Buying a house is a major financial decision that can make you feel nervous. It’s important to only buy a home when you’re ready, which usually means that you have sufficient emergency savings and your debt is under control.
Mortgage interest rates are high and expected to continue rising throughout 2017. These factors may discourage you from taking the plunge into homeownership. However, there are many reasons why now might be a good time for you to buy a home.
1. Low Mortgage Rates
Many potential homebuyers may be wondering if now is the time to buy a house. After all, mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in 22 years and prices have been rising too. But the answer to this question really depends on a person’s needs and current financial situation. Some important considerations include how long you plan to stay in the home and whether you have the financial flexibility to withstand fluctuations in the housing market or a recession.
Homeowners that locked in lower rates when they bought their homes during the Pandemic Housing Boom are choosing not to sell, reducing available inventory and tightening the market. This could be an opportunity for home shoppers that have been waiting for the right time to buy a house.
The good news is that mortgage rates have been fairly stable since the beginning of this year, making it easier for buyers to determine their budgets and plan for a purchase. And if rates do decline later on, it can save homeowners money each month as they pay off their mortgages.
The bottom line is that buying a home at any point during this real estate cycle can make sense for those who are financially ready to do so. That includes having a solid credit history, saving for a down payment and having enough in reserve to cover expenses if necessary.
2. Affordability
There are a few different factors that influence whether or not you can afford to buy a home, including your budget, your credit score and how much you’ve saved for a down payment. If you can make a sizable down payment, you will need to borrow less money and pay off your mortgage over a shorter period of time.
However, if buying a home with cash isn’t a realistic option for you, it’s still important to save up a substantial amount of money to help cover your housing expenses and other costs associated with moving. You might also consider looking for a smaller home, or one in a different area, to lower your cost of living and increase your purchasing power.
Aside from your financial status and the price of homes in your area, it’s also a good idea to evaluate your long-term goals. If you know that you want to stay in a particular location for several years and build equity, buying a home may be the right choice for you.
Homeownership is considered a reliable way to build wealth because you’re investing in your future by paying off your mortgage each month. However, if you’re uncertain of your future plans and prefer flexibility, renting might be a better fit for your lifestyle.
3. Less Competition
If you’re ready to buy a house, you don’t want to wait until mortgage rates and home prices rise. That said, it’s important to evaluate your personal and financial situation carefully before making such a large purchase. Purchasing a home is a big decision that should be made only after you’ve saved up for a down payment, have an emergency fund and are financially stable enough to afford homeownership.
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated many people’s homebuying timelines, and that, coupled with historically low interest rates, has created an environment in which demand is high and supply remains tight. The good news is that these conditions are expected to continue for a few years, as millennials enter their peak homebuying years.
However, if you’re willing to take a look at the market in the fall and winter, you may find that there is less competition than during the spring and summer. That’s because, during the autumn and winter, sellers who haven’t sold their homes tend to lower their prices in an attempt to attract buyers.
In addition, inclement weather can limit how much time you can spend visiting properties and conducting a thorough home inspection. All of these factors contribute to a lack of competitiveness in the home-buying process, which can make it easier to find and negotiate a deal on a property.
4. A Better Home-Buying Experience
Buying your first home can be an exciting time in your life. It’s your chance to make memories, create a space that feels truly your own and establish roots in a neighborhood that meets your long-term needs. It’s also a major financial decision that requires you to weigh your options carefully. Choosing the right timing for your purchase isn’t just about your personal finances but about what makes sense for the housing market as well.
Historically, the best time to buy a house has been during the fall and winter. This is because seasonal trends influence mortgage rates, housing inventory and buyer demand. During these seasons, sellers are more motivated and typically lower their prices to sell. This is a win for buyers as it allows them to purchase homes at reasonable prices and without excessive competition.
According to the HPSI survey, more people consider now a good time to buy a house than in previous years. This positive sentiment is fueled by improved confidence in the economy and expectations of higher household incomes, which should lead to better affordability conditions for prospective homebuyers. However, even though more people consider buying now a good idea, the fact remains that high home prices and elevated mortgage rates will still be a major obstacle for many prospective homeowners. That’s why it’s important to have a savvy real estate agent on your side who can interpret the raw housing market data and help you determine when your local market is ideal for you to buy a home.