Real Estate Trisha Cook May 19, 2019
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying a home oir waiting for the economy to magically get better, guess what? So are many people. What tends to happen as the economy improves? Prices go up! Demand goes up, too! What does that mean for you? You fear and inaction to seize today's opportunities could mean you're going to pay more later.
Now’s the time to take a serious look at the numbers. With today’s mortgage rates averaging 6% and home prices gradually on the rise, waiting just 6 months could cost you far more than you think.
Let’s break it down:
Today:
Mortgage Rate: 6%
Home Price: $400,000 (example)
Monthly Principal & Interest Payment: $2,398
In 6 Months:
Mortgage Rate: 7% (if rates rise 1%)
Home Price: $404,000 (assuming a 1% price increase)
Monthly Principal & Interest Payment: $2,685
👉 That’s a difference of $287 more every month — or over $103,000 extra over the life of a 30-year loan.
And It’s Not Just Home Prices Rising…
Rental prices are also climbing steadily. In many markets, rents have increased by 5-8% year over year — and there’s no sign of that slowing down. Waiting to buy not only means paying more for a future mortgage, but it also locks you into rising rental rates in the meantime.
For example:
If you’re currently paying $2,000 a month in rent, a 6% annual increase means you’ll be paying $2,120 next year — money that could be building equity in your own home instead of going toward someone else’s mortgage.
The Bottom Line:
If you’re financially ready, locking in a home at today’s 6% interest rate and pricing could save you thousands — both monthly and long-term. Plus, it frees you from the uncertainty of rising rent and gives you the stability of a fixed monthly payment.
Thinking of making a move?
Let’s connect and run the numbers together. You may be surprised at how much waiting could cost you.
*And remember: real estate is the best investment you can make, if you make it wisely! And it's the only investment you can live in.
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