Category Archives: Home Buying (For Buyers)

This category features information about buying property.

Money Magazine: Buy Now Not Later

From; KCM Crew 3/24/14

We have often suggested that potential home buyers consider rising interest rates when thinking about the true cost of a home. Remember, cost is not determined by price alone but by price and mortgage rate. The longer a buyer waits, the higher the mortgage payment will be if rates continue to increase (as is projected by Fannie MaeFreddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association).

Money Magazine, in its latest issue, agreed with our analysis as they also warned their readership of the same ramification if they waited to buy a home.

Here is what they said:

“BE MINDFUL OF RATES. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan is predicted to climb from the current 4.4% to 5.3% by the 2015 spring buying season, according to Freddie Mac. For a $250,000 loan, that means that a borrower who waits would pay $136 more per month and an additional $49,090 in interest over the life of the loan. Will you need a big loan? Better to act soon before rates tick up.”

And the monthly increase Money mentioned did not take into consideration that prices are also projected to increase over the next year. Here is what the additional cost would be if prices rise by the 4.5% projected by the latest Home Price Expectation Surveyand interest rates go to 5.3%.

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Filed under Home Buying (For Buyers), Mortgage Info, Real Estate (Market info), Selling Real Estate (For Sellers)

6 Reasons to Buy A Home NOW! – 10/2013

If you’ve been pondering a home purchase, there are some good reasons why now might be a great time to proceed.

1. Home prices have turned the corner. Home price trends vary by market; however, nationally, on average, home prices are rebounding. Although no one can predict the future, homes prices appear to be heading up.

2. Homes are very affordable. Homes are still very affordable relative to household incomes. This means you can buy more house for the money now, than you could in less affordable times.

3. Mortgage rates are near historical lows. Mortgage rates inched up recently, but they’re still near historical lows.

4. Buying remains cheaper than renting. A 2012 study found buying a home is 44% cheaper than renting in the 100 largest metros. Even with this year’s mortgage rates and home prices, there is still a significant cost advantage to buying versus renting.

5. Fewer house flippers to compete with. As home prices recover, house flippers leave the market. These are investors looking to buy a house at a rock bottom price and then quickly sell, or flip, it. They’re tough to compete with because they often offer sellers cash deals.

6. More inventory to choose from. Fewer house flippers can mean there’s more inventory to choose from and less pressure to close a deal because of other pending offers. Again, the situation varies from market to market, but you may find there are more homes to see and less pressure to buy in the neighborhoods where you’re looking.

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Filed under Home Buying (For Buyers), Real Estate (Market info)