rates move, inventory shifts, and buyers wonder if they can still compete.
But here’s the truth:
✨ Smart strategy is beating the market every single day.
✨ Creative buyers are winning.
✨ And options exist — even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Recently, I worked with a young couple who felt completely priced out.
They had a great income, solid savings, and responsible habits… but they were discouraged.
Rates felt high.
Monthly payments felt heavy.
And they didn’t see how their budget could stretch far enough to buy the home they loved.
But here’s what changed everything:
We got creative.
⭐ The Power of Seller Credits
Most buyers don’t realize how powerful seller concessions can be — especially right now, when days on market are slightly longer and sellers are more willing to negotiate.
For this couple, the seller agreed to:
✔ Cover their closing costs
✔ Contribute toward a temporary buydown
✔ Reduce their payment for the first two years
It wasn’t about “getting a deal.”
It was about making the numbers work — wisely, legally, and strategically.
And it worked beautifully.
⭐ Temporary Buydowns: Breathing Room When You Need It
We used a 2–1 temporary buydown, which lowered their interest rate:
• 2% lower in Year 1
• 1% lower in Year 2
• Then back to the full rate in Year 3
This allowed them to:
✨ Ease into the payment
✨ Enjoy two years of lower monthly costs
✨ Build equity while the market appreciates
✨ Refinance when timing is right
They walked out with a payment that felt doable — not daunting.
And the best part?
They got the home they loved with zero fear attached.
⭐ Programs, Grants & Tools Most Buyers Don’t Know Exist
Depending on the situation, buyers today may qualify for:
• Down payment assistance
• First-time buyer grants
• Lower MI programs
• Homeownership incentives
• Utah-specific programs through UHC
• Low-down-payment options for strong-credit buyers
Not every buyer fits every program — but the good news?
You don’t need all of them. You just need the right one.
⭐ The Real Win: A Plan, Not Perfection
Too many buyers sit on the sidelines waiting for:
• Perfect rates
• Perfect timing
• Perfect savings
• Perfect market conditions
But the families who win are the ones who say:
“Let’s explore what’s possible.”
This couple didn’t have all the answers.
But they had two things that matter most:
💛 A willingness to start
💛 A strategy that matched their goals
They’re now in a home they love… building equity… and stepping into their future with confidence.
You don’t have to wait for perfect.
You just need a plan — and the right team behind you.
If you’d like to run numbers, explore creative options, or see which strategies fit your situation… I’d love to help.
Sometimes one good conversation is all it takes to see the path clearly.
—S.
