Buyer readiness
Help your buyer understand their timeline, comfortable payment range, funds for closing, and the next steps toward an application. Buyers who need more time can start with a plan.
FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS · SAVANNAH & COASTAL GEORGIA
A clear financing plan.
A stronger working relationship.
From the first buyer conversation to questions about a listing, I’m here to help you work through the financing details.
VA is my focus, with Conventional, FHA, investment property and refinance options available too. I serve clients in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
Talk with Jake about a buyer or listingPRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Bring the scenario.
Let’s work through it.
Financing questions
With the buyer’s permission, we can discuss their financing plan, pre-approval conditions, estimated cash to close, and proposed seller assistance before you prepare an offer.
Payment scenarios
Compare estimated payments and upfront costs using the listing price, loan assumptions, property taxes, insurance, and association dues. Give buyers a clearer picture of the numbers.
Open house support
Ask about property-specific financing examples, payment comparisons, and materials that help visitors understand their options. Share the listing and event date so we can discuss what is practical.
Payment examples are estimates, not loan approvals or guaranteed terms. Public-facing materials require appropriate assumptions, disclosures, and company review.
AN AGENT’S QUICK REFERENCE
Better questions.
Stronger offer planning.
Start here for common financing questions, then bring me the property and buyer scenario. We’ll confirm the details before you put financing terms into an offer.
Temporary buydowns
A temporary buydown uses upfront funds to subsidize the buyer’s early payments. The loan’s note rate stays the same; the buyer’s payment increases as the subsidy ends.
How 1-0 and 2-1 plans differ
A typical 1-0 plan subsidizes payments for the first year. A typical 2-1 plan provides a larger subsidy in year one and a smaller subsidy in year two. Afterward, the full scheduled principal-and-interest payment applies.
Compare the full payment, upfront subsidy cost, and other uses of seller credits. Taxes and insurance can change. Availability, funding sources, and qualification rules depend on the loan and lender; Fannie Mae requires qualification at the note rate. A future refinance is not guaranteed.
Fannie Mae buydown guidanceSeller contributions
The maximum depends on the program, occupancy, and financing structure. An allowed percentage is a ceiling—not a promise that every dollar can be used.
Compare common program limits
- Conventional · Fannie Mae
- For a primary residence or second home: 3% when loan-to-value/combined loan-to-value exceeds 90%; 6% from 75.01%–90%; 9% at 75% or less. Investment properties: 2%. These percentages use the lower of the sales price or appraised value. Eligible costs also limit the credit; seller contributions cannot fund the buyer’s down payment or reserves.
- FHA
- Interested parties may contribute up to 6% of the sales price toward eligible closing costs and fees. This does not replace the buyer’s required investment. Confirm eligible costs and lender requirements.
- VA
- Seller concessions are limited to 4% of the home’s reasonable value. Payment of ordinary buyer closing costs is treated separately and is not included in that 4% limit. Ask Jake to classify the proposed assistance before negotiating.
Official references: Fannie Mae · FHA Resource Center · VA closing costs
Down payment options
Start with the buyer’s available funds and eligibility. The down payment is only one part of cash to close—closing costs and prepaid expenses matter, too.
What to review with your buyer
- VA: Eligible buyers may purchase without a down payment, depending on entitlement, price, appraised value, and lender requirements.
- FHA: Low-down-payment financing may be available; credit qualifications and lender requirements affect the minimum investment.
- Conventional: Some programs offer low-down-payment options. Eligibility can depend on income, first-time buyer status, occupancy, and property type.
Ask about eligible gift funds, assistance programs, mortgage insurance, and the amount the buyer wants to keep in reserve.
Explore: VA eligibility · FHA options · Fannie Mae HomeReady
Loan limits by county
Check the property’s county, number of units, and applicable year. A program loan limit is different from the amount a particular buyer qualifies to borrow.
VA borrowers with full entitlement do not have a VA county loan limit, but lender approval and property requirements still apply. Remaining entitlement works differently.
Have an offer in mind?
Send the listing, proposed price, loan program if known, and requested seller assistance. We’ll discuss what to confirm next. Keep sensitive buyer documents out of ordinary email and text.
Educational reference reviewed September 18, 2026. Program rules and lender requirements can change. Examples are not a commitment to lend; eligibility, credit, income, property, and underwriting requirements apply. Confirm the current rules for each transaction.
A SIMPLE WAY TO GET STARTED
One conversation.
A useful next step.
Call, text, or email with a general buyer scenario or a listing question. We’ll clarify what you need, the timing, and what information is necessary to help.
For a listing, have the address or link, proposed price, and event date nearby. For a buyer, start with their goals and timing. We’ll arrange a secure way to collect personal financial information when needed.
LET’S START WITH WHAT YOU NEED
Have a buyer or listing
in mind?
Tell me about the situation and your timeline. We’ll work out the next step together.
Call Jake: (912) 312-9873Text JakeEmail about a buyer or listing
Please do not send sensitive buyer information through ordinary email or text.