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When Is the Right Time to Buy a House?
When investing in a property, many potential homebuyers attempt to predict if home values are rising or falling while also paying attention to mortgage rates. These are important metrics to follow to determine if the time is right to purchase a house. However, the right time is whenever you can afford to buy one.
Key Takeaways:
- While whether home values are rising or falling are important metrics to keep in mind, the best time to buy a house is when you can afford it.
- Borrowers should explore their loan options and take advantage of low-interest loans if they have a good credit score and little debt.
- Attempting to time the market is generally not a good idea.
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How Buying a House Works?
The type of loan that a home buyer chooses affects the cost of the home in the long term. There are different options for mortgage loans, but a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is usually the most stable option for homebuyers. The interest rate will typically be higher than a 15-year loan (which is popular for refinancing), but the 30-year fixed presents no risk of future rate change shocks. Other types of mortgage loans include a prime rate mortgage, a subprime mortgage, and an “Alt-A” mortgage.
To qualify for a prime residential mortgage, a borrower must have an outstanding credit score, typically 740 or higher, and be mostly free of debt, according to the Federal Reserve.1 This type of mortgage also requires a considerable down payment, 10% to 20%.2 Because borrowers with good credit scores and little debt are considered relatively low risk, this type of loan usually has a correspondently low interest rate, which can save a borrower thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.3
Subprime mortgages, on the other hand, are offered to borrowers with lower credit ratings and FICO credit scores below 640 depending on the lender. Because of the increased risk to lenders, the interest rates on these loans can be considerably higher than those offered to borrowers for prime mortgages, adding a great deal more money over the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) fall into this category. ARMs often have an initial fixed-rate “teaser rate” at first, and then switch to a floating rate, plus margin, for the remainder of the loan. These loans often start with a low interest rate, but the mortgage payments can increase dramatically once the loan switches to the higher variable rate.
Important
Even if you are offered a loan, if your credit score is good, you might still qualify for a prime-rate mortgage with a different lender.
Alt-A mortgages are typically low-doc or no-doc loans, which means that minimal documentation is required by the lender for the borrower to prove their ability to pay the loan. Alt-A borrowers typically have credit scores of at least 700. The loans tend to allow low down payments. These loans are useful for those who earn sufficient income but are unable to provide documentation because they earn it sporadically. Some self-employed people may fall into this category. Interest rates tend to be around 5.5% to 8%, depending on the lender and the borrower’s situation.
Buyers should know that if you are offered an Alt-A or subprime rate does not mean that you cannot qualify for a prime-rate mortgage with a different lender.
Affordability
The United States is currently experiencing an affordability crisis. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of available housing, low income, and strict local zoning regulations.4
According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index, housing was most affordable in 2012 when 78% of new and existing home sales were affordable for a typical family based on their incomes and current interest rates. By the end of 2021, that score was 56.6%, meaning only 56% of home sales were affordable because home prices and mortgage rates are rising quicker than incomes.5
According to Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic, a data analytics company, monthly mortgage payments have increased in 2021, resulting in the lowest number of homeowners susceptible to foreclosure since the pandemic began in early 2020.6
Buy a Home When You Can Afford It
The best approach to deciding when to buy a home is to do so when you can afford it. Don’t attempt to time mortgage rates and home values. They are almost impossible to predict. If you find the home you want and you can afford to, buy it.
When you do buy that home, consider the following money-saving tips:
- If you plan to resell in the future, do not buy the biggest or most expensive home on the block. These homes usually appreciate the least and present the biggest challenge when attempting to find a seller. The smallest and/or least expensive home on the block often appreciates the most.
- Inquire about property taxes, utility costs, and home-owners association fees.
- Hire an inspector prior to purchasing a home. This will cost you hundreds, but might save you thousands.
- Don’t make any large purchases (car, boat, etc.) or open a new credit card in the six months leading up to your home purchase. This might be seen as an increased risk to your lender.
- When you bid for the home you want, base it on comps on a price-per-square-foot basis. Use a specific number that will indicate to the seller that you did your homework in determining the value of the home.
Special Considerations When Purchasing a Home
There’s a saying on Wall Street: “Don’t try to time the market.” This also applies to real estate. The number one factor is your ability to afford a home without getting in over your head. That said, if you’re looking for an edge, interest rates are near historic lows, so now is a better time than most to purchase a home.
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