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2008—the Best Year to Buy a Home in 35 Years!

By
Real Estate Agent with ZipRealty 1415115

In April of 1973, mortgage rates were about the same as they are today. Since that time, we have only had mortgage rates this low during 2001 and 2002, the height of the seller's markets where there was little inventory. In the last two major buyer's markets, one in the early 1980s and the other in the early 1990s, the rates were much higher. When I bought my first home in 1978, interest rates were at 9.75 percent, en route to 18 to 21 percent in 1980. In the early 1990s, the rates were hovering in the 11 to 12 percent range. Thus, today's buyer's market, with exceptionally low mortgage rates plus a substantial supply of inventory, is the best time in decades to purchase.


I've got some fantastic deals available on bank owned foreclosures, short sales and motivated sellers. Homes for first time buyers to investors, ocean views to inland condos.

It's a great time to buy, call me!

Len Malena

949-459-6752 

Linda Lipscomb
Linda Lipscomb RE/MAX Lexington Henderson County TN - Lexington, TN
731-695-1118, Lexington TN Homes

Len,

Yes, my first home was 1979, and I think my rate was around 10%.

Thanks for helping us remember those good old days.....yuh!

Linda

Apr 18, 2008 10:49 AM
Keith Goodman
Keith Goodman - Merced, CA
I could not agree with you more. Now is the best time that there could be to buy a home. Foreclosures are at an all time high. Rates are perfect. Buy it while its on sale. Thanks, Keith 
Apr 18, 2008 10:50 AM
Brian Luce
HomeStarr Realty Inc. - New Hope, PA
Associate Broker

I agree.  It's getting busy here in my area of PA.  There is a lot to choose from, rates are still great and many sellers are willing to deal just a bit.

In my area, it's also great for the "handy people" looking for homes.  Generally, homes that need a bit of TLC (or more) are Reeeeeeeeeeealy sitting now.  Someone willing to put in a bit of "sweat equity / elbow grease" can get an even better deal.

Apr 18, 2008 10:56 AM
Rick Hoel
Hilton Head Lowcountry, LLC dba Keller Williams Referrals - Bluffton, SC
Broker/Realtor, Bluffton, SC
Thank you.  I agree with your assessment and it's always helpful to get some historical perpsective.  If my memory serves me right, I bought my first home in 1979 at 17%.  Many today just won't believe that could be possible.  Fundametals for buying are historically phenomenal.  Rick 
Apr 18, 2008 10:58 AM
John LaRocca
LaRocca Inspections - Burbank, CA
Wow, Thanks for that perspective Len.
Apr 18, 2008 11:00 AM