Saturday, April 6, 2013

Food for Thought on the Housing Market


In recent years, we have seen the value in home prices fall.  A sad situation.  Today, all indications are that the housing market is on the rebound.  You have seen it on the news and unless you've been hiding under a rock, you have probably seen the flurry of activity in your own neighborhood.
 
I've said it here before, too.  Buyers are out and inventory is low.  So what's with that?  Well, I believe there are home Sellers who are still on the fence.  Is now really a good time to sell or should I hold out and wait for prices to increase even further?
 
While we all enjoy a market where home prices increase over time, the undeniable fact is that the replacement homes that those Sellers will be purchasing in the future will also be more costly. Result: If you sell your current home for $25,000 more in the future, but have to pay $25,000 more for the replacement home you are purchasing, you have gained nothing by waiting. So, what have you potentially lost? Answer: The current market interest rates.

Currently hovering just under 4%, there is much agreement in financial circles that rates will begin to rise into the 4.5% - 5.5% range as early as the end of this year. In strictly numerical terms, if you buy a $250,000 home with 20% down, your $200,000 loan (which at 4% would cost $955 per month), would cost $1075 per month at just 5%...that’s an extra $1,440.00 per year! Adds up rather quickly.  Just some food for thought.

No comments:

Post a Comment