"It's A Great Time To Buy" - Really???

"IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BUY" - REALLY???

The real estate “boom” that took place between 2001 and 2006 priced many individuals out of the market for a home purchase.   College graduates found themselves heavy in debt with student loans and moved from the campus dorm back into the nest with Mom and Dad. However, the vast majority turned to the next best thing - RENTING.  

With more than four million homes lost to foreclosure in the last five years, the American dream of home ownership has been in trouble.  It goes without saying that those who have faced foreclosure are having no choice but to rent.  According to a recent study by Harvard University one-third of all US households is a rental.  Yet a recent study by Fannie Mae shows that 75% of all the households that ARE renting felt like home ownership is better than renting.

Enthusiastic real estate agents will tell you “it’s a great time to buy”.  But is it really?? Let’s look at the statistics for the market area we cover - The average sales price in September of 2011 was $131,538.  That is 8% lower than the same time period last year, 27% lower than 2009, 30% lower than 2008 and 31% lower than 2007.  Will the prices continue to drop?  Are we at the bottom??  Those are questions no one can answer. Analyzing the statistics and noting that the price drop over the last year was only 8% compared to 27% the previous year one might be lead to say “yes”.  However, we won’t know we’ve hit the lowest prices until AFTER they start to escalate again.  By then, you’ve probably missed the best deals.  

One of the most important things about buying a home is to make sure you CAN afford it. Just because the lender will qualify you for a loan based on your income does not mean the answer to that question is YES.   Only you know your spending habits and financial discipline. Getting over extended was the catalyst for the housing trouble we are having now.  

When you combine the foreclosures being introduced to the market with fair market sellers who are pricing themselves to be competitive, prices are the lowest they have been in over five years.  This means that, if you are patient, prepared and shop wisely, you can get more home for your dollar than in the past.  

So, is it a good time to buy?  Absolutely!!!

Cyndi

If you need assistance with making the dream of home ownership a reality for you and your family, please give Team Daves a call today!