Americans are buying homes in spite of rising home prices, low supply, and near-constant bidding wars, in record numbers.More homes were bought in 2020 than any year since 2006 says the data of the National Association of Realtors.Is this the right time to buy that dream home now?
Or is it better to wait until the market has cooled off?Even while the supply of homes is tight and the home prices are rising if you still opt to buy a home it has some perks like affordable monthly payments, lesser long-term interest costs, and a budget for a bigger home.According to Freddie Mac, the interest rates on 30-year mortgages averaged 2.96% in May 2021.Whereas the average rate was well over 4%.
The rates are expected to go up to 3.5% by the year-end.Buying a home now will allow you to create equity faster when they decide to sell or capitalize by refinancing.As there are many ranges of mortgage options ranging from no and low down payment the home buying process will be more affordable.When you put less than a 20% down payment then you may have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).But rather than waiting to save 20% and then buying a house will lead to a higher purchase price later so even if you can put less down payment you can buy a home sooner and benefit from the rising home values.This ay you will save more money for closing costs, repairs, emergency funds, or there expenses associated with new homeownership.THE DRAWBACKS OF BUYING A HOME TODAY ISlow inventory will lead to a higher bidding rate war.
As the home prices are rising it is making the home buying process less affordable.Since it is the seller’s market you as bidders might have to go above the asking price to secure a home.According to Attom Data solution over a quarter of all home, purchases are cash offers tempting home sellers, by offering a sure sale, a quick closing, when compared to mortgaged offers.Because of the pandemic situation, there are increased financial risks, so lenders want to see higher credit scores, bigger down payments, and cash reserves in order to qualify for a mortgage loan.Making it difficult for many first-time homebuyers to secure a home loan as it was during the beginning of 2020.In many parts of the country, renting a home is much affordable than buying one.According to a recent study, the average cost gap between buying and renting is about $600 per month, and in some markets, it’s as high as $1,200.
After dropping during the pandemic the rents are yet recovering.
However, renting will not offer a return on investment for a tenant.