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There are no absolutes.

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851

Life is full of surprises. There are so many possible surprises involved in Real Estate it would be easy to write a book on them all and NOT cover everything.

What I thought about with Timmothy's cartoon was how most of us were lulled to sleep over interest rates when they were super low. I think we were all surprised at the speed of and the high rate they jumped up to.

A word to the wise. If you are looking to purchase a home at the ideal interest rate, it is always the right interest rate to purchase. What most first time home owners don't know is that you can refi over and over.

When I started in this business the rate was around 8%. Wise home owners would refi as often as there was a 1/2 of a percent drop in rates. Banking is a competitive market. Just because your loan today is with XYZ bank doesn't mean you need to refi with them. Shop around, see who has the lowest fees as well as the lowest interest rate. A 1/2% drop in your mortgages interest rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Don't throw money, refi as often as it saves you money.

Posted by

Do you enjoy the cartoons written by my son (Timmothy N. Timm) which I use as a springboard to write my daily posts? His strip, Titus & Philemon, has run in two newspapers for years as well as being printed in my blog every day. Titus & Philemon (pronounced Phi - Lee -Man) are guinea pigs. Their owner is Joe. Timmothy has never repeated a joke/comic strip in the 12 years he has been writing it. He has never copied another strip, such as Peanuts or Garfield. You can follow Timmothy on FB as Titus & Philemon and you can also check him out on Instagram as Instagram.com/titus and philemon/ .

Comments(8)

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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Bob.Lifestyle and needs has an invisible monetary value only determined and known to the buyer or seller. As a buyer who bought when interest rates were close to 20% plus points and also had a low interest rate loan, my metal well being was priceless regardless of outside elements beyond my control. If you are ready, the time is now! Enjoy your day. 

Feb 27, 2025 04:50 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

That's correct Wayne Martin . When I purchased my first home in 1973 I was totally ignorant that interest rates went up and down. I knew I needed a home and I could afford the $101.00 a month that first house would cost me.

Feb 27, 2025 06:21 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Bob... of course, the cost of refinancing needs to be measured against how long someone will remain in a house to offset those costs.

Feb 27, 2025 04:54 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

True Nina Hollander, Broker my Love. My experience has been that the magic number is 1% but I have seen cases (as a notary) that a refi of .5% saved the folks a thousand a month or more. I guess the key may be the amount owed.

Feb 27, 2025 06:24 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I was going to say that I wouldn't enjoy that much, but then again I haven't really tried it since snow doesn't really fall in my area, haha.

Feb 27, 2025 05:21 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Brian England a gentile snowfall with big flakes is a very beautiful scene. Obviously not every snowfall is like that however. I've never felt a blizzard was beautiful until it was over.

Feb 27, 2025 06:27 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I bought my first home when interest rates were in the double digits. If you want to purchase a home, just shop for the best rates possible for your situation, and go for it.

Feb 27, 2025 05:45 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Agreed Kat Palmiotti . As I replied to Wayne Martin I didn't even know that rates were competitive or even changed when I bought my home in 1973. 

Feb 27, 2025 06:29 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Not to mention if interest rates suddenly drop the new demand would cause prices to skyrocket 

Feb 27, 2025 06:45 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

That is a great point Doug Rogers .It would create a Buyers feeding frenzy.

Feb 27, 2025 07:29 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

The higher the rate, the lower the price in most cases. I can always refinance the rate, but they never give a rebate after the fact on price. 

Feb 27, 2025 07:06 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Spot on Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty . There is no do over on the price after closing.

Feb 27, 2025 07:30 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Spot on Bob, it’s about securing the best rate for your situation and moving forward with confidence!

Feb 27, 2025 07:22 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

People are much more aware of rates then I was 50 years ago and I think it is actually harming sales Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 . Just find out what you can afford as far as P&I plus escrow THEN pull the trigger and enjoy that beautiful HOME that you can afford.

Feb 27, 2025 07:35 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing your insights, Bob "RealMan" Timm! You've hit the nail on the head about navigating the unpredictable world of real estate, and your tips on refinancing are a game changer—so grateful for your expertise and advice!

Feb 27, 2025 01:27 PM