It’s Not About The Rate—It’s About Your Rate
If you're hearing 7% mortgage rates and feeling discouraged… you're not alone.
Most buyers see headlines, not strategy. But here’s the truth:
None of our buyers pay the rate you see on the news.
They get a lower rate—every time.
Why? Because we know how to negotiate seller credits, leverage lender relationships, and apply strategies like rate buy-downs that most agents never even mention. We don’t just help you buy a home—we help you win.
The News Says 7%. Our Clients See 5.99% or Less
Here’s what most people don’t realize: the “headline rate” is not the rate you’ll end up with.
Your actual mortgage rate depends on:
Your credit score and loan type
The lender you work with
What you negotiate from the seller
How your offer is structured
And most importantly… who your agent is
Because the rate is generic. Your rate is personal—and it can be dramatically better.
At The Olson Group, we’ve helped buyers lock in:
5.99% on a conventional loan
4.99% on a VA loan
6.25% FHA with almost no money out of pocket
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re the results of careful planning, smart negotiations, and the right connections. Our secret? We don’t act like salespeople. We operate as strategic consultants, guiding you to make the decision you’ve already made: to become a homeowner.
How We Do It: The Seller Credit Strategy
One of the most powerful tools we use is seller-paid permanent rate buy-downs.
That means we negotiate with the seller to contribute money at closing—sometimes $10,000, $15,000, even $25,000+—which gets applied toward reducing your interest rate and/or covering closing costs.
This tactic can:
Save you hundreds per month on your mortgage
Reduce the cash you need to bring to closing
Make homes that seem “out of budget” actually affordable
Real Buyer Wins from Northern Nevada
These examples from How Smart Buyers Win show how real clients used strategy—not luck—to purchase their first homes.
🎯 Bobbi Buyer – 7.25% → 6.25% with $5,000 saved
Bobbi had $5,000 saved and was approved at 7.25% interest using an FHA loan. With smart agent guidance, she targeted homes that had sat on the market for over 15 weeks—where sellers were more motivated.
We negotiated a 6% seller credit to cover all closing costs and buy her down to a permanent interest rate of 6.25%. Bobbi walked into her new home with a lower payment and money in the bank.
🎯 VA Buyer – 0% Down, 4.99% Locked In
One of our VA clients came in thinking they’d have to settle for a high 6% rate. We stepped in to negotiate $15,000 in seller credits—enough to permanently buy the rate down to 4.99% and cover nearly all closing costs.
With no down payment and minimal cash out of pocket, they secured a monthly payment lower than expected and started building wealth on day one.
🎯 Frankie Firstime – State Grant + $7,500 Seller Credit
Frankie qualified for the HomeNow! down payment assistance program, which covered 5% of the purchase price. When a 20-year-old furnace showed up on the inspection, we didn’t panic—we negotiated a $7,500 seller credit to help with future replacement.
This type of win-win thinking is what separates pros from amateurs.
The Power of “Your Rate”
The truth is, no online calculator or national headline can tell you what your personal interest rate will be.
It depends on:
Your credit profile
Your down payment
The type of loan you qualify for
Current lender pricing
Seller contributions
And how your deal is structured
Even two buyers applying on the same day with the same lender can receive different rates. That’s why it’s not about waiting for the “market” to improve—it’s about finding someone who can optimize the market for you.
We're Not Salespeople—We're Strategic Consultants
We’re not here to pressure you into buying. If you’re reading this, chances are you already want to buy—you need someone to show you how to do it wisely.
Think of us as your real estate strategist—someone who helps you:
Clarify your goals
Build a custom plan
Tap into hidden programs and money
Negotiate the best deal possible
And guide you through the process with confidence
In 2024 alone, our team helped buyers unlock over $1.3 million in seller credits, grants, and special programs. That’s money that would’ve stayed on the table if our clients hadn’t known to ask for it.
It’s Not About Timing the Market. It’s About Knowing the Strategy.
Some buyers are still waiting for 5% interest rates to "come back"—but the smart ones are already getting them today. The difference isn’t the market—it’s the strategy.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start winning, we’re ready to help.
📞 Call The Olson Group at 775-204-4847
Let’s find your rate, build your plan, and make homeownership happen this year.
