I've been telling my Real Estate Talk listeners for months that, depending on where you live in the mid-valley, we are somewhere between a neutral and a strong buyer's market...but why aren't the buyers buying?
Even though the local housing market is strongly favoring the buyers, many are still sitting on the sidelines. I think there are really 3 things they are waiting for. First, they're waiting for prices to come down a little further, everyone wants to buy as close to the bottom as they can; Secondly, they are waiting for the right interest rate, and finally there are other buyers who think that they won't be able to get financing because there isn't money available from lender
Waiting for the bottom...
Waiting for the bottom may be the best way to miss a great deal in housing. First of all, you won't know the bottom hit until some months afterward - it's a data point, an historical fact. Prices in the mid-valley are off about 10% from their highs a year and a half ago. Might they come down a bit further, sure, but depending on how long you intend to own the home, the exact bottom isn't really that important. Over time, a nice home in a good location will ALWAYS appreciate in value. For those looking to own for at least 5 to 7 years, using this buyer's market to your advantage toda
y means you'll get a great deal today, and maximize your opportunities for the future.
Interest rates have the largest impact...
Interest rates have the largest impact on your monthly payment, and the affordability of your home. Generally speaking, interest rate has a bigger impact even than a drop in price. Over the past year and a half, interest rates have been consistently between about 5 and ½ and 6 and ½ percent, historically, pretty exceptional rates. Where are they headed in the future, it's really un-predictable and frankly, 
why would that be an over-riding factor in your decision? If you are going to stay in the home long enough, it could be worth an investment in up-front closing costs to buy down the interest rate and in today's market you can negotiate that from the seller instead of, or IN ADDITION to a price reduction. Secondly, if rates come down substantially in the future, you may have the opportunity to take advantage THEN and refinance anyway. Paying attention to the interest rate in the housing equation is important, but don't let it paralyze your ability to make a decision and miss a great opportunity.
The news media...
The news media has unfortunately created this perception that loans are not available. That just isn't the case. What has happened is that lending standards have definitely tightened, and that is a good thing for the long term health of the market - but banks still have money to lend to qualified buyers. If you have a steady job, solid credit, and the ability to document it, you can get a loan. How much HOUSE you can afford may be more limited by the resources you have for a down payment than anything else. An FHA loan today will require a minimum of 3 and ½ percent down payment, that's 
the lowest out there. Most lenders are going to want 5, or 10, and in some cases 20% down. This is a move back to the OLD, pre sub-prime days. My advice is for potential buyers to meet with a lender they like and trust and open the dialogue. Additionally, there are resources out there to help buyers increase their down payment - for more information check out the Real Estate Talk web-site.
Summary
I believe very strongly that there is a pent up demand for housing in our area. Our local economy is still solid, still creating jobs, despite what you might hear on the news. Getting the housing market moving again is a key to the wider health of the economy and doing just a little research, asking questions of professionals that you trust, could help many potential buyers realize that not only is NOW the best time to buy a home and make the transition from renter to home owner...but that it is well within their reach. Prices are down - will they go down further - maybe but when balanced against the future of interest rates, I think you will be hard pressed to find a more affordable time to buy. Most importantly, there IS financing available for qualified buyers. Don't be paralyzed by unknowns and false assumptions. The ONLY way for you to determine if buying is right for you...and if you're in the position to buy - is to sit down with a real estate professional and a lender- and start building a plan today.
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