How to Save $20,000 or more When Buying a San Diego Home
How to Save $20K+ When Buying a Home in San Diego’s 2025 Market
By George Lorimer, ProWest Properties | Call/Text 619-846-1244
Why act now
Buyers finally have leverage again: more inventory, more price reductions, and sellers open to credits. Use that leverage to reduce your first-year costs and overall cash to close — without waiting for a perfect rate.
1) Seller-Paid 2-1 Rate Buydown (Fastest Savings)
Ask the seller to fund a 2-1 buydown via a closing-cost credit. You get a lower rate the first two years while keeping the same fixed loan.
| Scenario @ $900,000 price | No Buydown | 2-1 Buydown |
|---|---|---|
| Loan (5% down) | $855,000 | $855,000 |
| Rate | ~6.25% fixed | ~4.25% (Year 1), ~5.25% (Year 2) |
| Est. Payment (Year 1) | ˜ $5,271/mo | ˜ $4,209/mo |
| Year-1 Savings | — | ˜ $12,744 |
2) Ask for Seller Credits Instead of Price Cuts
A $15K–$25K seller credit can cover your rate buydown, closing costs, prepaids, or new appliances/flooring. Sellers like it because they keep the headline price; you like it because it lowers your cash to close now.
3) Target Off-Market & Price-Reduced Homes
Some of the best deals never hit the portals. I’ll plug you into my VIP HomeFinder list: off-market, price-reduced, and motivated-seller homes across San Diego County.
Stack the Wins (How Buyers Get $20K–$40K+)
- Use a seller credit to fund a 2-1 buydown.
- Add lender incentives where available (some offer 1% credit).
- Shop reduced-price or long-DOM homes for negotiation leverage.
George Lorimer • ProWest Properties • DRE #01146839
Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I’ll Buy It!*
*Conditions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. Rates, credits, and availability vary by lender and program.