In this video I break down those flashy “2.99% mortgage” signs you see in model homes around Northeast Ohio—and why most buyers miss the catch. I walk through what’s really being offered, how builders structure these deals, and the fine print that changes everything. If you’re shopping new construction in Cuyahoga, Medina, Lorain, or Summit County, this is the stuff that decides whether you’re actually getting a deal or just getting pulled in by the headline rate. I go builder by builder and explain common incentive structures like 3-2-1 buydowns, temporary rate buydowns, and ARM offers (including a 7/6 ARM example). I also cover why some builders advertise big incentives while others barely mention them, and how that often ties back to the type of product they’re selling—volume “incentive” builders versus more quality-focused/custom builders. My big takeaway: the “best” incentive depends on your timeline, down payment, and how long you plan to stay in the home, and the biggest mistake is walking into a builder without your own representation and without comparing incentives apples-to-apples.