Why Mortgage Rates Should Not Dictate Your Home Search
When mortgage rates drop, this is typically all that you will hear about in the financial news arena. Mortgage rates being down often means more affordable borrowing and many people who are interested in purchasing homes will hop on the train for a mortgage approval. While lower rates mean that you can save more money on a home loan, you should not study these trends incessantly if you are really interested in home ownership. Here are some reasons why you should not worry about mortgage rates in your area before buying.
You may purchase too quickly
Sometimes, by following mortgage loan trends, you may pull the trigger too quickly for a home purchase. For instance, if you have a low down payment when mortgage rates drop for home loans in your area, you may find yourself more restricted when it comes to home purchases. Since others may be purchasing a home due to lower rates, you can find yourself in bidding wars you never expected. Instead of worrying about the rates, worry about your overall financial picture. Save a high down payment and plan out your lifestyle first before buying.
Mortgage brokers can find you good rates
If you see a broker to find you a mortgage, you may be able to get negotiated lower mortgage rates in your area without having to hop on buying before you are perfectly ready. Ask a mortgage broker to run your financials and see what they can do for you. The broker may be able to get you a rate as low as the one you were going to use earlier, but provide you with the loan after you are more at ease with home buying.
There is always refinancing
Refinancing can be a major benefit to homeowners. As long as you keep your credit and savings healthy, you will be able to refinance on your home when rates drop to a point that you like. If you stretch your budget in order to own a home, when the chance to refinance for an even lower rate comes around, you may not have the money nor the credit rating that will allow you to refinance. Having the choice to refinance your loan will allow you to purchase when your dream home comes on the market, then take on a lower loan interest rate at a later date.
Instead of waiting around for rates to drop or jumping on buying a home as soon as rates decrease, make it your business to get a home on your own terms, rather than on the market's terms. The one thing that is guaranteed is that the market will rise and fall. Being happy and prepared for your new home means more than a numerical rate that can come around later.