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headshot of Ray Tweedie, wearing a dark blue suit and white shirt

Ray Tweedie

Branch Manager
NMLS #168746
5.0 Rating (14 Reviews on Experience.com)

Portsmouth Branch
100 International Drive, Ste 355
Portsmouth, NH 03801

CUSTOMERS Come First

Whether you dream about purchasing your first home, or third, we are here to help your homeownership dream become a reality—which is why we’ve made buying a home easier than ever with our leading-edge technology, alleviating piles of traditional paperwork.

When you work with Novus Home Mortgage, you can close on your home simply faster with our digital mortgage application process. 

Why Homebuyers Love Working with NOVUS

Buying or refinancing a home is a big decision. You deserve straight answers. No jargon. No guesswork. You get clear explanations, real guidance, and consistent updates from pre-approval through closing.

Your goals, budget, and timeline are unique, so your mortgage should be too. Whether you are exploring:

• Conventional financing
• FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans
• VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) loans
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loans
• Investment property loans
• Second home loans
• Construction loans
• And more!

We help you compare your options and choose a loan that fits your life.

You should never feel like just another name on a list. With Novus, you get a loan officer who truly listens, cares about your goals, and guides you through every step with clarity and support. We blend personal care with smart technology to make your experience easier long after the closing table.

TEMPORARY RATE BUYDOWN FAQs

Answers to the most common questions about temporary rate buydowns, including costs, qualification, loan eligibility, refinancing, and seller contributions.

Novus Home Mortgage contributes up to the amount shown above. The seller then negotiates their share on top. It can also be funded by a builder, or by the buyer. The seller’s portion is agreed per property and written into the contract — it is not automatic and not a standing offer on every home.

Sometimes a seller lists slightly higher to fund their share, and sometimes they fund it out of the existing price. Either way the buyer sees the price and the credit in the contract. What a buydown avoids is a public price reduction, which is why sellers often prefer it.

No. Discount points permanently reduce the note rate for the life of the loan. A temporary buydown leaves the note rate alone and subsidizes the payment for the first year or two from an escrow account. Points cost more; a temporary buydown buys a bigger visible drop for less money, but it does not last.

The full note rate, not the reduced year-one rate. That’s the part people get wrong. A temporary buydown lowers what you pay in the early years; it does not increase how much you can borrow. A permanent buydown does lower the qualifying rate.

Funds left in the buydown escrow are generally applied to the payoff, so the unused portion is not lost. The exact treatment is set by the buydown agreement on your specific loan — ask before you assume.

Conventional, FHA and VA all permit temporary buydowns, subject to program rules and occupancy restrictions. Contribution limits differ by program and by how much you put down. We confirm what a specific file allows before anything goes into a contract.

A price cut moves the monthly payment surprisingly little. The same money aimed at the rate moves it a lot more — so the home reaches buyers who were shopping below the price. It also avoids a public reduction and the days-on-market story that follows one.

That’s exactly what this is for. Put in the list price and the contribution you think the seller would consider, and it shows the payment story you can take to them. For the full picture — net proceeds, price-cut comparison, contribution limits — call and we’ll build it on the actual property.

Learn how to Buy Your First Home

Buying a home is a big step — and I’m here to make it easier. I’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you find the right loan to fit your life and goals.

Our Services

Younger woman in her new home

Home Purchase Loans

Expert guidance through the home buying process
Young family with children in new home

Refinancing Options

Solutions to lower your interest rate or monthly payments
Younger couple starting out in first home

Personalized Consultations

One-on-one meetings to discuss your financial goals
Family outside just sold new home

Loan Program Guidance

Detailed explanations of different loan programs available

In Our Community

Our work doesn’t stop at helping families buy homes—we’re committed to strengthening the places we live and work. From sponsoring youth programs to supporting local charities, we’re proud to give back to our community.

Younger couple in new home with plants

Proudly Giving Back

We volunteer, sponsor local events, and support programs that strengthen our community.
Older couple walking into new home

Local Food Drives

We partner with local food banks to fight hunger, sponsoring community drives that help families in need.
Couple enjoying move-in day in new home

Youth Sports Sponsorships

We’re proud to support local youth sports programs, helping kids build teamwork, confidence, and lifelong skills both on and off the field.

Estimate your mortgage

See estimated monthly payments based on your loan details. Compare scenarios to find what best fits your budget.

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5%

1%

5%

0%

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$

$1421

Monthly Payment

Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Monthly PMI $0

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5%

1%

5%

$
$

$1421

Monthly FHA Payment

Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Up-Front MIP (1.75%)$0

Monthly Mortgage Insurance $0

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0%

5%

1%

$
$

$1421

Monthly VA Payment

Principal & Interest $1421

Monthly Taxes $1421

Monthly HOA $1421

Monthly Insurance $1421

Purchase Price $1421

VA Funding Fee $1421

Amount Financed $1421

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You can afford up to

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Monthly Payment $

Principal & Interest $

Tax $

Insurance $

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Refinancing could save you

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New monthly payment $

Refinance fees $

Lifetime Savings $

Steps to Easy Home Buying with Novus

Buying a home is a major milestone. You deserve a path to homeownership that feels clear and supported at every step. The Novus Path brings together experienced loan officers, innovative technology, and industry-leading knowledge in both traditional and Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) lending.

Younger woman in her new home

Get Pre-Approved

A Novus pre-approval gives you a clear idea of what you can afford, helps you understand your loan options, and strengthens your offer when it is time to make a move.
Unboxing and move in day

Explore Your Loan Options

From conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans to Non-QM, jumbo financing, and down payment assistance programs, we help you compare options and choose the one that fits your goals.
Younger couple starting out in first home

Find the Right Home

With your pre-approval in hand, you and your real estate agent can focus on homes that match your budget and priorities. Your loan officer stays connected throughout your search to answer questions and offer guidance.
New couple in home during move in day

Apply and Submit Documents

Our technology makes it easy to apply, upload documents, and see what’s next. Your loan officer will walk you through exactly what is needed and help you stay organized to keep your application on track.
First time homebuyer with my new home sign

Processing and Underwriting

Our team reviews your file, verifies your information, and prepares your loan for underwriting. Underwriting is the step where a loan expert reviews your financial details to make sure everything meets the guidelines for your loan. We keep you updated throughout the process and let you know if anything else is needed to keep your loan moving.
Family outside just sold new home

Closing, Getting Your Keys, And Beyond

Once your loan is cleared to close, you’ll sign your final documents and celebrate becoming a homeowner. Your Novus loan officer is here for you long after closing, whether you need answers, updates, or help with future financing.

Real Stories from Real Owners

Ray was super prompt and responsive, answered all questions and helped us with a unique appraisal situation, explained interest rates
Katelyn B.
NEW GLOUCESTER, ME
September 2, 2026
Ray was very easy to work with and had very good communication and patience throughout the process. I highly recommend Ray to others looking for his services. Thank you Ray!
Jean Louise R.
HAMPTON, NH
May 24, 2026
Overall a smooth process with a quick close as promised. Communication was clear and the process moved along efficiently from start to finish.
Samantha T.
Manchester, NH
April 3, 2026
Overall a smooth process with a quick close as promised. Communication was clear and everything moved along efficiently from start to finish. Ray was helpful throughout the process and kept things on track to make sure the deal closed on time and all deadlines were met.
Samantha M.
April 3, 2026
Ray continues to provide top tier customer service. He provided an initial loan approval to support the buyer offer, very quickly over the weekend. Once the offer was accepted, we were able to close incredibly quickly which included working over the Christmas and New Year holiday. Loan terms were better than i expected and there were not any surprises in the final terms at closing. I was very pleased with Ray and his team.
Christopher K.
Dover, NH
January 27, 2026
Ray was extremely responsive to all aspects of the loan process.
Donald J. M.
Nashua, NH
December 16, 2025
Ray was accommodating, extremely responsive, and very courteous. That's everything you want in a mortgage finance professional.
Cynthia D P.
Millbury, MA
December 10, 2025
From the moment I spoke to Ray things were easy and stress free. Response to every question and concern was immediately answered. It felt like I was part of a family.. I will and have been telling everyone about Ray and WaterStone Mortgage.
Angela M.
April 22, 2025
Great lender and Ray was right on the ball!
Jay C.
March 15, 2025
I've had the pleasure of working with Ray and his team on numerous deals, and their professionalism and dedication consistently impress. Ray not only brings expertise and attention to detail but also genuinely cares about his clients' needs. It's always a great experience collaborating with such a reliable and client-focused mortgage professional!
Rachel K.
July 31, 2024
Ray and his team provided truly exceptional skills and service and the right solutions for my situation. Highly recommend!
Mary S.
July 31, 2024
Ray helped us reduce our interest rate and use some of the equity in our home to do some much needed home improvements. He and his team were very helpful and always quick to respond to questions along the way.
Abigail Rooney
July 9, 2021
Ray went above & beyond to get our home refinance done by a certain date before a balloon payment was due. I highly recommend him.
Melissa Newton
June 6, 2021