If you're shopping for a new home, you’ve likely seen the words “builder incentive” attached to a sales banner. It sounds like a win, but how you use that incentive matters more than how big it looks on paper.

Choosing to reduce the purchase price may seem like the obvious move. However, in many cases, using builder incentives to buy down your mortgage rate can lower your monthly payment and deliver more long-term savings. The difference means tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. 

Let’s look at the practical benefits of buying down your rate.

What Builder Incentives Actually Mean for Buyers

Builder incentives are promotional offers designed to help you get more value from your home purchase. Of course, they need to be used strategically. At The Providence Group, we’ve built our Pick Your Promotion Sales Event around giving you the power to choose the incentive that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you're looking to lower your rate, reduce upfront costs, personalize your finishes, or move in with appliances already installed, you can select one or mix and match offers valued up to $60,000.

Look for the 'Pick Your Promo' banners on our communities and quick-move-in homes to spot what’s available this July.

Buying Down the Rate vs. Reducing the Price: What’s the Difference?

A rate buydown means applying your builder incentive toward securing a lower interest rate on your mortgage, often for the full 30-year term. This isn’t a temporary discount. It’s a structural shift in your monthly payment.

Compare that to reducing the price of the home. A lower price might save you at closing, but it won’t always impact your ongoing monthly costs the way a rate buydown does.

Take this example:

• Apply your $40,000 incentive toward a rate buydown and secure a 4.99% fixed rate on a $700,000 home = approximately $3,006/month.
• Use that same $40,000 to reduce the purchase price = approximately $3,429/month.
  
  

That’s a $423/month difference in real savings you’ll feel every time you make a payment.

Why Atlanta Area New Homes Hold Long-Term Value

The current median list price for Atlanta area new homes is nearly $100,000 higher than for existing homes, and that says something. Buyers are prioritizing quality, energy efficiency, and homes built with intention.

At The Providence Group, every home is thoughtfully designed with lasting value in mind—from intelligently crafted home designs to elevated finishes and award-winning interiors curated through our Design Studio.

And with HOA-maintained lawns, gated communities, and walkable locations, these homes support a low-maintenance lifestyle designed around you.

Maximize Your Buying Power in July

Builder incentives are meant to empower your purchase, but strategy matters. A lower interest rate can reshape your monthly budget and add long-term stability to your investment, while still getting the home you love.

On luxury townhomes like those at Ward’s Crossing in Johns Creek or Ecco Park in Alpharetta, you’ll see Pick Your Promo offers from up to $30,000. 

At Towns on Thompson, also in Alpharetta, up to $60,000 in incentives is available! 

Looking for a single-family home? Up to $25,000 in incentives is available at Brackley in Cumming. Or, for active adults over 55, Promenade at Sawnee Village in Cumming offers $35,000 to use as you choose!

All of these offers provide you with the flexibility to lower your rate, offset closing costs, or add appliances and design upgrades to personalize your space.

If you need something outside the box, our team can even customize a solution that fits your goals.

Take advantage of our Pick Your Promotion Sales Event before it ends on July 31, 2025. Explore quick move-in homes, browse incentives, and let our team help you build the elevated lifestyle you’ve been working toward.

Your options are open. Your timing is perfect. Contact our team today to get started!