Strategies for Buyers and Sellers to Get Around the Impacts of High Mortgage Interest Rates
Strategies for Buyers
1. Buy Down the Rate (Temporary or Permanent)
Seller- or lender-paid rate buydown can lower monthly payments.
Example: A 2-1 buydown offers a rate that’s 2% lower in year one and 1% lower in year two.
Great to negotiate as a seller concession (see below).
2. Negotiate Seller Concessions Instead of Price Cuts
Instead of lowering price, ask sellers to:
Pay points to reduce your interest rate
Cover closing costs
3. Focus on Total Cost, Not Just Rate
Reframe the way you think about interest rates—focus on what waiting to buy will cost you:
Would you rather pay a 7% rate on a $400K home today or a 5% rate on a $450K home next year?
Buying now with a better deal might cost less over time, especially because home value increases aren’t going to slow down any time soon.
4. Explore Special Programs
Utah has programs like:
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Loans
Utah Housing Corp Loans
VA, FHA, and USDA Loans
These often allow lower interest rates (in some cases) or help with up-front costs
5. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Starts at a lower fixed rate for 5–10 years, then adjusts.
Ideal for buyers planning to refinance or move before the rate adjusts.
6. Refinance Later
“Marry the house, date the rate” mindset:
Buy now to start building equity.
Refinance when rates drop, even by 1%, to potentially save hundreds/month.
Strategies for Sellers
1. Offer Rate Buydowns to Attract Buyers
Use this as a marketing advantage:
“Seller will pay to lower your mortgage rate!”Often more effective than lowering list price.
2. Price Strategically From the Start
Avoid chasing the market down—list at or slightly under fair market value to create urgency and competition—it’s important to listen to the real estate data and market trends that your agent can offer. Stay optimistic—but objective.
3. Target Cash Buyers or FHA/VA Buyers
Some buyers aren’t affected by interest rates:
Relocating cash buyers
Military buyers with VA benefits (lower rate)
First-time buyers using FHA-backed loans
4. Make Your Home Move-In Ready
In a high-rate market, buyers want turn-key homes to avoid spending more after closing.
Invest in staging, fresh paint, small upgrades.
Hi. I’m Erin.
My first passion is my family: my 3-year-old, my partner, and my two dogs. My second passion is reaching the moment when my clients realize that their next phase in life is a reality, that it’s really happening—they have successfully bought or sold a home.
It's a great honor to be an advisor during the home-buying or selling process, and I'm dedicated to navigating the market with my clients every step of the way, from pre-approval, to financing, to location strategy, to selecting the perfect place to call home.
As a Millennial who experienced the 2008 recession, I deeply understand the emotional nature of homeownership and wealth-building. With honesty and integrity at the forefront, I seek to educate and empower my clients through clear communication, transparent advice, and experience-driven data, ensuring they're able to make confident, timely decisions.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Erin Maresko
(385) 302-2973
erin.maresko@theperry.group
The Perry Group | REAL Broker, LLC
