A property is available for sale that could normally be financed with a fully amortizing $83,000 loan at a 10 percent rate with monthly payments over a 25-year term. Payments would be $754.22 per month. The builder is offering buyers a mortgage that reduces the payments by 50 percent for the first year and 25 percent for the second year. After the second year, regular monthly payments of $754.22 would be made for the remainder of the loan term.

a. How much would you expect the builder to have to give the bank to buy down the payments as indicated?

b. Would you recommend the property be purchased if it was selling for $5,000 more than similar properties that do not have the buy down available?