Life has been a little unpredictable over the past year, to say the least. However, one positive thing that came out of 2020 was the state of the housing market. Despite the ongoing pandemic and the need to move everything completely online, historically low mortgage rates have enabled buyers to do more with their money than arguably ever before.
And it’s not just first-time buyers that are benefiting from these rates. Current homeowners looking to refinance, purchase an investment property, or take advantage of the equity in their home to upscale are also noticing the power of a great rate. In fact, refinances were up 200% during the first two quarters of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
So, what does all of this mean for you? Well, if you didn’t take advantage of your increased buying and saving power in 2020, there is still time in 2021! Let’s break it down.
I’m a first-time homebuyer looking to purchase.
Currently, we’re in a seller’s market, which means housing inventory is lower than the number of buyers in the market. In this scenario, sellers have more power to set the listing price higher because there are usually buyers willing to pay more to obtain the property. However, with rates so low, first-time buyers can make their money go much further than in years’ past.
I’m currently a homeowner looking to obtain a better rate.
As we mentioned above, with rates at the lowest they’ve been in over 50 years, now is a great time to buy and refinance. Even if you purchased a home within the past few years, you might be able to obtain a lower rate.
Traditionally, it’s been said that refinancing is beneficial if you can reduce your rate by at least 2%. However, some lenders say that even a 1% savings is a great enough incentive to consider refinancing your home. (We always recommend speaking to a mortgage professional first.) Read more about when to refinance and what your loan options are here.
Pro Tip: The appraisal, closing costs and origination fees are just a few costs that will quickly add up during the refi process. In addition to those fees, your lender might charge a penalty fee for paying off your current mortgage early. Talk with your lender or mortgage servicer for more information.
I own a home, but I’m thinking about up-sizing or investing.
If you currently own a home but want to do more with your money, now is a great time to buy! Whether you need a second home, an investment property, or just something new, 2021 could be your year. In fact, a refinance on your current property could help fund your next purchase.
Plus, there are countless benefits to owning a second home or investment property, such as:
- Using the second home for a college-aged child instead of pricey university housing
- Renting the investment property out on a short or long-term basis (or even as a vacation rental!)
- Owning a vacation home
Pro Tip: Though similar in purpose, second homes are financed differently than investment properties. Read more about it here.
Bottom Line
At PacRes, it’s our priority to help you secure a financially stable future. Whether that looks like purchasing your first home to start earning equity or purchasing an investment property to generate additional income, we can help you reach your goals in 2021.
