The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Rate Buydowns in Sonoma County: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026
By sonomacountym
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September 17, 2026
Rate buydowns can lower a Sonoma County home payment, but temporary and permanent options work very differently. Learn what to compare before you commit.
Read More about Rate Buydowns in Sonoma County: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026Seller Credit vs Price Reduction vs Rate Buydown: What Saves You More When Buying a Home?
By Scott Sheldon
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May 6, 2026
Picture this. You’re in contract on a home. The seller agrees to give you $15,000 in concessions. Now comes the real decision: Do you use that money to: Cover your closing costs? Buy down your interest rate? Or reduce the purchase price? All three options sound good. But they impact your finances very differently—both now…
Read More about Seller Credit vs Price Reduction vs Rate Buydown: What Saves You More When Buying a Home?